A Weekend Break In Olargues

At the end of the first week as volunteers, we realized that we needed a break, and that we would like to see just a little bit of the area, which was not possible without a car. Our hosts were very understanding, and upon recommendation from one of the retreat participants, Lydia, Kiet booked us for two nights at the Hotel Laissac. When the retreat ended Saturday afternoon, we got a ride to Olargues, checked in, and enjoyed a 'real' shower for the first time in 10 days.

 Olargues is considered to be one of the most beautifl villages in France, and we can agree with that. There is around 600 inhabitants, so it is truely a village. The "Devil's Bridge" is said to date back to 1202 and is reputed to be the scene of transactions between the people of Olargues and the "devil". The old village is clustered around the belltower, which was formerly the main tower of the castle, and the old shops have marble frontages and overhanging upper storeys.

Devil's Bridge; 12th century

We walked around the village, swam in the river, and had a very nice dinner at restaurant Fleurs 'Olargues, which it turned out was run by a Danish couple! The food was wonderful, and it was a treat to see the chef go to the herb garden to pick herbs for our meals.

A wonderful evening

We had great plans of doing some hiking in the nearby mountains, but decided we just needed to take it easy and relax. All the physical work of the previous week, had taken it's toll on the two 'pencil-pushers'!

Raison d'etre!