46 stairs means more pastries
We both settled in well.
Even in cool weather, families gather @ cafés. 
… and the Marché happens.
Author Archives: mary
Albi: Episcopal City
Albi is a sister-city to Palo Alto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (maybe in reverse order of importance). The Cathedral is beyond enormous and built to be overwhelming politically and religiously. Effective. Inside is over the top, the wikipedia “Albi” gives useful history, insights and pictures for more detail.
This was originally the “Palais de la Berbie” — the bishopric/residence connected to the Cathédral. Toulouse-Lautrec was born in Albi. Well done Museum. Good website: museetoulouselautrec.net (you can specify English)
Overview
This trip is an excursion, a transition, a celebration. A time and a place far from normalcy. No expectations. Despite the intent I find I’m learning some interesting things, seeing some amazing sights and enjoying the rather loose agenda.
Poppy is pretty hassle-free and seems up for the ride. She has her daschund-moments, but overall is easy to accommodate.
The plan was to spend about two months in the south of France. I like France. I like French — enthusiasm, genuineness, friendliness, art, attitude toward life, history, food, wine. The language is exquisite. The whole atmosphere is wonderful to me.
May was based in Albi, in the Tarn département (an interesting wikipedia read). My apartment was in the Episcopal City right across from the covered market. It was so handy that my daily visit there put me on a first name basis with a few of the vendors. Not many tourists this month and quite a bit of unexpected rain.
June is in Provence, the city of Isle sur-la-Sorgue. Friends of friends found the place for me. And my luck: It has just been totally renovated! My special thanks to Marc Pasturel (a native of Alban, near Albi, now living with his wife Ragni in the SF Bay area) for his untiring efforts in getting me set up for this trip — without whom the trip would not be even close to this successful.
You’ll find very little (accurate) information here. The internet will be more reliable for you. Some commentary. Some pictures. Just what happens to be happening.
Browse as you like.
– Mary