The spectacular Hautes Pyrenees is situated in the south west of France, half way between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts and has Spain (only 1 hour away from the gite) as its neighbour.  The area is dominated by the magnificent Pyrenees where during the summer or winter there is always plenty to do whether that’s cycling, walking, climbing, skiing, canoeing or rafting!

 

With World Hertitage sites including Lourdes, Pic du Midi,  Cauterets and Pont d'Espagne to visit , spa centres to enjoy,  the area is a perfect opportunity to relax as well as explore the stunning scenery. 

 

The Tour de France visits this area every year and regularly goes up the Col du Tourmalet the highest paved mountain pass in the Pyrenees.

 

For the history lovers a few of the attractions near us are:

 

• St Bertrand de Comminges with its Roman ruins and historic cathedral and village

• Montmaurin the remains of a Gallo-Roman village and one of the largest known villas in France

• Château de Mauvezin  built by Gaston Fébus around 1380

• Gouffre d’Esparros discovered in 1938 and described as a 'vast cavern of indescriable magnificence'

 

Just 5 minutes away we have the beautiful Notre Dame de Garaison at Monleon-Magnoac - a major pilgrimage site in the 16th century up until the French Revolution.  This site pre-dates the more famous Lourdes but is less commercialised and is just as important.

 

The Gorges de la Save, which is about 15 minutes away, a perfect place for a picnic and a gentle walk which stays cool even in hot weather, with the ruins of Chateau de Lespugue nearby.

 

There are a wide range of golf courses nearby all with amazing views of the mountains: Lannemezan (15 minutes), Bagnere de Bigorre (45 minutes), Lourdes (45 minutes)