Let The Bells Ring Out!

Wow - I had a huge choice of photos today - how to pick a favourite? Well I think this one because it was one of those Quel Surpris things...

After successfully being picked up at our hotel in Toulouse, with no  protest happening and blocking all the streets around us for a change, we drove in to Limoux only to see crammed car parks, police lining the streets, crowds filling the side streets and the sound of drums and music...Oh no!..we lucked out in Toulouse, but seems we've encountered  a protest here? 

Well, no! Tis the Toques et Clochers festival and the party is well under way! 

"Toques et Clochers is a charity auction, part of the proceeds of which go to the renovation of the 42 Clochers( bell towers) in the villages of the Limoux appellation  area, thus contributing to the preservation of the local historical and architectural  heritage. Each year, a village is selected to host the popular festival, gathering nearly 30,000 people to celebrate the renovation of its bell towers. "

The town was all adorned with colourful decorations hanging over the streets and from every tree..The town square and all streets leading into it were packed with people, food vendors, brass bands, and what appeared to be a rock and roll stage being set up for the evening festivities! What fun! In Limoux the crowds gathered, but not to protest but to celebrate wine and music! 

I had thought I would use this posting to express that wonderful feeling that I felt when we left Toulouse and drove through the countryside.. mountains in the distance, lemon yellow fields gleaming in the sunshine, and the vibrant purple/pink blossoms of what looks like our red bud trees back home..At last, I felt  like I was en France! The France I have been waiting to see again since before COVID...

And then? A room with a view..a view of the wisteria blooms that hang over the courtyard below... 

But..the Toques et Clochers fun won out for the blip - I won't ever see that again..and all those other scenes will still be there tomorrow...