The morning dawned relatively fine which raised our hopes and spirits for the day. The inclusion of an egg boiler in the breakfast buffet also added to the sense of anticipation.
We drove the three or four miles to Rennes-le-Château where we saw the church and listened to the extraordinary story of priests and parchments, Holy Blood and Holy Grail. This is the place that Da Vinci was encoded and history met its nemesis in mystery. We were all suitably appalled at the revelations of the place and left down the hill towards the south and the purifying cold wind of the mountains.
Our hike lead us across the plateau and down to the red earth of the plain. As we made our way through the box and juniper we approached a bright white ridge of limestone which seemed to bar our way. The path led through the gap and then climbed up to the little village of Le Bézu. This was a Templar commanderie and one of many of their foundations in the area. Due to the wind our lunch spot had been moved a little further down the hill. More wonderful salads, fine cheeses and a pear tart. And wine.
The afternoon was a long and pleasant walk down in to the valley and along the bottom to our waiting vans. The sun was shining off the high Pyrenees and it seemed as though spring was having a second go at arriving – late in May.
