We approached the citadel’s inner gates, just as the hordes of humanity were entering. Fortunately a delivery driver was also escaping, so we closely followed his van, using its bulk to plough a path through the sea of bodies in front of us.
We tried to leave the outer walls of the citadel using a rear entrance, so we followed a couple of horses to where the map indicated it might be. Unfortunately it was via steps, so back we went to the main gate and took one last picture, before descending into the main city itself.
As cities go, Carcassonne is not very bike friendly. They paint a few pictures of cycles on the road where they think cycles should go, then they give up painting when the route gets a bit complicated; so you have to make your own way using maps.
We finally returned to the canal path, which was equally poor.
Fortunately this narrow rutted track became better gravel paths after a couple of kms.
It was sad to see so many Plane trees dying of canker. They lined the canal for most of its journey, but according to a notice board, 35,000 have now gone.
As we left the town we were diverted from the canal as tree felling was occurring ahead. It was good to feel a smooth road beneath our wheels., and much more quiet than gravel.
Only 15 kms more and we arrived at our pretty little cottage under a very unusual church spire. Time for a cuppa and shower.
Euro Vélo Route 6 