Contributory members are able to log private notes and comments about each site
Sites theCAptain has logged. View this log as a table or view the most recent logs from everyone
Carcassonne - La Cité
Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Ancient Village or Settlement
Country: France (Languedoc:Aude (11))
Visited: Yes on 15th Sep 1978
Carcassonne - La Cité submitted by thecaptain on 19th Feb 2005. La Cité de Carcassonne, seen here from the south.
Ancient citadel which goes back as far as time. Although the main remains of this fantastic fairy story city are now mediaeval much of the walls can be seen to date back to Visigoth and Roman times. This is of course, all built upon a citadel which was here long before any of them came here.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Ancient citadel which goes back as far as time. Although the main remains of this fantastic fairy story city are now medieval much of the walls can be seen to date back to Visigoth and Roman times. This is of course, all built upon a citadel which was here long before any of them came here.
Grotte de Niaux
Trip No.200 Entry No.15 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 16th Apr 2000. My rating: Condition 5 Ambience 5 Access 4
Grotte de la Petite Caougno submitted by thecaptain on 14th Feb 2005. The main entrance to the fabulous Niaux cave used for visitors is now further up the hillside than it once was. In ancient times, there would have been several lower, smaller entrances. This picture is of one of the small side entrances to a cave shelter in the vicinity, in which ancient remains have been found.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Full guided visit Grotte de Niaux with Sean. Fabulous. So glad I booked this up last week.
Peyralade Dolmen
Trip No.205 Entry No.38 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Midi:Tarn (81))
Visited: Yes on 2nd Sep 2005. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 3 Access 5
Peyralade Dolmen submitted by theCaptain on 9th Dec 2010. The large but broken capstone sits high above the ground on top of its two side supports (and 4 additional modern support stones).
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: This dolmen is easily found, as it stands on a traffic island at the junction of the D.5 and D.91 roads a couple of kilometres to the north of the village of Vaour, on the high plateau to the south of the river Aveyron, and is signposted from several kilometres away.
The large but broken 5 metres by 3 metres capstone sits high above the ground on top of its two side supports (and 4 additional modern support stones) covering a chamber 4 m by 2 m oriented towards the southeast at 135°. Traces of the mound which once covered this dolmen are still visible although now well spread out.
Although this dolmen has lots to recommend it, in its size and high position with splendid views, it unfortunately sits at a fairly busy road junction, and the modern support stones are perhaps a little too obvious.
Peyralade Dolmen
Trip No.200 Entry No.3 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Midi:Tarn (81))
Visited: Yes on 19th Mar 2000. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 3 Access 5
Peyralade Dolmen submitted by thecaptain on 6th Dec 2003. The Dolmen de Peyralade, near to the village of Vaur, Tarn Southwest France.
This dolmen is on the top of the plateau which the Aveyron river cuts through in a splendid gorge.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: A day driving NE from Toulouse. L’Isle-sur-Tarn, Gaillac, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Vaour, 2 Dolmens, Castelnau-de-Montmiral. The Dolmen de Peyralade, is near to the village of Vaur, Tarn Southwest France. This dolmen is on the top of the plateau which the Aveyron river cuts through in a splendid gorge.
Saint-Paul Dolmen
Trip No.205 Entry No.39 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Midi:Tarn (81))
Visited: Yes on 2nd Sep 2005. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 4
Saint-Paul Dolmen submitted by thecaptain on 26th Jan 2006. Up in the hills covered with vineyards for the lovely Gaillac wine, to the northwest of the village of Le Verdier along some tiny lanes, can be found this relatively large dolmen.
The massive capstone is a sort of triangular shape, with the pointed end at the back. The dolmen is all made of a very chalky white stone, which I am slightly surprised has survived this long.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Up in the hills covered with vineyards for the lovely Gaillac wine, to the northwest of the village of Le Verdier along some tiny lanes, can be found this relatively large dolmen. It is perhaps easier to reach by walking along the GR footpath along which it is signposted from the village, than trying to drive towards. However, I drove to a point in the hills to the northwest from where it was also signposted "dans le Bosquet", and then walked back towards the village. Unfortunately, not knowing the word Bosquet, I spent ages looking, assuming it was in a hedgerow or little wooded copse which could be see further along the trackway. This is not the case, and to find the dolmen do not follow the footpath, but look across the field to the south and it can be seen at the corner of the wood at the far side.
The large white capstone is 2 metres off the ground covering a chamber 4 metres by 2 metres, with the usual two sidestones and a backstone. The northern side slab is broken, and only survives at the front half of the chamber. The massive capstone is a sort of triangular shape, with the pointed end at the back. The dolmen is all made of a very chalky white stone, which I am slightly surprised has survived this long.
