Nigel and Emma’s guidebook

Nigel
Nigel and Emma’s guidebook

In the Village

Within easy reach of La Vieille Ferme there are plenty of things to do, to ensure you and your family have an enjoyable holiday. ​ Ancient caves, stunning hilltop villages, 1000's of years of history all set within the delightful mountain scenery
Walk up to the waterfall - From the village square walk through the archway next to the Hotel des Pyrenees. Follow the lane upwards as it snakes past several houses before becoming a footpath up and out of the village. At the main road continue upwards until you see the footpath to follow off to your left. Its about 20 mins from the house. ​This waterfall is active most of the time and at its most ferocious when the spring meltwaters come off the mountains. Well worth a visit if just for the pleasant walk. ​During the summer you can make your way up the river bed to the base of the waterfall, where it is normally deep enough for a quick dip. Its great fun and the kids love it!
Gouffre de Saoule
D925
Walk up to the waterfall - From the village square walk through the archway next to the Hotel des Pyrenees. Follow the lane upwards as it snakes past several houses before becoming a footpath up and out of the village. At the main road continue upwards until you see the footpath to follow off to your left. Its about 20 mins from the house. ​This waterfall is active most of the time and at its most ferocious when the spring meltwaters come off the mountains. Well worth a visit if just for the pleasant walk. ​During the summer you can make your way up the river bed to the base of the waterfall, where it is normally deep enough for a quick dip. Its great fun and the kids love it!
Evidenced by the many drinking fountains scattered around Mauloen Barousse the local water supply is fresh and pure. The local water here is bottled and sold throughout France. Some of the profits are ploughed back into the area at the Maison des Sources, a delightful park in the village itself. A delightful picnic spot it has built in BBQ sites, a childrens play area, a stream to mess about in, walks through the grounds and a field for ball sports. There is also a little museum on site well worth a visit on the local history. Getting there - Walk down to the main square and turn left following the signs to Ferrere and Port de Bales. Walk up the road for about 10 mins and the turning is off on your right.
Maison des Sources
Evidenced by the many drinking fountains scattered around Mauloen Barousse the local water supply is fresh and pure. The local water here is bottled and sold throughout France. Some of the profits are ploughed back into the area at the Maison des Sources, a delightful park in the village itself. A delightful picnic spot it has built in BBQ sites, a childrens play area, a stream to mess about in, walks through the grounds and a field for ball sports. There is also a little museum on site well worth a visit on the local history. Getting there - Walk down to the main square and turn left following the signs to Ferrere and Port de Bales. Walk up the road for about 10 mins and the turning is off on your right.
On the edge of the village you will find the well maintained 'Quartier du Lac'. A delightful picnic spot next to the lake with views up into the mountains and 2 reasonably well kept tennis courts for use. ​From the house walk through the village past the filling station. Take the next right turn and follow the signs to Quartier du Lac. It is a 15 minute walk with parking there should you choose to drive. The keys to open the tennis courts are held at the village shop. It is rare that both courts are used simultaneously, so it is not normally necessary to book in advance.
Lac de Mauléon-Barousse
On the edge of the village you will find the well maintained 'Quartier du Lac'. A delightful picnic spot next to the lake with views up into the mountains and 2 reasonably well kept tennis courts for use. ​From the house walk through the village past the filling station. Take the next right turn and follow the signs to Quartier du Lac. It is a 15 minute walk with parking there should you choose to drive. The keys to open the tennis courts are held at the village shop. It is rare that both courts are used simultaneously, so it is not normally necessary to book in advance.

