Ariege architecture

Drove down to Foix after successfully booking an appointment at the local hairdressers "pour ma Maman " (shampooing et mise en plie !) but discovered it was market day and every parking space was taken up with a stall ! So drove out into the mountains to Roquefixade a little village tucked into a valley beneath the Chateau of the same name. Places in France often look deserted and with paint peeling and rendering falling off they have a dilapidated charm that I have grown to love. We drove on and eventually stopped for lunch at Chalabre. A small town or large village again with a very sleepy air. Mr H (the pioneer who strides ahead to save the rest of us from unnecessary steps) discovered the Hotel de France painted Salmon pink and offering a Menu du jour or an A la carte. The Maitre'D was a lovely lady who went out of her way to accommodate us, speaking rapid French of which we caught about a quarter ! We all ordered and whilst waiting and drinking a cheeky red were visited by an elderly lady patron who regaled us with recommendations for this "Bon restaurant"! She wasn't wrong ! We had a delicious meal and dessert including chocolates which Mum was particularly pleased with ! As we left, our lovely Server shook Mums hand leaving behind a handful of chocolates ! We walked back through the pretty town with its coloured shutters and decorated walls. A day of architectural contrasts ! Couldn't choose between them !