After a rough ride down a field road through the vinyards I reach Carcassonne. The city still has some of its impressive fortifications and the castle (la Bastide) on the other side of the Aude river is by far the largest I’ve seen. Naturally it’s one huge tourist trap, you can buy Lord of the Ring swords right at the entrance. Overall though, the maze of little streets and shops still feels medieval and I can recommend a visit.
Before noon, as the late summer heat begins to rise, I ride on northwards into the southernmost part of the Cevennes. The small road following the clear Orbiel river doesn’t have any signs accompanying the ascent but that doesn’t mean it’s not damn steep…
After a relaxing break by the river I ride on towards Mazamet an old industrial town, clearly obvious from the many factory ruins I pass on my way in. After another steep climb I find a suitable campsite in the forest. As the leaves above rustle in the wind, I fall asleep.