Generally  one enters a place from the front….but not  Cordes-sur- Ceil, France. (Their “front” door was a narrow, stone archway accommodating only 2 abreast).

Driving around and up a narrow dirt road discouraged many 13th century attackers.

Parking was sparse around and between the buildings at the top.

We tried to find an open space to see the rolling countryside but found only alleyways.

Some French people were carrying foodstuffs hither and yon and laughingly calling to each other.

Curving and circling through the brick and stonework buildings, they were interspersed with potted flowers, shrubs and small trees. And they led forward to other alleys equally charming.

The people smiled, nodded at us and talked to their neighbors as we wended our way through more alleys.

 Finally we arrived at the Hostellerie du Vieux.

There were wonderful odors wafting from the kitchen that were most enticing!

This Hotel was built within the walls of an ancient monastery containing 18 rooms and a restaurant.  The host invited us in and we had to pass this wonderful, original staircase with worn dips in the center of the steps.

Then on to lunch on their lovely terrace with a valley view!

As we finished our wine, the maître  d’  offered a discount if we would stay over night. With thanks we said we had plans. He said “ It’s better to have 2 with a discount then none.” We walked to the Market Square at the end of business.

Immediately people came out of the adjacent restaurant and began setting up tables for dinner. One waiter came over and offered us coffee ‘on the house’…..and it was good!

Looking back, we said farewell to another beautiful French hilltown!