We went walking yesterday, Sue and I.

On Martin and Sile's recommendation, with book and map in hand, we set forth for Pailhes, from where this walk was to begin and end.

This had us climb to Thezan's cimetiere which was a steep and taxing start to the expedition and had one wondering - me at least - if it was such a good idea! But, in fact, it limbered me up for what was ahead.

But, before I start showing you our walk, Thezan's cimetiere is, itself, something special.
Not only does it hold a commanding position in the landscape - it is above the town - but it is large, formal and wonderfully maintained.

The view through its gate.

And, as soon as you are past the cemetiere, this is the view of outer Thezan towards Murviel and beyond.

We walked on towards Pailhes through vineyards and newly sown pasture - a rare enough sight hereabouts for it is generally a mono culture of vines.

We passed these pomegranates still clinging to their bush......before arriving in Pailhes.

Thezan cimetiere from Pailhes

From Pailhes church we started the planned route and shortly passed............

............this Medusa.

Minutes later the countryside opened up before us and we climbed up through fragrant Mediterranean pines and vines before making a short detour..........

............to visit this little chapel, La Chapelle de Montalaurou.

Onwards then, following our route-map with the further assistance........

........................ of these way marks before descending into the wide plain between Pailhes, Murviel and Puimisson, and proceeding in the direction of Puimisson.

These croix on columns are an ubiquitous feature in the vineyards of this region.
Martin's best information, given to him by a neighbour who is a pruner of vines,
is that they were erected some considerable time back, almost as a fashion, and that today one is supposed to utter a prayer as one passes them beseeching divine intervention for a good vendange.

This one was just before Puimisson, the last village on our tour.

In fact, the route did not take us into the village but had us turn for Pailhes just before reaching it.

On leaving Puimisson behind us, we entered this 'green road' so overgrown and verdant, not a usual feature of this region, that one could have been back walking in Ireland.

But the countryside soon opened up again...........

.............and, within minutes we could see the cimetiere at Pailhes and were thus within sight of our destination.............

....................Pailhes eglise.

But, of course, we still had the walk back to Thezan ahead of us.

And as we proceeded there was Thezan cimetiere silhouetted on the skyline as dusk approached.

And finally, this is the view of Thezan's rooftops from the cimetiere.
Our destination is just beside the church tower.

A brilliant day out and we returned tired but happy, as the saying goes.