A Man and His Cat

I spy... : Cordes-sur-Ciel, FR

I caught this guy and his cat catching a little sun and watching the tourists hike up the hill to the fortified section of Cordes-sur-Ciel.

Protective : Cordes-sur-Ciel, FR

"It's okay, Little One. I'll protect you." I'm sure the cat was a bit concerned, because Charlie was along on this outing. Little did he know he had nothing to worry about. Charlie has learned to be more afraid of cats than they should be of him.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2013

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Tarn Blue : Cordes-sur-Ciel, FR

Previously known simply as Cordes, the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel (Cordes in the Sky) changed its name in 1993 to reflect its position on a hill and often above the clouds that drift through the valley below. The town dates back to the 13th century (1222 ACE) and was a fortified town. Fine examples of 13th and 14th century architecture can be found in Cordes-sur-Ciel. More photos can be seen here.

Entrance to the fortified section of the town : Cordes-sur-Ciel, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2013

Albi Cathedral (Interiors)

Organ Loft : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Commonly known as Albi Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Cecile (Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi) contains the largest and oldest collection of Italian Renaissance frescoes in France. The organ dates from the 18th century.

More photos of this extraordinary and unusual interior can be seen here.

Entrance to the Altar and Choir Areas : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Pulpit : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2013

Albi Cathedral (Gardens)

Sculpted gardens : Albi Cathedral Gardens : Albi, FR

The gardens near the Cathedral of Albi were open, so we paid a short visit. The sculpted boxwood hedges always intrigue me for the intricacy and artistry. It's also early spring, so not a lot is in bloom, but the daffodils were making a good show of it!

Early Spring : Albi Cathedral Gardens : Albi, FR

Slice of Garden with Cathedral : Albi Cathedral Gardens : Albi, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Albi Cathedral (Exterior)

 The exterior of Albi Cathedral -- the largest brick building in the world : Albi, FR

If you want to see something really impressive, travel down to the French city of Albi and visit its cathedral. Construction began in 1287 and continued for 200 years. Originally built as a fortress, the Cathedral of Albi -- formerly the Cathedral of St Celicia of Albi -- is the largest brick building in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Detail over the main entrance : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Entrance : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

St Roch Chapel

St Roch Chapel : Puycelci, FR

Puycelci is also the home to the 17th century Chapel of Saint Roch, which honors the life of Christian saint Roch (or Rocco) and the dog who saved him from starvation and death. It's a cute little chapel. Unfortunately, it wasn't open so we weren't able to see the interior.

Charlie checks out St Roch Chapel : Puycelci, FR

Modern depiction of St Roch and his faithful canine companion : Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

St Corneille Church

Interior : St Corneille Church : Puycelci, FR

In the center of the village of Puycelci sits a 14th century church, St Corneille Church. The interior is painted in the most gorgeous blue that is known colloquially as "Tarn Blue".

High Altar : St Corneille Church : Puycelci, FR

Christ Crucified : St Corneille Church, Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Puycelci

Puycelci, FR: Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

We decided to get away for a couple of days. Maya spent a week last year in the French village of Puycelci in Tarn, not far from Toulouse. She was so charmed by it, she wanted to go back and show me the area. Puycelci is typical of hilltop villages all over France, but where many have become rundown and are unvisited, this little village has experienced a revival thanks to the entrepreneurial hardwork of owner and chef Dorothy Alexander. L'Ancienne Auberge sits at the center of this medieval village and features a Michelin-starred restaurant. We were there one week before their official opening, but still enjoyed fabulous meals prepared by her cook, Jean-Denis. If you want to get away for a few days, check out Puycelci and the surrounding areas. Well worth the six hour drive!

 Charm and color in old Puycelci, FR

Up Early : Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012