Puycelci, Laval 2007

These photographs and notes are from the week we spent in southwest France over the Christmas holidays. We were visiting good friends who had recently bought a house in the Department of Tarn.

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Puycelci is one of many bastide towns scattered throughout France. Bastide towns were built from the 12th through 14th centuries, and they're typically located on a hilltop and surrounded by a fortified perimeter.

This tiny hamlet where our friends live is located in the valley at the foot of Puycelci (there's a wonderful view of the town from the terrace of our friends' house).

This picturesque castle (the Chateau de Bruniquel) is perched on a dramatic rock outcropping that rises steeply from the valley floor, not too far from Puycelci.

This working farm (La Ferme de Lacassagne) has a tiny but wonderful restaurant specializing in foie gras and duck, served family-style in a centuries-old farmhouse.

Lunch was thoroughly delightful, and the fireplace was absolutely charming. If I were awarding stars, I'd give several to the Ferme Auberge.

We celebrated New Year's Eve in grand style at Puycelci's finest establishment (L'Ancienne Auberge), a small and exquisite hotel and restaurant near the center of the town.