Food scene

The local Boulangerie has a lovely bakery on site, perfect for your freshly made morning Croissant or Baguette. It is also a reasonably stocked supermarket, considering its size and location for your food, beer and wine needs.
La Belinoise
Le Village
The local Boulangerie has a lovely bakery on site, perfect for your freshly made morning Croissant or Baguette. It is also a reasonably stocked supermarket, considering its size and location for your food, beer and wine needs.
Situated in the village square the Hotel Restaurant des Pyrenees serves up great food at very reasonable prices. Nice bar too and a lovely terrace overlooking the river
Hotel Des Pyrenees
9 Pl. Palouman
Situated in the village square the Hotel Restaurant des Pyrenees serves up great food at very reasonable prices. Nice bar too and a lovely terrace overlooking the river

Nearby Activities

This great adventure park is just 10 minutes away by car set in a delightful woodland surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Have fun among the trees with plenty to do for all ages, in fact they cater from as young as 3 years old all the way up to adults. There are Go karts, tree walks, amazing 250m zip wire, tree top walks, Base jumps, underground maze, BMX track and much more.
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Pyrénées Hô
Avenue de Rouziet
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This great adventure park is just 10 minutes away by car set in a delightful woodland surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Have fun among the trees with plenty to do for all ages, in fact they cater from as young as 3 years old all the way up to adults. There are Go karts, tree walks, amazing 250m zip wire, tree top walks, Base jumps, underground maze, BMX track and much more.
A lovely setting for a relaxing day out and picnic, 20 minutes away by car. The lake offers a host of things to do: - A nice sandy beach - A cordoned off, filtered swimming pool off the beach - Aquapark - Pedalos - Picnic areas - Bar Restaurant - Children's playground - 9 hole golf course
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Lac de Montréjeau
1066 Coumarottes et Coustalats
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A lovely setting for a relaxing day out and picnic, 20 minutes away by car. The lake offers a host of things to do: - A nice sandy beach - A cordoned off, filtered swimming pool off the beach - Aquapark - Pedalos - Picnic areas - Bar Restaurant - Children's playground - 9 hole golf course
Road cycling - Nearby cols: Port de Bales - 1755m Col de Peyrasourde - 1569m Col de Portillon - 1293m Col des Ares - 797m Col de Mente - 1349m Superbagneres - 1849m ​ Cycle Hire - Luchon Mountain Biking - Local routes from the House Luchon Superbagneres for lift served downhill biking Le Mourtis - another local favourite It is in the Pyrenees that the Tour de France is often won or lost but you don't have to match the professionals to enjoy cycling through this wonderful landscape. From a leisurely family outing to a heart-stopping mountain bike descent the Pyrenees provides the perfect backdrop. There are plenty of bike hire shops if you don’t want to bring your own. ​La Vieille Ferme is situated at the foot of the Port de Bales, a well used Tour de France climb. 20km climb at an average gradient of 6.2% takes you through several villages and through the trees until you reach the peak. From here you can choose whether to ride back down or descend into Bourg-d'Oueil and down through the picturesque valley to Luchon. From Luchon you can then cycle back through the valley floor for a great circular ride. For a more leisurely route you can cycle through the Barousse Valley, a lot less challenging but equally as picturesque. The ride to St Bertrand de Comminges provides a good route and a great spot to stop for lunch and re-fuel. Mountain Biking in the Pyrenees (VTT) is increasingly popular. There are many marked routes for you to explore, each graded to help choose the right circuit. The grading system follows the standard ski descriptions (green - very easy, blue - easy, red - difficult, black - very difficult). Downhill biking in Luchon is served by the ski lift in the summer. Getting you and your bike up the mountain without effort conserves your energy for the adrenaline-fuelled descent. Heavy, sturdy custom bikes with a low saddle position for a downhill posture are used which have the strength to cope with the rough terrain. Full head-to-toe protection can be hired and is advised!
Cycling in the Pyrenees
Road cycling - Nearby cols: Port de Bales - 1755m Col de Peyrasourde - 1569m Col de Portillon - 1293m Col des Ares - 797m Col de Mente - 1349m Superbagneres - 1849m ​ Cycle Hire - Luchon Mountain Biking - Local routes from the House Luchon Superbagneres for lift served downhill biking Le Mourtis - another local favourite It is in the Pyrenees that the Tour de France is often won or lost but you don't have to match the professionals to enjoy cycling through this wonderful landscape. From a leisurely family outing to a heart-stopping mountain bike descent the Pyrenees provides the perfect backdrop. There are plenty of bike hire shops if you don’t want to bring your own. ​La Vieille Ferme is situated at the foot of the Port de Bales, a well used Tour de France climb. 20km climb at an average gradient of 6.2% takes you through several villages and through the trees until you reach the peak. From here you can choose whether to ride back down or descend into Bourg-d'Oueil and down through the picturesque valley to Luchon. From Luchon you can then cycle back through the valley floor for a great circular ride. For a more leisurely route you can cycle through the Barousse Valley, a lot less challenging but equally as picturesque. The ride to St Bertrand de Comminges provides a good route and a great spot to stop for lunch and re-fuel. Mountain Biking in the Pyrenees (VTT) is increasingly popular. There are many marked routes for you to explore, each graded to help choose the right circuit. The grading system follows the standard ski descriptions (green - very easy, blue - easy, red - difficult, black - very difficult). Downhill biking in Luchon is served by the ski lift in the summer. Getting you and your bike up the mountain without effort conserves your energy for the adrenaline-fuelled descent. Heavy, sturdy custom bikes with a low saddle position for a downhill posture are used which have the strength to cope with the rough terrain. Full head-to-toe protection can be hired and is advised!

