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INTRODUCING A FAMILY APARTMENT IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES |
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HARRSICA, LE BOIS DE MARIE APARTMENTS, BARÈGES.... |
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......ATTRACTIONS Animal
Parks, Zoos & Aquariums
Botanical Gardens Caves & Caverns Churches & Abbeys Funiculars
& Cable Cars Guided Tours Historical Buildings Indoor Play Area Mountains Museums National Parks Observatories Thermal Spas Water park Wildlife |
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......ANIMAL PARKS, ZOOS &
AQUARIUMS |
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THE PYRENEES ANIMAL PARK (PARC
ANIMALIER DES PYRENEES) As the name suggests a magnificent
animal park in the heart of the Argeles-Gazost
valley with all the animals found in the Pyrenees in their natural
environment. There are marmots, roe deer, brown bears, otters, chamois,
squirrels, foxes, wolves and lynx amongst others.
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This is a great experience
and definitely worth a visit. Entry is
inexpensive for both children and adults.
Open from 1 April until 1 November. LOCATION: Argeles-Gazost. |
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Further details are
available at www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com or from the
tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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ZOO D’ASSON An impressive collection of
animals with a number of big cats including tigers and snow panthers. In total approximately 500 exotic and rare
animals of which 150 roam totally free in the park. In addition the zoo also
runs 30 European programmes for endangered species.
LOCATION: Between Pau and
Lourdes. Further details are
available at www.zoo-asson.org
or from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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AQUARIUM TROPICAL DE
PIERREFITTE An enchanting and
multi-coloured aquarium with 60 tanks and more than 500 species of fish from
fresh water, salt water, big African lakes and Amazonian rivers. |
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Sharks, Barracudas, Angel
fish, Tortoises, Cow fish, Parrot fish, Moray eels, seahorses, Surgeon fish,
Lion fish and many more. |
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LOCATION: Pierrefitte Nestalas between Argeles-Gazost, Cauterets and
Luz St Sauveur. Further details are available
from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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AQUARIUM DE LOURDES Discover the fish to be
found in the rivers from the mountain torrents to the estuary. LOCATION: Lourdes Further details are
available at www.aquarium-lourdes.com or from the tourist
office in the centre of Barèges. |
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LE DONJON DES AIGLES Beaucens Chateau, in the Hautes Pyrenees, houses one of the most prestigious
collections of birds of prey: Kites, Eagles, Fish Eagles, Falcons and
Buzzards with Parrots in the summer. LOCATION: Beaucens Further details are
available at www.donjon-des-aigles.com or from the
tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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LE PARC DE LUTIN PECHEUR An exhibition based on the
trout with an introduction to fishing and fly fishing. LOCATION: Lau-Balagnes Further details are
available from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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LE PAVILLON DES ABEILLES An insight into the life of
bees and beekeeping and all the derived products. There are videos, tasting
and workshops to visit. LOCATION: Cauterets Further details are
available at www.apiculteurs.fr
or from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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......BOTANICAL GARDENS |
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TOURMALET BOTANICAL GARDENS The Tourmalet
Botanical Gardens offer an attractive and original approach to nature: 2
hectares of rocks, clearings, moorland and forests to discover the infinite
variety of wild Pyrenean flora. There are notice boards, grouped together by
altitude and type of environment to help you identify the flowers so that you
can admire and photograph them more easily. Each afternoon at 3pm, 4pm and
5pm a guide will reveal the secrets of these mountain plants. Open to the public every
day from mid-May to mid-September. LOCATION:
Barèges – Pont de la Gaubie. Further details are
available from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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LA ROSERAIE BOTANIQUE In the middle of Argeles-Gazost at the foot of the Vieuzac
Tower an old vegetable garden has been transformed into a rosery
offering a broad range of English rose trees. More than 260 varieties
offering different plumes and colours are on show. LOCATION: Argeles-Gazost. Further details are
available from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges and Argeles-Gazost. |
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TROPIC FLORE Tropical gardens. LOCATION : Arcizac-Ez-Angles Further details are
available at www.tropicflore.com
or from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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......CAVES & CAVERNS GROTTES DE BETHARRAM Travel to the centre of the
earth by boat and train! Throughout the ages filtering water has carved out
the five levels of Betharram Caverns, forming
spectacular limestone formations and a large underground lake. On the farther
shore reached by boat, a train awaits to carry you back to the surface. Also visit the Musee Pyreneen, about the
pioneers who opened up these ranges. LOCATION: Saint-Pe De Bigorre between Pau and
Lourdes. Further details are
available at www.betharram.com
Also visit the caves (or
chasm for a literal translational!) at Esparros (Le
Gouffre d’Esparros) and Labastide (Les Grottes de Labastide). LOCATION: In the Les Baronnies area close to the town of Heches. Further details are
available at www.gouffre-esparros.com LES GROTTES DU LOUP LOCATION:
Lourdes Further details are
available at www.lesgrottesduloup.fr |
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......CHURCHES & ABBEYS CATHEDRAL OF LOURDES –
BASILICA DE LOURDES The small Pyrenees village
of Lourdes, and its imposing basilica, attract millions of pilgrims annually.
