Success! Charming French town found!

If you have been reading our blog, you will know that Bucky and I have been seeking a charming French town about 2.5 hours by car from Barcelona since we arrived in Catalonia. Well, last weekend, we found it! The town is called Laroque des Alberes. It is ideally situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees and about 20 minutes from the beach. Online, the town boasted easily accessible hiking trails, restaurants and a boulangerie so we decided to give it a try. We found a precious apartment on Airbnb and booked it on Thursday for a Saturday arrival. We had Monday off due to a bank holiday so we looked forward to the weekend away. Of course, I looked to see if there were any vide greniers taking place nearby over the weekend and discovered there was one on Sunday actually in Laroque des Alberes! We took that as a sign that this place was a place for us! And it did not disappoint...

They were serious about hiking trails being accessible right from town. Outside of the Office of Tourisme, we picked up a map that showed multiple trails and how to access them. From previous experience, we knew only to do the "easy" ones as the easy ones seem to be sufficiently challenging for us. The one we did the first day was supposed to take two hours, but it took us four! It was a lovely hike through a sun-dappled forest, passing water falls and moss-covered boulders. Birds were chirping away the entire time. We only passed one other person and his dog so it was nice and peaceful. But it was long and we were thankful we had Bucky's hiking sticks! As usual, India led us along the trail and stopped to make sure we were on our way. Needless to say, we were all exhausted once we got back to the Airbnb!

Laroque des Alberes is surrounded by water. The water coming down from the mountains forms streams and rivers that encircle the town. The townspeople (and probably people many many years ago) build aquaducts that carry the water throughout the area. There is a large area where people have private vegetable gardens and the water is directed by each one. It is a lovely setting and makes for a cool and peaceful environment.

The town also has some lovely dining spots including one where Bucky had the best meal he can remember in forever. The restaurant, Le Catalan, is located in the main square by the church. It has lots of outdoor seating and is definitely a gathering place for locals and visitors. Bucky's meal included a shrimp starter, a main course of scallops and a cheese plate for dessert. He was absolutely thrilled. It was a nice evening.

The vide grenier was another highlight of our visit. It was a huge event with lots of locals selling their stuff. We practically spent the entire day walking through the rows of vendors, searching for french treasures. We only ended up buying a metal container to use for kitchen utensils, but it was lots of fun perusing all of the items. Plus, we had french fries and a beer onsite with the rest of the town!

Laroque des Alberes is a find. We will definitely be back. We already have our next hike picked out!

View of the private gardens.

India heading out on the hike. She loved drinking the mountain water conveniently placed along the route!

These two rocks were used by sheepherders to count their sheep as they went into and out of the hills!

A view of the town from our hike!

Thank goodness for the walking sticks!

We took a little break where this pond was created by a little waterfall. We took off our shoes and waded in the cool water. 

Selfie at our waterfall spot!

There are lots of nooks and crannies throughout the town.

Flowers grow along the walls and people put chairs and tables outside of their doors on the street. 

Le Catalan, the restaurant where Bucky ate such a great meal!

This was his first course - fried shrimp (unlike the kind you get in SC!) on a pea hummus

The cheese plate!

View of the church and the moon from our dining place. 

India enjoying a walk by the river!

This swinging bridge was cool, but India did not agree. Bucky had to carry her over and back again!

Magical views in the woods around the town. 

Our sweet Airbnb. 

Stopping for a beer.

On Monday, we went to Collioure for lunch on the beach. Amazing!