Mini-LBW Larochette.lu, October 6/7/8, 2006

There's been talk about it for a few months now, and it's finally coming together - p2-mate and myself propose a geek invasion of the lovely little village of Larochette, about 25 km north of Luxemburg city. There's an official "website" at http://www.larochette.lu .

You can see some scouting pictures at http://tinyurl.com/hffm6 and http://tinyurl.com/hbraa . That last folder may need some cleaning :-)

There is some very nice walking (similar to what you'd have found in Bouillon in 2001, only slightly hillier than Lithuania). The castle is partly inhabited, but the rest of it is also worth a look - at the highest point in the vincinity, there's nice views as well as interesting history.

The swimming pool is covered by a moveable dome, so bring swimming gear if the weather looks like being good.

Beer-wise, it appears Luxemburg doesn't have a large beer culture. There are a number of beers, which may or may not be available, and there's also a standard selection of belgian, dutch and german beers.

There is also the 'Quetschefest' that weekend, as far as I can google Quetsche are some kind of plums and/or a drink made from them: http://tinyurl.com/jn3eg . Wikipedia refers to small plum tarts.

Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Luxembourg ) also tells us that 'In 1993 it was reported that Luxembourg had the highest worldwide per capita consumption of alcohol; an average of three beers a day for every man, woman, and child. French wine is the most commonly drunk alcohol, and fine beers from Germany and Belgium are widely available. Alcohol is available cheaper in Luxembourg than anywhere else in Europe. It's also common to come across home-produced alcohol, called eau de vie, distilled from various different fruits and usually fifty percent alcohol by volume.' Looking better and better :-)

More info on the Luxembourgeois beer at http://www.xs4all.nl/~patto1ro/luxbrew.htm - Still have to look into this, maybe a visit is feasable.

Getting there...

By car: have a look on http://tinyurl.com/jxhng - Follow the E29 around Luxembourg city, exit 1 onto the E29/N11 for Junglinster. Around Graulinster get onto the N14 - it'll already be indicated there.
Using public transport, the train to Mersch ( http://tinyurl.com/kxqwt )and then the bus ( http://tinyurl.com/hjj2z ) looks like a good option.
GPS: 49°47'1.89"N by 6°13'12.25"E
Map24
Google Earth placemarks:

Staying there...

Camping Birkelt ( http://www.camping-birkelt.lu ) is the one with the swimming pool :-)
The local youth hostel ( http://www.youthhostels.lu/site/e/Larochette.html )
Update: This appears to be fully booked for saturday.
Chalets are available at the local youth hostel as well
Update: murb/Stephanie mention that chalets appear to be for a minimum of 3 days.
Hotels Op Der Bleech and Grand Hôtel de la Poste are located at the town square and have websites. The others I'm not sure about, but they can't be far off - the village isn't that big :-)

More about businesses, restaurants et al can be found on http://www.larochette.lu/Database/AdressesDetail.htm.

Mostly French is spoken, German and English shouldn't be a problem, even a measure of Dutch was in evidence.
Local currency is the Euro. There is at least one ATM on the village square.
Electric plugs are standard european models.

We hope to see all of you soon :-)

p2 and vegi