Strange how when you know where things are, they are easy to find. Not only can you clearly see the dolmen from where I had parked, but I also passed a little sign towards it when walking down the footpath. Doh !
There also appears to be another large stone of some kind a bit further along the edge of the wood to the west, which I hadn't seen from when I was there, could this be the remains of another dolmen ? Dolmen de St Pierre ?
The view of the lovely fortified hilltop village of Castelnau-de-Montmiral in the distance to the south is splendid. Mmmm, I must now go and try some of the Gaillac fruit.
Grottes et abris préhistoriques de la vallée de la Save
Trip No.200 Entry No.55 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Haute-Garonne (31))
Visited: Yes on 22nd Jul 2000. My rating: Ambience 4 Access 5
Grottes et abris préhistoriques de la vallée de la Save submitted by TheCaptain on 28th Nov 2010. In the gorges of the river Save, just below the village of Lespugue, can be found many caves and shelters which have yielded ancient remains of habitation from up to 30,000 years ago.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Drive west from Toulouse to explore Gascony. Montmaurin, Mielan, Mirande, Condom, St Puy, Fleurance, Mauvezin, Cologne. Fields of sunflowers, beautiful. An intriguing little road through a gorge with lots of cliff shelters and cave which contained ancient remains.
Tourenne Gallo-Roman Villa
Trip No.200 Entry No.56 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Ancient Village or Settlement
Country: France (Midi:Haute-Garonne (31))
Visited: Yes on 22nd Jul 2000. My rating: Access 5
Log Text: Drive west from Toulouse to explore Gascony. Montmaurin, Mielan, Mirande, Condom, St Puy, Fleurance, Mauvezin, Cologne. Fields of sunflowers, beautiful. Stopped by this Roman villa, but it was going to take too long for a proper visit, so satisfied myself with a look over the hedge from the car park.
Palet de Sanson
Trip No.200 Entry No.30 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 1st May 2000. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 5 Access 4
Palet de Sanson submitted by thecaptain on 6th Dec 2003. the Dolmen de Sem, also know as Palet de Sanson.
A remarkably sited dolmen in the Pyrenees, near to the village of Vicdessos, Ariege, France
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Drive south from Toulouse with the intention of climbing the Pic des Trois Seigneurs, have to stop, too much snow at 2055m. Superb up here. Back via Aulus, Arse, Seix. Strange language spoken out here. On the way down, stop to look at the Dolmen de Sem, also know as Palet de Sanson. A remarkably sited dolmen in the Pyrenees, near to the village of Vicdessos, Ariege, France. Pictures taken 1st May 2000. I discovered this dolmen while driving up the valley on a day trip to climb the Pic des Trois Seigneurs (I failed to get to the top due to the depth of the snow on the final ridge), which may be the mountain in the left background of this picture.
Source de Fontestorbes
Trip No.200 Entry No.22 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 24th Apr 2000. My rating: Access 5
Source de Fontestorbes submitted by thecaptain on 28th Feb 2006. The intermittent Source de Fontestorbes in full flow.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Lovely sunny day exploring in the Ariege hills. Puivert castle. Fontestorbes intermittent spring fascinating. Montsegur Castle. Pass de ? closed. Plain de ? Ax-les-Thermes, Col de Portel, scary roads. Mas D’Azil. Toulouse late.
Dolmen dit Collets de Collioure
Trip No.200 Entry No.52 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Languedoc:Pyrénées-Orientales 66)
Visited: Yes on 26th Jun 2000. My rating: Access 3
Log Text: Weekend to explore Collioure area. Drive coast road Port Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Cerbere, into Spain, Portbou, Platja de Garbet to Figueras. Beautiful but slow. Signs to dolmens. Dali Museum brilliant. Back to Collioure through mountains, Argeles-sur-Mer. Look for the dolmens near Collioure, Fairly long walk up past the Chateau de Valmy, but only found one.
Dolmen Da Cova de l'Alarb
Trip No.200 Entry No.51 Date Added: 17th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Languedoc:Pyrénées-Orientales 66)
Visited: Yes on 26th Jun 2000. My rating: Access 3
Dolmen Da Cova de l'Alarb submitted by Petercastle on 31st Jul 2005. The dolmen seen from the east.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Weekend to explore Collioure area. Drive coast road Port Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Cerbere, into Spain, Portbou, Platja de Garbet to Figueras. Beautiful but slow. Signs to dolmens. Dali Museum brilliant. Back to Collioure through mountains, Argeles-sur-Mer. Look for the dolmens near Collioure, Fairly long walk up past the Chateau de Valmy, but only found one.
