Coullioure: The rain stopped just as we entered the city. What a beautiful place. A small village nestled around a small bay of the Mediterranean, complete with ancient fort (Le Chateau Royal - 1276) and a castle (Le Fort Saint Elme - 1552) sitting atop a nearby mountain. We explored the fort from one end to the other. Shops were also explored and lunch was at an open air cafe across from the Le Chateau Royal. What a great place to scope the babes - right guys!! As we left Coullioure, it started raining again.

The French roads are well marked and lined with trees (probably not good if you doze off however). Intersections are circular so if you do not know where you are going, you can drive around and around.

It stopped raining just as we parked the bus in Carcassone - next to a "watercloset" I might add. Now not to get into a gross description but the waterclosets we encountered along the way leave something to be desired - based on American standards that is. And yes, I do believe in "When in Rome, do as the Romans" but this was way to much! In Paris however, the waterclosets would cost you about 25 - 50 francs and they "self" cleaned after every use.

Carcassone: An old fort surrounding a castle. Not only is it an interesting place to visit and explore the shops and buildings but it contains a church, lots of shops and a hotel. PS: leave the street driving to someone else tho.

On to Toulouse: At Toulouse, we boarded an overnight sleeper for the remainder of the trip to Paris. We departed around 11pm and arrived in Paris around 7:30. Getting 6 people into the small compartments was a trick. Having friends over makes things even more internesting. You learn to like each other rather quickly. Ask someone about the toilets!