The children had a mini-vacation in May so we headed to the Languedoc-Roussillon area in southwestern France for a on-sight history lesson. Ever since we arrived in France last summer, I had been longing to take the family to Carcassonne, one of the finest examples of Medieval architecture in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Carcassonne was founded in the 8th century BC and was occupied by the Celts, Romans (who built the first walls), Visigoths, Arabs and the Francs. The city is the largest fortress in Europe and is surrounded by a double wall with a count's castle in the center. All I can say is, "WOW!!!!"
The inner ramparts 
The path between the inner and outer ramparts
Another view of the inner and outer ramparts
The amazing wall of defense
Mallory next to a Medieval door at the castle entrance inside the ramparts
The inner walkway where "knights" would defend the castle during seiges (this REALLY impressed Shane, our knight-in-training!)
Happy Mom at the end of the ramparts tour
Our hotel in Carcassonne, Le Domaine d'Auriae
After a day and a half in Carcassonne, we drove along the Canal du Midi, another UNESCO World Heritage site, on our way back to Provence. The canal was built in the 17th century to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea for economic and military purposes.
We spent a night near Uzes, a beautiful old village near the Pont du Gard.
Shane enjoyed running around the main square in Uzes...especially with a gelato in hand!
Mal hamming it up in front of yet another centuries old door
Our hotel near Uzes, Chateau Hotel d'Arpaillargues
While in Uzes, we toured the Haribo candy factory. Dr. Dana, the kids' wonderful DC dentist, would hate this place full of a multitude of German/French versions of gummies, licorices and marshmallows! The kids, however, just loved it!
Last stop on our three day tour was canoeing under the Pont du Gard, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pont du Gard was built around AD 50 as an aqueduct to bring water to Nimes from a spring in Uzes. It was the highest aqueduct built by the Romans and is just breath-taking.
Mal preparing for the canoe trip
Can you tell Shane was having fun?
Mal, Shane and Syd as we approached the Pont du Gard
While canoeing, Shane said the highlight of our trip was (drum roll, please)....
"That Haribo candy factory was WOW-ZOLA."
So much for history.... :-)
