A Drive in the Mountains

Before we left Canet Plage we had a drive up into the Pyrenees mountains as they were so close. It was a sunny day so we had some beautiful views and even though there was snow on the peaks it wasn't cold.

Some of the villages along the way looked as if they were clinging to the side of the mountain.

When we had been on the road for a while we came to a village that is still completely enclosed within a wall, known as Villefranch de Conflent. It has been built between two valleys and was established in about the 1600's. There are still remnants of the drawbridges at the two main gates.
We walked into the village and down the two main streets where the buildings were really close to each other and the roads were very narrow. All the streets are lined with small shops and there is a square in the centre surrounded by bars and restaurants.

 Above the village a Fort was built right in the mountainside but we didn't walk up to it, it looked very steep. We found out afterwards that there was a jeep that would have taken us up or we could have walked up the 1000 steps!!

We then continued on our drive, climbing ever higher, the road was really good but there were times when it almost doubled back on itself. I had great fun taking as many photos as I could while holding on tightly as Rob manoeuvred us around the tight corners! These are just a few of the photos that I took.

Right at the top was a large ski resort with a number of hotels and apartments and also a college. I expect it is a busy place in the winter and it looks quite alpine up there. There was still a bit of snow along the road and in the college playing fields.

We eventually took the same road down enjoying all the views once again.