Lees in France

https://www.grandpicsaintloup-tourisme.fr/en/the-castle-of-montferrand

Saturday morning was full of movement. A trip to the boulangerie provided baguettes for 8 of us hiking to the Castle of Montferrand.  We invited our family friends to join us on this adventure. Randy made all 8 sandwiches and the rest of us prepped other food, water and backpacks. A short drive and we were in a rocky parking lot used for hikes to both the castle and to the top of Pic Saint- Loup.

I have always enjoyed maps and this one did not disappoint. The symbols of red and white flags would announce directions and safety along the path. The youngest of us, Hannah, kept an eye out for the blazes during the hike and led us in the correct directions. The hiking path, like most we have found in Southern France, was lined with rocks, roughly the size of apples and grapefruits.  

Occasionally we could raise our heads from constantly watching every step and see the surrounding vegetation or views.

Several from our group saw men carrying a dead boar down from the top. It is still hunting season here. I was not privy to this or I would have snapped a photo. However we started noticing blood spots on our path, we concluded they were from the boar. These findings allowed the teens to be more engaged in the hike and the search for blood.

Once at the castle we read more signs and entered the ruins.

After a little exploring we settled down in a small grove with shade, sun, views, conversations and lunch.

The view of Pic Saint-Loup was clear today.