Carcassonne, France

What an entrance into Carcassonne!

We didn't realise when we booked the accommodation that it was Bastille Day, and that there are huge celebrations in Carcassonne every year. We were unceremoniously dumped from the flixbus outside of the centre as they were also seemingly unaware of the celebrations, and consequent road closures. We had a 20 minute walk over to our apartment, through throngs of people enjoying the atmosphere and getting ready for the evening fireworks.

We managed to get to our apartment, find food from a takeaway ready to watch the Spain v England euros match, settle down with bad Internet connection with the game till we had to leave to watch the show. We were late setting off as the street lights were turned off as we got closer, then were able to see the sky light up with a bang (in Asia this would have been a thunderstorm!).

We found a good position, and stood in amazement at the fireworks show which followed. Got to be the best fireworks we've ever seen, there was even a half time break where the castle was lit with red lights before the fireworks started back bigger and better than before.

The town was decorated with huge string balls and colourful garlands too - not sure if this is to do with Bastille Day or if it's just normal!Read more