This is how we water the floral displays down here in Quillan.
Whilst balancing on the back of a pick up truck.
Anyway, blog- buddies, I was going to suggest a meet up soon. We could do this Ent style in a clearing in the forest but that’s not really practical so how about in Carcassonne?
I think Francetaste may be able to recommend the most suitable cafe venue in the main square in the Ville Basse . I would really love this to happen next month but it’s probably too late to make arrangements now for most of you so how about next Spring?
We are such an interesting and diverse bunch doing so many different things that I truly believe we could each enjoy and perhaps even benefit from such a get-together.
I know a few of you are up for this momentous event already; so please, any of you, contact me if this idea appeals and I will make it happen, I promise.
Blog-sur-Aude 
Hello! I’m more of a sometime lurker and sneaky peeker than a regular here but I’d be up for a blogger meet up – sounds as if it would be fun.
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I’d love to pop down if next spring! Anywhere accessible by train works for me!
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Would be great if you could come! Spring is the general consensus of opinion
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Or you can Thelma and Louise it with me ….
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Not over any cliffs I hope
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Now that would be a road trip to remember…. 😉
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But who would play the Brad Pitt cowboy 😂
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We could dress up the Bean? (If she accepts the cross-dresser costume…)
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Excellent plan … man French are amused that she is inclined to ‘pipi debout’ even though she is a girl so it may be that we would be unlocking her true gender identity 😂
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For those considering train travel, may I introduce you to the Guru of all train travel—a charming man who used to work at one of the major London stations, has taken trains his whole life (except when he has to fly to a very foreign country) and is up to date all news and a delight to read:
http://www.seat61.com He’s known as The Man in Seat 61 and if you’re an armchair traveller his site will allow you to explore most places there are trains (and loyal fans share their trip photos/videos and reports.
Here’s a direct link for the France page:
https://www.seat61.com/France-trains.htm
I do know that the train station in Carcassonne (Basse Ville) is right on the Canal du Midi, you walk across the bridge and you’re there.
I do love the city and no matter where I’d stay in Aude or Ariege I’d spend a day or two there. Here’s the OT site: http://www.tourism-carcassonne.co.uk/
Lots of downloads (guides, maps, etc).
Since I know almost everyone who follows Coteetcampagne would have interest in casting an eye on what the local markets might offer, here’s link for all the local markets and the days of the week:
http://www.audeflyer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=8
They put out an email newsletter and the latest will have the dates and locations for the markets.
And more: http://www.tootlafrance.ie/travel/market-guide-aude-carcassonne
The penultimate guide: https://vide-greniers.org/ for all of France (broken down by region and department. The ultimate guide has not yet been written.
This overview is not meant to take the place of personal advice from those who live in the area, bt to prepare visitors for the (potential) riches to be found in the ‘Grand Sud’ as this area is known.
Most people say ‘southern France’ and mean the eastern part so this area has long been neglected which is actually good…there’s more of the ‘real’ still there.
This is not close to Carcassonne, but for those driving near Toulouse, there is an Emmaus outlet
there:
https://www.thegoodlifefrance.com/emmaus-shops-in-france-great-for-second-hand-bargains/
The site for Department 31 is here (you’ll need online translations) with info on shopping.
Haven’t been there but who knows? http://www.emmaus31.org/content/30-acheter
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Thanks
Yes, this is the REAL South of France and access to Carcassonne is pretty easy.
It does still “feel” real.
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Excellent info. Thanks!
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Yes, spring. I can’t be more specific right now but spring sounds great and I love Carcassonne.
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I doubt I can make it. Paying for the kitchen mess is mostly limiting my traveling to driving or Megabus
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I would love to be there. Depends on dates … can’t do anything before 19th Sept as Husband is here and we are moving things from my flat in North of Cantal to our renovation house in South of Cantal during that time. Let me know if it might be possible to leave it as late as that (say 20th/21st onwards). I will have The Bean with me 🙂
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I will see what the others can do, but I think it may have to be next Spring now.
You, however, are very welcome avec DustBean at any time.
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I’ve written to a few of mine – one in Toulouse, one in Lot et Garonne and another in Tarn et Garonne, also a new lady who is in Creuse doing up a barn but I don’t expect it would be easy for them at this short notice. I think if you made it Spring (what is the definition of Spring by the way … we don’t really get it in Cantal!) I would be almost certain to be able to come. And in that case I will revert to my Plan A and do the regal tour. The idea m’amuse!
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Most of mine are coming back with a preference for the Spring option.
You idea of a tour m’amuse vastly (will there be publicity posters, can I design them?)
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Yes, mine too – unsurprisingly. And I am sure with the extra time to organise it can be made quite an event. Perhaps someone with really good skills will volunteer to organise …. so my grand tour. Of course you can design posters – I know how much time you’ve got on your hands 😉
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I don’t have the time to do all the organising, I am praying someone will step up!
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It needs to be someone local really …. far better to be on the spot.
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I won’t be able to make it, but it sounds wonderful and I am sure there will be lots of pictures to share here! Can’t wait to see them!
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X
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Sounds good to me, Gill. Would be fun to meet and have a glass or two with you and other favorite bloggers. I do hope and expect that Joseph and I will be able to extend our year-long visitor visa, and that we’ll still be living in France come springtime. I’ve never gone from Normandy to Carcassonne, but the SNCF must have a plan!
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Carcassonne v accessible and well worth a visit( and France taste has two lovely apartments there!)
Seriously Ellen I would be thrilled if you two came down.
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Later in fall or spring is better for me. September is already pretty busy, and I am traveling back to the U.S. at the end of September for about a week too.
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Après la rentrée, yes. Will consider options for a good café, depending on how many of us there are.
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May be up to a dozen!
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Make that 20….!
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