A day of exploring....

We set off today to explore and loaded our gear in hopes that the chilly damp day would give way to sun as is forecast. First stop was in Vals, a very quaint village of old homes and farms. The wisteria is blooming and drapes over walls and houses to make a pretty sight. The church here is built into the side of the mountain cave and is over 2000 years old , the religion celebrated changed many times. The vistas were beautiful in the distance with the Pyrenees snow capped in the mist.

From Vals to Mirepoix, a medieval town that never burned so has a central area of very old buildings. Heavy hand carved wood supports and stucco and wood upper stories set a pretty site and the subject of many photos. We set noon to meet at the cafe and set off to explore the town. Inside the cathedral was musty and mildew smelling but held beautiful art . The frescos were peeling and sad to see something so old in such need of restoration. The arched nave is the widest Gothic arch in Europe.

Cafe Castignelles was chosen for lunch and we gathered inside for our meal. many ate omelettes as we haven't had eggs here at all. Our breakfast is always fresh fruit, granola, cereal, pastries and really just right.

On the way home we stopped at Mairie that has a chateau and shaggy donkeys in the garden. Across the road we could see the patchwork of fields, canola in bright yellow, bright green and a sprinkling of poppies.

Back at Le Monastere some settled in to the studio to paint, catch up on correspondance and the shoppers went out for our lunch for tomorrow. Because it has been too cool to paint outside Chris and Isobel are giving us their day off to take us out tomorrow. A better forecast will help and sun would be wonderful!!

I counted the art pinned to the studio wall and there are now 29 hanging. Neil and Kathy have the most as usual.