J.P. and I spent two weeks in France at the end of August 2007.  J.P. had just completed Art History at B.C. and I was teaching AP Art History at H.H.S.  Our trip focused on areas we had missed on previous trips to France, specifically medieval castles and monasteries, Romanesque cathedrals, and 17th century forts.

As such our trip was divided into four parts:

1.) Cather castles: Most of the Cather castles are located in the Corbieres Hills, so we stayed in Carcassonne and Cucugnan the first six days and focused on Cather castles, although we did get an opportunity to see a Cistercian abbey at Fontfroide and Fort de Salses.

2.) Medieval monasteries: The best medieval monasteries are located in the Pyrenees just north of the Spanish border. We stayed in Vernet-les-Bains for two nights, visiting the medieval town of Villefranche-de-Conflent with its 17th century fort and climbing to the monasteries of Saint-Michel de Cuixa, Prieure Serrabone, and Saint-Martin de Canigou.

3.) Romanesque cathedral: We stayed in Toulouse for two nights, focusing on the Basilica of St. Sernin.

4.) Paris is Paris: We stayed in Paris for three nights.  If J.P. didn't have to return to college right away it would have been longer. This was J.P.' s fourth trip to Paris, my sixth.  It's always wonderful.  It never changes.  I always like to quote Hemingway:  "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."