This is the site where, in 1858, a young peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, had several famous Virgin Mary sightings. A
visit to this church affords the opportunity to wander an immense cathedral,
but also to see the actual cave where a young girl claimed she spoke to the
Virgin Mary and where an endless stream of visitors come in search of a
spiritual experience or a miraculous healing. The Catholic Church has
acknowledged dozens of miracles from this spot. Open all year –early morning till late at
night. www.lourdes-france.com LOCATION:
Lourdes CHURCH SAINT-PE DE BIGORRE Be enchanted by the
romantic former Benedictine Abbey of the 12th century, partly reconstructed
in the 17th century after the religious wars and the earthquake of 1660. LOCATION: Bigorre ABBEY DE SAINT-SAVIN An Abbey of the 12th
century and today it is a parish church.
Free tour of the abbey daily 9.00 am 2.00 pm. LOCATION: Saint-Savin CHAPELLE POUEY ASPE The chapel was built in the
14th century on the location of the chapel of Saint Savin. It is a one hour round walking trip to
visit. Entry is free. LOCATION: Uz CHAPELLE DE PIETAT A Roman Chapel built in the
11th century. LOCATION: Saint-Savin CHURCH OF SAINT PIERRE An old Church from the 12th
century, partly fortified in the 14th century. Beautiful and interesting baroque
interior. Information at the Office of
Tourism of Pierrefitte. LOCATION:
Pierrefitte-Nestalas CHAPELLE POUEY-LAUN Built in the 17th century,
formerly located on the road to Saint Jacques de Compostelle.
LOCATION: Arrens-Marsous CHURCH NOTRE DAME Rebuilt and enlarged in
1827. The throne of the Church
represents a work of very great value and exceptional beauty. It houses the painting "The Chemin de Choix" by the
famous the painter Baldi. LOCATION: Cauterets FORTIFIED CHURCH Built in the 12th century
it was fortified in the17th century.
Free to visit every day. LOCATION:
Luz Saint-Sauveur CHURCH Virgin out of polychrome
wood from the 14th century. LOCATION: Sassis SAINT NICOLAS CHURCH Built in the 14th century. LOCATION: Esquieze CHURCH OF
SAINT-JEAN-BAPTISTE Chapel Century Romanesque
was built in the 11th and 12th century. LOCATION:
Sers CHAPELLE DE HEAS Constructed in the 16th
century and rebuilt for the third time in 1925 due to an avalanche. Free
visit. LOCATION: Gedre CHAPELLE SOLFERINO Built using funds from the
Emperor Napoleon III during his stay at Saint Sauveur.
Free visit. LOCATION: Luz Saint-Sauveur CHURCH Romantic building of 12th
century. Free visit every day LOCATION: Sers |
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......FUNICULARS & CABLE CARS PIC DU MIDI From the foot of the Tourmalet station to the top of the Pic
du Midi in just 15 minutes! During your visit to the
space museum and observatory you will be able to view the stars and planets. LOCATION: Bareges – La Mongie Further details are
available at www.picdumidi.com or from the tourist office
in Argeles-Gazost, Bareges
or Lourdes. FUNICULAIRE DU PIC DU JER
Le Pic
du Jer (which is the start of the Pyrenees)
overlooks Lourdes and can be recognised by its large cross which shines at
night. One can take the 100-year-old chair-lift, which goes to the summit
some 1,000m in altitude, in only 6 minutes. At the summit there is a
viewing table with a fantastic view to be had over Lourdes, Pau, Tarbes and
the Pyrenees. Since 1997, a light and
sound display (40 min) takes place in the highest grottoes in Europe. Both
single and return journeys are possible although for the sportsmen amongst
you, a downhill mountain-bike route is also available. LOCATION: Lourdes Further details are available
at www.lourdes-visite.fr Other cable cars in the area
include: Teleporte du Puntas Telesiege du Lac de
Gaube Both single and return
journeys are possible. Telecabine du Lys Telesiege du Grand Barbat Open from July to the end
of August. Both single and return
journeys are possible as is descent by bicycle. Further information is
available for all of these from the Tourist Office in Cauterets. |
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......GUIDED TOURS The association of “Guides Culturels Pyreneens” offer
guided tours in July and August in Argeles-Gazost, Cauterets, Luz Saint-Sauveur, Pierrefitte-Nestalas and the Azun
Valley. Further information is
available from the Tourist Offices in the area. |
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......HISTORICAL BUILDINGS |
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CHATEAU FORT This fortress, has never
been defeated, is ranked as a historical monument. The Chateau Fort offers an exceptional view
of Lourdes, its churches and the Pyrenees.
