8/19 - 8/25 canal du midi

To continue the once-in-a-lifetime theme (see Paris), how about getting the entire Peterson clan (almost) on to luxury barges and cruising down a tree-lined canal in the south of France? We started in the unbelievable walled castle-city of Carcassonne, and then blissfully floated down the oldest canal in the world (created in the 1600s, believe it or not). Every meal was prepared by a ridiculous chef (so we all gained a few pounds), and we were waited on hand and foot. We’d occasionally tie up and explore some old French town or market, or perhaps a game of boules, or perhaps a bike ride, and then eat some more, and then cruise some more. It was tough. What a great way to spend time together as a family.
The beautiful walled city of Carcassone
Cruising on the canal... bliss
Sycamores lined the canal, evenly spaced, with vineyards and medieval towns on both sides
Group shot (minus Ben and Alex) at the goat cheese farm
My wife, the killer boules player (just look at the concentration)