Life in the French countryside. A Rally race, A Marathon, Markets, Castles. #france #travelvlogJoin
us as we spend two weeks thawing out in the French countryside. Running the marathon d'Albi, visiting Belcastel castle, Watching the Rallye du val d'agout, and the local fresh market in Toulouse. From little pigs roaming free, to a crowd of hundreds of runners at the marathon, we hope you'll enjoy the change of scenery as we embark on different kind of adventures for the next two episodes, before we head back home where, upon our return, there should be enough snow for winter trips!

The Marathon d'Albi, set in the picturesque town of Albi in southern France, is a challenging yet scenic race. Runners navigate a course that winds through the UNESCO-listed historic city center, revealing architectural marvels like the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. The route extends to the lush landscapes along the Tarn River, providing a perfect blend of urban and natural beauty. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere and supportive crowd, the Marathon d'Albi attracts both seasoned athletes and enthusiasts.

The Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile in Albi, France, is a Gothic masterpiece renowned for its imposing red-brick façade and intricate sculptures. Built as a statement of religious power in the 13th century, it houses the largest set of medieval frescoes in Europe, depicting biblical narratives. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Palais de la Berbie, a fortified bishop's palace turned Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. This imposing structure, with its crenellated walls, overlooks the Tarn River and houses an exceptional collection of works by the post-impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, offering visitors a dual journey into architectural and artistic marvels in the heart of Albi.

Then, we visit the market in a small, rural community. We stop in at the local boulangerie for a loaf of bread. Did you know there are many varieties in the baguette?
The iconic French baguette, a culinary symbol of France, boasts a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior. Crafted from simple ingredients — flour, water, yeast, and salt — it undergoes a meticulous baking process to achieve its characteristic texture. While the classic baguette reigns supreme, regional variations abound, offering diverse flavors and shapes. From the traditional Parisian baguette to the rustic pain de campagne and the slender ficelle, each variety caters to distinct tastes. Whether enjoyed plain, with cheese, or as a vessel for exquisite fillings, the French baguette transcends its simplicity, embodying the artistry and tradition of French baking.

Next, we visit the Chateau Belcastel
Belcastel, nestled in the Aveyron region of southern France, is a picturesque medieval village characterized by stone houses lining cobbled streets. Its centerpiece is the stunning Belcastel Castle, a beautifully restored fortress perched above the Aveyron River. Originally abandoned in the 17th century, the castle was rediscovered in ruins by renowned French architect Fernand Pouillon in 1974. Pouillon, with Algerian stonemasons and stained-glass experts, meticulously restored the castle by hand over eight years. Today, the castle reflects its medieval grandeur and houses a collection of medieval artifacts. Belcastel and its castle have earned recognition as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("The most beautiful villages in France"), captivating visitors with its timeless charm and the seamless blend of architectural and natural beauty along the Route des Seigneurs du Rouergue.

We also drive to Brassac to watch the Rallye du val d'agout.

We end the trip with a visit to Toulouse, Toulouse, often hailed as the "Aerospace Capital," is a global epicenter for the aviation industry. At its heart lies Airbus, one of the world's leading aerospace companies. The city's aerospace prowess extends beyond Airbus, hosting a network of research centers, engineering firms, and aviation-related enterprises. Toulouse serves as a key player in shaping the future of aviation, contributing to the design, manufacturing, and innovation of cutting-edge aircraft. The Aerospace Valley, a high-tech cluster in the region, fosters collaboration between industry and research, further solidifying Toulouse's status as a beacon of aerospace excellence.
See you then and don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed this video!


visit our website for trips about travel in France
www.thebrientfamily.com

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#france #marathondalbi #chateaubelcastel
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Albi, France
01:18 Running the Marathon D'Albi
04:02 Visiting the local market
05:54 Visit to Chateau de Belcastel
08:29 Rallye du val d'Agout
11:43 Igues de Py, Geologic curiosity
14:40 Lets get some groceries
16:25 Toulouse market.