Day 18-Pyrenees

Our last full day in France was a good one to say the least.  

After another delicious breakfast at l'Hotel d'Angleterre we drove east to the les Grottes de Gargas (Caves of Gargas) where Bill and Rosemary explored the cave art created by prehistoric man 3500 years ago.  Joni and I had visited these caves on a previous trip, so we drove to nearby Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, which considered the Mont Saint Michel of the Pyrenees.  It is a hill top village and recognized as one of the  Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Visitors to the village must park in a lower lot and either walk or take this train up to the community.  We took the train.

The Cathedral Saint Marie was built in three different stages which are reflected in the three different types of arches.  The organ was built in the 16th century.

The Cathedral Saint Marie built in three different stages which are reflected in the three different types of arches.  The organ was built in the 16th century.

Joni vainly carried this box up to the hilltop village and into the church in search of a post office where she could mail a few items to the USA.  Sadly post office in Saint Bertrand wasn't functioning until Monday, but we finally found an open post office in Luchon.

Bagnères-de-Luchon 

Lunch in Luchon

The Col du Peyresourde and Peyregudes

For our last dinner in the Pyrenees, we drove to Saint-Lary-Soulan and dined at Restaurant La Grange, that is owned by Marie-Hélène's brother, Nicolas Aubiban.  Our dinner was superb, and  Chef Nicolas clearly upheld the high standard of cuisine that his sister offers at l'Hotel d'Angleterre.