June 30 – Pézenas and Cruising the Canal du Midi

Shore excursion today was to the town of Pézenas with its 16^th and 17^th century houses. Lots of narrow, windy streets, pretty buildings,

colorful streets, 

and lots of interesting souvenirs. 

The Hotel de Lacoste had beautiful stairs.

Some photos around the Old Quarter.

and the gate to the Chateau du Pézenas.

The town is known as the winter base for the playwright Molière and his troupe of players.

We were back on the boat by lunch time.  Lunch included a very good quiche.

Cruising the Canal du Midi.

We also cruised the Orb Canal Bridge.  This aqueduct took the Canal du Midi over the river Orb. 

We also sailed through a series of nine locks that stair stepped up the hill.

Some of the drops were very tall and the water coming out of them was very strong.  It really rocked the boat. 

Looking back down the stairsteps of locks. 

We docked near the town of Beziers.  Views of it from the distance. 

And dinner.  This seems to be a very "foodie" cruise.  Wines with each course and beautiful food.