FRANCE

How is this work of art edible? Traveling this far to eat the French pastries was worth it.

Always a playground.

Oh dear. Grace wanted to try something different so when she was presented with the option of mint syrup for her drink, she went for it. Poor choice. She literally drank the entire cup of mouthwash so as not to offend the already off-put French server.

The French win when it comes to ambiance, the smell of cigarettes, delectable pastries, terrible coffee and the ability to walk on cobblestones in stilettos.

Our little home for the week in Toulouse. We don't recommend it so we won't attach the link! Vibes were off. But we loved the novality of the library toilet!

Can not choose. In part because they all look amazing and in part because we can't order in French. LOL

We were not flowing in the city. We needed some time in open air. So Eric found WamPark. No torn ligaments for the 40+ year olds and PURE fun for all. Great play day in the sun and away from the city.

We (adults) could walk the Toulouse streets for days. It's a museum of beauty!

In Europe, we have yet to see a dryer (ie: something that dries your clothes). They are extint over here. So Eric (our laundry-man) hangs our clothes to dry for 2 days and then irons.

Loved a touch of rain on moody French afternoon.

Grace finding the right composition for a future watercolor painting.

So many 10/10 food options

The windows, the flowers, the streets...

Slay.

Always walking in unison.

a la moda.

Last package of macrons! :(

Last pastry in front of Cathedrale Saint-Etienne. Little did we know our uber would cancel due to construction and we'd be sprinting to our train moments later.

Checklist as we depart - do we have our stuffies!?

Man on tran studying La Vie En Rose music. Loved this flash of a moment.

Uber, train, taxi, rental car and, voila! Arrived in the incredible mountain town of Laruns. GO THERE! Bonus - it's a stop on the Tour de France (stage 5).

Mountains, nature, bikers, hikers, local markets. 55 Euro a night AirBNB. Yep. Stay here. CLICK PIC FOR LINK

Walk from our house to the local plaza for the biweekly market.

Wait. Seriously? Patagonia is sold here?!

Our first French friend, Marc. He shared stories of love and loss and so much wisdom. We met up with him later in our stay for more connection.

Fresh. Everything fresh.

Laruns weekly market on Thursday and Saturday

Sweet new friend who wanted to practice English and show us her towels.

Hike out our front door to a waterfall a few miles up the mountain.

Hiking snap

Puppy we named "Buttons" who joined us for the entire hike.

We were well rewarded for our efforts!

Worm on trail and question bucket for worldschool "how many times can a worm be cut and still live independantly?"

William "they look to perfect to be real"

We took a Pyrenees open air alpine train (Petite Train D'artouste) to a high mountain lake. Worth it for a 1/2 day activies, incredible views and crystal clear water in upper lake. CLICK PIC FOR LINK.

Petite Train D'artouste

Upper lake in the Pyrenees. Gorgeous!

Lunch time at world school.

Love driving here.

We hiked 5.5 km on the famous GR10 trail that runs through the Pyrenees to an upper refuge and spent the night. The hut served us dinner, wine, breakfast and a bedroom with 6 other hikers. Such an experience!

Kid's crushed. They had a rule that parents could never pass them on the trail and we couldn't keep up (and we were carrying all the stuff!).

Last kilometer!

Pic d'Mici behind us (aka Jean-Pierre)

View at the refuge hut.

Cozy accomodations at the top of the mountain!

We each got a tote for our room

Grace interviewing Rosie, a lovely and animated worker at the hut.

Reflections to inspire reflections

World schooling

Every day (and night) a "parade" of sheep would be escorted, with bells and loud hooves, through the town.

How capitalism and modernity hasn't reached these precious villages remains a mystery. We felt like we were living in history. Everything seamed simple, pure and authentic.