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Eus is officially one of the prettiest villages in France. One of the things we particularly loved about it was their gloriously green- glazed and fish-faced terracotta drainpipes..

 

As you approach the village along an inevitably winding road, it makes the perfect pretty village view – clinging to the hillside in a pleasingly symmetrical way.

But the real pleasure is just strolling amongst its ancient stones and archways;

 

View from the village walls

View from the village walls

Geoff at the bottom of one of the cobbled streets

Geoff at the bottom of one of the cobbled streets

Almost unfeasibly narrow streets, but still full of charm

Almost unfeasibly narrow streets, but still full of charm

 

scratching the ears of the dozens of local cats;

 

A fine feline

A fine feline

admiring the beautifully glazed terracotta down pipes and even guttering;

Admiring the handiwork

Admiring the handiwork

Glorious glazing

Glorious glazing

 

Bare terracotta and glazed green together, although the fish head has had a hard life

Bare terracotta and glazed green together, although the fish head has had a hard life

the profusion of artistic geckos – the town symbol;

 

Eus gecko

Eus gecko

Gecko window grilles and glazed downpipes - they've got the lot!

Gecko window grilles and glazed downpipes – they’ve got the lot!

 

the lovely  street name plaques – all boasting the little lizard in impressive alphabetic poses

 

I've never seen a gecko do that!

I’ve never seen a gecko do that!

More gecko art and design

More gecko art and design

and simply the pride and attention to detail that the village has.

 

Elegance and charm

Elegance and charm

Admittedly everywhere was shut – including the much boasted about church, but the coffee and the stroll put smiles on our faces. Thanks Eus!

 

No one is getting into the church with those battlements (and opening hours)

No one is getting into the church with those battlements (and opening hours)

Mount Canigou in the distance

Mount Canigou in the distance

More lovely views across the valley

More lovely views across the valley