I had just completed cycling the Canal Du Midi between Montpellier and Carcassonne - a distance of 240 ams over 5 days. I had heard that Carcassonne is the place to be on Bastille Day so was surprised when I discovered that I had actually secured accommodation in the town. Not just any accommodation. It rivalled the Oval Office in its magnitude and, while balancing precariously on a thin balcony with a rusting iron balustrade, I had a commanding view of La Cite. Now to wait for the fireworks!