 Argelès-sur-mer is just north of Spain in Southern France. D-L has owned her studio/loft, her "nest" where she escapes to write and renew her energy, for the last 15 years.
The village goes back to the time of Charlemagne and is the setting for her first mystery, Murder in Argeles. The area is rich with history and activities from swimming in the sea, hiking in the mountains, chasing down prehistoric man, enjoying the cafés, eating good Catalan cooking or just living a sane pace. Shops, banks and business still close for a midday three hour-siesta. The marchés on Wednesday and Saturday mornings brings vendors of cheese, furits, vegetables, clothes, household goods out onto
the street. The old church built in the 1300s is both a working church and the site for concerts.
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D-L's "nest " is in the grenier (attic where grain was once kept) of a 500 year old building. This has made her dream of living in a loft a reality. |
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The loft still has the original stone work on one wall. |
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Rue Vermeille is always in flower. My apartment is on the left. |
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At the turn of the century everyone used these fountains for their water needs. Now all the houses have modern plumbing and lighting, although the washing shed by the river is still used for some women to do their laundry. |
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A great café to write or to gossip with friends and neighbors. |
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The residents are very proud of their Catalan heritage. Here at Easter they go carolling in native dress. There are almost weekly dances to learn the folk dancing of the region. |
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The entrance to the village leading to its one traffic light. The Pyrenees are in the background. |
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Each day is a pleasure to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables laid out as a work of art. |
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