Parc Pyrénéen de l'Art Préhistorique
Trip No.205 Entry No.75 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Museum
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 11th Sep 2005. My rating: Condition 5 Ambience 5 Access 5
Parc Pyrénéen de l'Art Préhistorique submitted by theCaptain on 16th Jul 2012. The entrance as seen from the car park.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: This is a wonderful day out, in a beautifully landscaped park in the wonderful Pyrenees. The visit starts in the Grand Atelier, a sort of museum of prehistoric artwhich explains all the whys and wheres of prehistoric art, not only in this region, but all over the world.
There is a special emphasis on the nearby Grotte de Niaux, and there is an excellent model of the cave to be seen. There are all sorts of audiovisual items to be seen, and the visitor is guided round with a pair of infrared headphones which pick up signals from each display. There are lots of full size recreations of parts of Niaux, including the footprints in one deep section which are not seen in the real cave visit, and copies of many of the animal paintings, including the solitary known weasel. The visit round this museum part (in my case a very interesting hour and a half) with a full size recreation of the Salon Noir from the Grotte de Niaux, with all its Buffalo and other animals. Fantastic.
Outside, in the wonderfully landscaped park, are all sorts of activities for all to take part in. There are demonstrations of archaeological techniques, footprint recognition, a musical maze, a prehistoric camp with many types of shelter recreated, with firemaking and flint knapping. Then there are hunting displays which include types of propulseur from around the world (and have a go at throwing your own spear using one - and yes, I would have gone home with dinner!), and even have a go yourself at cave painting, with demonstrations of the various techniques. This sort of museum is something I am realising that the French do very well.
All of this takes you on a lovely walk through beautiful scenery too, with grasslands, woodland, lakes and a lovely cave section - complete with footprints, fossils, idols and waterfalls. I just loved it here. I thought that I would quickly rush round the place, but spent nearly all day here. It even has a decent restaurant and a good shop, which unfortunately means buying more books! Thoroughly recommended as a top day out for all.
Grotte de La Vache
Trip No.205 Entry No.76 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 11th Sep 2005. My rating: Access 4
Grotte de La Vache submitted by TheCaptain on 24th Nov 2010. Part of the Grotte de La Vache, opposite side of the valley to the Grotte de Niaux, in Ariège.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Just opposite to the Grotte de Niaux, on the other side of the valley, is the Grotte de la Vache, with its celebrated Salle de Monique. The cave is open for visits at €8 a time, but because I had spent so long at the nearby Parc Pyrénéen de l'Art Préhistorique, the visits had finished for the day when I arrived.
The information at the cave states that it is the smallest cave open for visits in the Pyrenees, but has had the most finds and articles taken from it. Amongst these are many engraved bones and antlers, including the famous lions. Within the cave is a description of life during the Magdaleinean, 13,000 years ago, with workshops etc held around the fireplace.
To get here, park in the village of Alliat, and then its about a 500 metre easy walk around the hillside. The cave is signposted from all around.
Grotte de la Petite Caougno
Trip No.200 Entry No.11 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 2nd Apr 2000. My rating: Ambience 4 Access 5
Grotte de la Petite Caougno submitted by thecaptain on 14th Feb 2005. The main entrance to the fabulous Niaux cave used for visitors is now further up the hillside than it once was. In ancient times, there would have been several lower, smaller entrances. This picture is of one of the small side entrances to a cave shelter in the vicinity, in which ancient remains have been found.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Drive S through Pyrénées mountains to Andorra. Lots of snow at top of pass. Look at Ax-les-Thermes, Niaux and other caves on way back, investigating the possibility of a full visit to Niaux.
This is a small cave shelter beside the little road up to the modern Niaux entrance, in which ancient remains have been found.
I am sure I saw a bear wandering around in one of the fields below.
Grotte de Niaux
Trip No.200 Entry No.10 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 2nd Apr 2000. My rating: Access 4
Grotte de Niaux submitted by thecaptain on 14th Aug 2008. Bison inside the Grotte de Niaux.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Grotte de Niaux near Tarascon in Ariège. Check out the world famous Niaux caves for a possible visit soon. The main entrance to the fabulous Niaux cave used for visitors is now further up the hillside than it once was. In ancient times, there would have been several lower, smaller entrances.
Brillaud Dolmen
Trip No.205 Entry No.72 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 10th Sep 2005. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 3
Brillaud dolmen submitted by theCaptain on 20th Dec 2010. First view of the dolmen. arriving from the east along a well maintained and signed footpath along a lovely ridgetop.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: At Cap-Del Pouech, I looked carefully at my maps and found that I could drive halfway to this dolmen and hopefully park up by La Page farm, which will save on the walking. From there, it was a 25 minute walk along a well maintained and signed footpath along a lovely ridgetop, but difficult underfoot on the bare and slippery limestone and mud.