Sightseeing

The imposing cathedral is one of the most inspiring buildings across the Pyrenees and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 20 minute drive from the house. The Cathedral is open to the public and boasts a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The unique stalls represent biblical characters including scenes such as 'temptation', 'envy' and 'lust'. Bizarrely, there is even a stuffed crocodile on the wall inside the cathedral! The village itself is well worth a stroll, dating back many centuries and the main square is a delightful place to stop for a bite to eat. The village is free from cars so if you don’t fancy the walk up to the village a road train runs frequent shuttles from the parking.
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Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges
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The imposing cathedral is one of the most inspiring buildings across the Pyrenees and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 20 minute drive from the house. The Cathedral is open to the public and boasts a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The unique stalls represent biblical characters including scenes such as 'temptation', 'envy' and 'lust'. Bizarrely, there is even a stuffed crocodile on the wall inside the cathedral! The village itself is well worth a stroll, dating back many centuries and the main square is a delightful place to stop for a bite to eat. The village is free from cars so if you don’t fancy the walk up to the village a road train runs frequent shuttles from the parking.
About a 20 minute drive from the house, the Grottes de Gargas prehistoric caves offer perhaps the best experience in France (after Niaux) to see cave art. A series of steps and walkways show you the physical beauty of the caves themselves and the evidence of human activity - painted designs, incised outlines of animals and above all the amazing and strangely moving array of hand stencils. The visit lasts about 40 minutes and is well worth the effort. It is worthwhile booking in advance as visitor numbers are strictly controlled to preserve the wonder of the caves. There is also an exhibition centre for further insight into the intriguing history of the caves.
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cave of Gargas
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About a 20 minute drive from the house, the Grottes de Gargas prehistoric caves offer perhaps the best experience in France (after Niaux) to see cave art. A series of steps and walkways show you the physical beauty of the caves themselves and the evidence of human activity - painted designs, incised outlines of animals and above all the amazing and strangely moving array of hand stencils. The visit lasts about 40 minutes and is well worth the effort. It is worthwhile booking in advance as visitor numbers are strictly controlled to preserve the wonder of the caves. There is also an exhibition centre for further insight into the intriguing history of the caves.
30 minutes by car Luchon is surrounded by the Pyrenees’ most famous peaks. This lively holiday destination attracts hikers, spa-goers, skiers, mountain-bikers and cyclists all year around. Luchon's elegant Belle Epoque architecture gives the town it's charm. A popular destination among high society from the 18th century onwards it has hosted a long list of dignitaries from Richelieu to Napoleon III and Alexandre Dumas. The town is centred around the Allée d’Etigny, packed with restaurants, bars and shops. The thermal baths are a must, with their ultra-modern fitness, well-being centre and Vaporarium, a huge natural steam bath, the only one of its kind in Europe. Luchon is at the heart of French culture, hosting the International Film & TV Festival in February and the Flower Festival in August.
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Bagnères-de-Luchon
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30 minutes by car Luchon is surrounded by the Pyrenees’ most famous peaks. This lively holiday destination attracts hikers, spa-goers, skiers, mountain-bikers and cyclists all year around. Luchon's elegant Belle Epoque architecture gives the town it's charm. A popular destination among high society from the 18th century onwards it has hosted a long list of dignitaries from Richelieu to Napoleon III and Alexandre Dumas. The town is centred around the Allée d’Etigny, packed with restaurants, bars and shops. The thermal baths are a must, with their ultra-modern fitness, well-being centre and Vaporarium, a huge natural steam bath, the only one of its kind in Europe. Luchon is at the heart of French culture, hosting the International Film & TV Festival in February and the Flower Festival in August.