It is also home to a botanical garden at the foot of the 15th Century
tower and the Musee Pyrenean (Partial Wheelchair
Access).
LOCATION: Lourdes |
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CHATEAU SAINTE MARIE Built on a hill by the
Counts de Bigorre in 1278, it overlooks the village
of Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Today in ruins, only the walls of
embattlements and the two towers remain.
Visit free. LOCATION: Esterre NAPOLEON BRIDGE A beautiful bridge with a
single 70m high arch spanning the river below. It was along this route in 1859 that
Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie took to enjoy the Thermal Spa waters. LOCATION:
Luz Saint-Sauveur STATION CAUTERETS Built in 1895-1896,
renovated in 1994. This station is
constructed entirely of wood is remarkable for the decoration of the
facade. Today it is the point of
departure and arrival of SNCF buses. LOCATION: Cauterets |
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......INDOOR PLAY AREA For the children - climbing
frames, ball pits, slides, trampolines and mini go-karts and much, much, more.
A restaurant and free WiFi for the adults. The
ideal place for rainy days. LOCATION: Tarbes Further
details are available at www.zygoland.fr/ |
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......MOUNTAINS |
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Stretching from the
Atlantic Coast to the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees are a dramatic range of mountains
stretching for 400km and forming a 'frontiere sauvage' between France and Spain. They are a mountain
range renowned for their mixed limestone and granite geology, rugged peaks,
deep canyons and almost endless opportunities for activities and exploration.
Except for a couple of hot spots, they remain wonderfully secluded.
Although not as high as the
Alps, they are no less spectacular, with such dramatic views as the limestone
cliffs of the Cirque de Gavarnie and the pass of the Breche
de Roland. Along the length the Pyrenees runs one of Europe's really great
long-distance footpaths, the GR10, and the whole range is excellent for
trekking and cycling, whether it be road riding over the famous Cols of the
Tour de France or heart-stopping mountain biking. In winter the activities go
on, with superb snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. As well as the
breathtaking scenery, the Pyrenees offer a wonderful chance to see the diversity
of the French people. Spa towns, thermal baths, great French food and wine -
it's a difficult area to miss! |
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......MUSEUMS |
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MUSEE PYRENEEN – CHATEAU
FORT In this classic museum
"Musee de France", visit the most
important collections on the history of the French and Spanish Pyrenees. It displays earthenware and 18th century
furniture, a shepherd's hut and traditional costumes. Open all year. LOCATION: Lourdes Further details are
available at www.lourdes-visite.fr
MUSEE
DE LA VALLEE DE LA DE BATSURGUERE AL’OFFICE TOURIST Exhibition of old tools of
the daily lives of farmers and artisans. LOCATION:
Segus MUSEE DU MONTAGNARD LAVEDAN Visit one of the last of
the French Forge Iron smiths. Discover
the exciting world of shepherds and mountain artisans of Lavedan
- objects, tools and furniture exhibitions. LOCATION: Aucun MUSEUM 1900 The fabulous scenery of
Louis 15th Grand Hotel a'Angleterre, a variety of
art and traditional exhibitions. It house a beautiful collection of regional
costumes (1750-1850) and elegant dresses (1850-1930). Open throughout the year. LOCATION: Cauterets |
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......NATIONAL PARKS |
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PYRENEES NATIONAL PARKS Designated in 1967, the
Pyrenees National Park extends 62 miles (100 kms)
along the French and Spanish frontier. It boasts some of the most spectacular
scenery in Europe, ranging from glimmering meadows with butterflies to high
peaks, snow capped even in the summer. Variations in altitude and climate make
the park rich in flora and fauna. One of the most enjoyable ways to see the
park is on foot: within the park are 217 miles (350 kms)
of well-marked footpaths.
Further details are at www.parc-pyrenees.com
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Within the bounds of the
Pyrenees National Park lies the Neouvielle Nature
Reserve. Whilst lakes are plentiful on both sides of the French and
Spanish border, the Réserve Naturelle
du Néouvielle is often justifiably called the 'Lake
District of the Pyrenees.' Here you can walk near sparkling green tarns, deep
blue lakes and gurgling streams, each one set against a towering backdrop of
magnificent granite peaks. Néouvielle was one of France's first
nature reserves and it hosts some exceptional plant and wildlife as well as
being home to some of Europe's highest forests of ancient mountain pine. It
is wild and remote - and a 'must' for walkers.