It is in fact two dolmens, both within most of their stony mounds which are adjoined. The east dolmen has a chamber 3 metres by 1.5 metres, open towards the east, with two side slabs and a capstone still in place. The back stone has broken and fallen. The western dolmen is a bit of a wreck, and only faint remains of the chamber can be seen. The overall mound is about 20 metres in length, by 10 metres wide, and seems to have some large slabs in its perimeter, defining the outside shape.
On a good day, the views from up here would be superb, the high Pyrenees to the south, and the plain of Toulouse to the north, but today its just clouds. Good job I didnt try and get to the third (Couminges) dolmen on the walk, as its already 5:30 by the time I get back to the van !
Cap-Del Pouech Dolmen
Trip No.205 Entry No.71 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 10th Sep 2005. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 4
Cap-Del Pouech dolmen submitted by thecaptain on 13th Dec 2003. Cap-Del Pouech dolmen near Mas D'Azil, Ariege, southwest France.
I am not 100% sure whether this is the Cap del Pouech dolmen or another. I parked at the Southern entrance to the cave and followed a marked walking trail up and over the hill above the cave, following signs to the dolmen. There were other dolmens signposted in the area.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Decided its silly to have come to Mas d'Azil and not gone to visit the dolmen, as it is signposted from the village, and you can drive up a narrow windy lane almost right to it, and theres a place to park just a few hundred metres from the dolmen.
It looks to me to have been re-erected at some point in the past, with one of its little supports possibly being concreted in. A large limestone capstone, 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres, sits high on top of 4 support stones, one backstone, one large and two smaller side stones. The chamber is 2.5 by 1.5 metres, and positioned on a little limestone outcrop with possibly some traces of a cairn around it.
Unfortunately, the poor thing has succumbed to the usual problems of graffitti and broken beer bottles. The dolmen de Brillaud is signposted from here, and I am tempted.....
Cap-Del Pouech Dolmen
Trip No.200 Entry No.2 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Burial Chamber or Dolmen
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 27th Feb 2000. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 3
Cap-Del Pouech dolmen submitted by thecaptain on 13th Dec 2003. Cap-Del Pouech dolmen near Mas D'Azil, Ariege, southwest France.
I am not 100% sure whether this is the famed Cap del Pouech dolmen or another. I parked at the Southern entrance to the cave and followed a marked walking trail up and over the hill above the cave, following signs to the dolmen. There were other dolmens signposted in the area.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Lovely walk to the dolmen from Mas D'Azil across the top of the cave. Signs suggest there are more here.
Grotte de Mas D'Azil
Trip No.200 Entry No.1 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 27th Feb 2000. My rating: Access 5
Grotte de Mas D'Azil submitted by thecaptain on 13th Dec 2003. The southern, upstream, entrance to the magnificent cave at Mas D'Azil, Ariege, southwest France.
The river takes a shortcut through the hillside here, and has created a massive cave, which is so big that a fairly large road also runs through the cave.
Within this cave were found signs of life going back tens of thousands of years, and indeed the world famous Faon aux Oiseaux spear thrower. The finds here gave the name Azilian to an entire prehistoric culture.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Drive south into the lower mountains from Toulouse. Visit St Sulpice, Mas D’Azil, many mountain roads, Foix, Pont du Diable.
Grotte de Mas D'Azil
Trip No.205 Entry No.70 Date Added: 15th Jun 2020
Site Type: Cave or Rock Shelter
Country: France (Midi:Ariège (09))
Visited: Yes on 10th Sep 2005. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 5
Grotte de Mas D'Azil submitted by thecaptain on 13th Dec 2003. The northern, downstream, exit of the Grotte de Mas D'Azil, Ariege, southwest France.
The river has taken a shortcut through the hill and has created a massive and magnificent cave. Artefacts found within this cave include the world famous Faon aux Oiseaux spear thrower, which along with other items has given the Azilian name to an entire prehistoric culture.
There are also several dolmens in the area.
(View photo, vote or add a comment)
Log Text: Parked at the upstream end of the Mas d'Azil cave, and it hits home again just how MASSIVE this cave is. I walk through the cave again, partly to check where the low bits are for the van. I have forgotten that you can see all sorts of bits and pieces of passages inside.
Decided not to bother with the paid visit, although perhaps I should have, cos I spent enough other time here anyway. A bungy jump has been set up outside the south entrance to the cave, and I watch people doing this for a while - seeing people dropping and hanging in front of the cave entrance really shows the scale. Eventually leave and drive through the cave to the village.