L'Arboussie, Roquebrun

L'Arboussie, Roquebrun. blue markers, 9km, 3h,(but it only took me just over 2 walking on my own with Phoebe, the rain might have helped too). The walk starts from the OT in Roquebrun. Walk over the bridge and turn right to walk on the little river that runs beside the River Orb, it was a wild river today after last night's stormy weather. after about 1km take a small track road on your left, up hill, don't turn off it until you reach a small hut. (There is also a short 1h20 4km, variant of this walk that turns back at this point). Turn right here and at the next junction keep straight on. The track continues uphill, quite stiffly for sometime to reach the top. There are lovely views of the vineyards, hills and mountains. At the top you can even see the Pyrenees in the distance. This hill is covered in garrigue, with green oak, strawberry trees, lavender, cistus and tree heathers but once you reach the top you will see a little stone building in the vineyard and a lovely view of the Berlou valley. Keep left and continue down the hill but then keep right on the bend. The track continues towards Berlou and slightly uphill before taking another turn on a bend to the left and heading down into the valley. (As you approach the valley road you may hear the waterfall, it's not on this route but can be visited if you turn right onto the road and walk up to the bridge). Once you reach the road turn left and continue until you come to the top of the hill. The route leaves the road here and goes back onto the vineyard tracks. Continue on down until you reach a junction continuing on the main track.At the next junction turn left down the hill. Keep on this track all the way back to the road. At this crossing point cross over to a track on the other side of the road past the horse fields, a little chapel on the hill and alongside the river orb once again. Soon you will reach the wide beach at Roquebrun with the beautiful view of the village. Cross the bridge once again to the start point. There are several small bars for refreshments here, a local shop, restaurants and the Mediterranean garden with its beautiful views at the top of the hill. Walk 64 of the Pays Haut Languedoc walks box. 12 Euros from local tourist offices.