A recent heat wave reminds me of last summer, and the previous one. Usually, this is when I am trying to escape Malaga at least for a while. Sadly, travelling around doesn’t help climate change, but also, through avoiding air travel in the past years (and taking no long-haul ones at all), I believe my individual impact doesn’t change much. Avoiding eating too much meat, or having children are another actions I am actually taking in order not to overwhelm the planet.

Digression aside, time flies and I just realised I have never posted anything related to my last year’s trip to France, after many years. I have been also surprisingly busy re-visiting Poland, Berlin, Madrid and Switzerland in the past weeks.

So last July I have picked Toulouse and Carcassonne, partially fascinated by the board game: Jeu de Carcassonne, which evokes a truly political/strategic/diplomatic spirit in me. The region is well known for its fantastic culinaries, vibrant student culture and also green parks, nature and lovely little towns in the vicinity.

It is very convenient to travel around with SNCF train connections, also all the way to Provence which helps with the sustainability mindset. During my stay, Carcassonne reached boiling 40 degrees Celcius and although dangerously hot, the shade of the trees, green parks and lanes, helped me recover, even if I wanted to lay down on its meadows like the peasant from the game.

Carcassonne is famous for its Castle, which is indeed impressive – even walking around its fortress, leave you in absolute awe for the medieval art. I have spent most of my time meandering around this fantastic heritage, but would like to mention, that the less historical La Ville Basse, was full of interesting galleries, restaurants (especially the brunch at Les 4 Temps!) and boat trips on the Aude river. It was simply a day trip, but a very fun, and rewarding one for both history, nature and city getaways buffs.