Our family’s story with Laroque began in the 1980s, when our old Catalan friend Eli showed us his hometown – a place that immediately captivated us. The medieval castle in the village centre, the proximity to the lively coastal towns, the tranquillity of nature with its hiking trails into the mountains, and the small medieval villages surrounded by vineyards – it was everything we loved about France in one place.
Eli took us up to the Domaine des Albères, where the traditional Mas Catalanes nestle on the forested hillside with a shared pool, tennis court and table tennis room. One of these houses, with a stunning view across the plain of Perpignan to Mont Canigou, was for sale – and it was love at first sight.
For decades, Maison Eli was our family’s holiday retreat. With its two apartments, Belle Vue and Petit Charme, it offered the perfect mix of togetherness and independence. Over the years, children, friends and later grandchildren came along, and the house became a meeting place full of memories. When my mother eventually settled permanently in Laroque, Maison Eli continued to welcome guests who loved the place as much as we did.
Years later, we discovered Villa Josephine, even higher up the mountain, right on the hiking trails. We fell in love again and bought it. From its terrace you can see the snow-capped Canigou, the Corbières and, to the right, the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Like Maison Eli, it belongs to the Domaine des Albères, so our guests can enjoy the shared pool and tennis court as well.
The name Josephine honours an elderly Catalan woman from Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse who once welcomed me like a granddaughter. Standing on the terrace for the first time, seeing the same magnificent panorama, I immediately thought of her.
Today, both houses are part of our extended home in the south of France. We often stay here ourselves with family or friends, but when we’re not around, we love to share these places with guests who appreciate the beauty and authenticity of this region. Our mother still lives year-round in Laroque, just down the road, and is happy to help if anything comes up. She speaks German, English, French and even some Spanish.
We look forward to welcoming you to our little corner of paradise – and hope you’ll love it as much as we do.