Some of the best entry
points to the Néouvielle region are just a short
journey from Bareges Many exhilarating walks can be
found here, such as the idyllic Val d'Aygues Cluses (the Valley of Clear Waters), the stunning Montagne Fleuri with its wealth
of flowers, birds and butterflies and the more challenging Pic de Madamète with its lakes
and breathtaking 360º panoramas. |
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......OBSERVATORIES PIC DU MIDI
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One of the best places on
earth to join the star-gazing fraternity is a glass-and-concrete aerie
perched on the roof of the French Pyrenees: views from the Pic du Midi are so good that during the 1960’s NASA used
it to map the moon's surface for the Apollo landings. |
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It is also open to the
public and has a hotel catering for up to 19 guests, with tours of the
telescopes and fine dining included in the room rate. Access is by cable car
from the ski resort of La Mongie, and in winter
skiers savour the adrenalin rush of a descent from the 2,877 m (9,439-ft.)
summit. |
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It is also open to the
public and has a hotel catering for up to 19 guests, with tours of the
telescopes and fine dining included in the room rate. Access is by cable car
from the ski resort of La Mongie, in winter skiers can
savour the adrenalin rush of a descent from the 2,877 m (9,439-ft.) summit
and in the summer mountain bikers can do the same. |
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The facility boasts
Europe's highest museum, with displays of astronomical data and images of the
mind-bending dimensions and beauty of the universe. Closer to home, visitors
can journey to the moon courtesy of a telescope that takes them to the crater
of their choice. |
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The Pic
du Midi can be eerie in colder months, when freezing mists swirl around the
domes and antennas, but on clear nights, when the skies are blazing with
stars, it is as close to heaven on earth as astronomers can imagine. Galileo
would have loved it. |
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Further details are available at www.picdumidi.com or from the tourist office in the centre of Barèges. |
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......THERMAL SPAS |
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Barèges is an historic spa
village, and at 1250m has the highest thermal baths in France. The thermal
waters were discovered in the 15th century when a farmer found an injured
sheep bathing in a warm sulphurous pool. The sheep recovered very quickly and
soon the pool was being used by the local people, who dipped in a big basin sheltered
by a roof. The royal family began to take the “cure” in 1675, and the
original spa buildings were built in 1860 when Napoleon the third, under
Louis XV, ordered the construction of a military hospital and spa for the
treatment of war wounds, rheumatism and skin problems. |
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The thermal spa in Barèges
underwent a complete refurbishment in 2008/9, with a new "thermo ludique" centre for relaxation and pampering. |
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At Barèges, naturally
heated waters rise to the surface along a geological fault line between two
different rock types – a granite and a schist. The Pyrenees are a young
mountain belt, and the buried igneous rocks are still warm, so water
circulating deep in the granite is heated naturally. The sodic
thermal waters of Barèges are rich in sulphur and a natural gel called “Barégine”. This white filament gives a unique richness to
the waters and has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and scar-reducing
properties. The Barèges spa is recommended particularly for the
reconstruction of bones and for rheumatism. There is also a second spa (Thermes de Barzun) at the bottom of the village
specialising in respiratory complaints. |
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Whether you’re looking for
a cure, or just a chance to indulge yourself, a trip to the spa is certainly
a lovely way to relax after a strenuous day out in the mountains skiing or
snowshoeing in the Winter, or walking in the Summer. Opening hours Summer: 16h –
20h Winter: 10h - 12h & 17h – 19h30. Our apartment is at the top
of Barèges village - just a 3 minute's walk from the thermal spa and close to
all the village shops, bars and restaurants. So why not use our lovely
apartment as a base for a week of therapy or pampering, at France's highest
thermal baths. |
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LOCATION: Barèges. Further details are
available at www.thermes-bareges.com or from the tourist office
in the centre of Barèges. |
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......WATER PARK LE LAC VERT In a
magnificent tree covered 10 hectare park, at the foot of the Pibeste, you can enjoy swimming, canoeing and fishing.
You can also idle your picnics away in the parkland. LOCATION: In the communes
of Geu and Agos-Vidalos,
5kms from Lourdes Further details are
available at www.argeles-pyrenees.com ......WILDLIFE The Pyrenees are home to a
rich variety of wild creatures many of them unique to the range. The ibex, a
member of the antelope family, is still numerous in the valleys Ossau and Cauterets. Birds of
prey include the Egyptian, griffon and bearded vultures.
Ground predators range from
the rare Pyrenean lynx, to civet, pine marten and stoat. The desman, a tiny
aquatic mammal related to the mole, is found in many of the mountain streams.
Pyrenean bears are close to
extinction but a few still live in the Ossau and Aspe valleys. |
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