Into the Pyrennes and Spain

On the road again... kind of like that Willie Nelson song. We left the Dordogne and headed to points south stopped at Rocamador.... Beautiful mountainside (built into it) fortress city north of Toulouse. It is the home of the "Black Madonna" , a place of many miracles and visitation sight for pilgrims (1100 and beyond) heading south to Santiago de Compostella.  It was also a fortress used by the crusaders and later the French during 100 Years' War.

Rocamador

The facade

Black Madonna

Stained glass window

As you would expect, we have lots of photos but wanted to give you a flavor.

From here we drove AROUND Toulouse (5th largest city in France) and actually found the freeway to Pau and points south. The next day we drove to Lourdes and St. Jean Pied de Port via the backroads from Lourdes through the Atlantique Pyrennes, incredibly beautiful countryside. Took three hours to drive 80 miles. Here are a few photos. We believe the sheep and seeing Les' favorite car were the best experiences of the day. In the Basque villages in the Pyrennes, they drive the sheep from fields on one side of the village to the other in midafternoon so we got the opportunity to follow the sheep through the village.

Lourdes--- a very commercialized place but we did enjoy the silence in Bernadette's chapel.

Our furry guides through the village

Basque village of St. Jean Pied de Port and stopping place along the path to Santiago de Compostella.
This town used to be the major defense station of the French against the Spanish (1400-1940).  It was challenging even today to have a car with a French license plate. 

Yes, more sheep

The Pyrennes foothills outside of Lourdes

Leslie's dream car

 Well, it is time for settling in for the night after a great dinner. A toast to you all from Pamplona and the Hostal Navarra.

Yes and all for $10

A toast to you..... Best wishes from Les and Gene

Tomorrow we are off for Zaragoza and then four days in Barcelona.... Will update you about our experiences here in Pamplona and the Rioja wine country after we arrive in Barcelona. Enjoy and send emails. We love them.