Local Ski Resorts

Le Mourtis is a small, family orientated ski station 30 minutes drive from the house. Popular with the locals it is not marketed internationally and consequently provides a fantastic low budget ski holiday. It offers protected, predominantly tree lined skiing that makes it an ideal alternative if conditions are inclement in the high altitude bowls of the nearby resorts. There are wide, shallow nursery slopes serviced by three drag lifts at the bottom station at 1420m, ideal for those first tentative slides on the snow. Further up the mountain are enjoyable green, blue and red runs cutting down through the forests served by a network of chair and drag lifts. Intermediates will feel at home here and have ample opportunity to perfect their technique on the forgiving pistes. For the more advanced skier the steep, bumpy, knee-trembling black beneath the Tuc de Pan Chairlift will challenge the best mogul-basher, and after a dump of fresh powder, making tracks through the trees can be great fun. In addition, the red run off of the back of the top station at 1860m offers an enjoyable and challenging descent. Complementing the 22km of downhill pistes, Le Mourtis provides 45km of cross-country skiing amongst the peace and tranquillity of the wooded mountain glades, Snow shoeing trails and dog sled rides.
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Station du Mourtis
188 Col de l'Agus
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Le Mourtis is a small, family orientated ski station 30 minutes drive from the house. Popular with the locals it is not marketed internationally and consequently provides a fantastic low budget ski holiday. It offers protected, predominantly tree lined skiing that makes it an ideal alternative if conditions are inclement in the high altitude bowls of the nearby resorts. There are wide, shallow nursery slopes serviced by three drag lifts at the bottom station at 1420m, ideal for those first tentative slides on the snow. Further up the mountain are enjoyable green, blue and red runs cutting down through the forests served by a network of chair and drag lifts. Intermediates will feel at home here and have ample opportunity to perfect their technique on the forgiving pistes. For the more advanced skier the steep, bumpy, knee-trembling black beneath the Tuc de Pan Chairlift will challenge the best mogul-basher, and after a dump of fresh powder, making tracks through the trees can be great fun. In addition, the red run off of the back of the top station at 1860m offers an enjoyable and challenging descent. Complementing the 22km of downhill pistes, Le Mourtis provides 45km of cross-country skiing amongst the peace and tranquillity of the wooded mountain glades, Snow shoeing trails and dog sled rides.
Luchon Town is a 30 minute drive from La Vieille Ferme. SuperBagneres is perched high above Luchon at 1860m on a sun-drenched mountain balcony surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the Haute Pyrenees. From here you can see a number of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees range including the Maladeta and Aneto peaks. SuperBagneres is accessed by a 10min gondola ride from the town centre or by a 20 minute drive if you want your car nearby. The gondola is the quickest and easiest option. Superbagneres is a compact family ski resort providing 35km of pistes and is very easy to navigate for those less experienced skiers. The skiing is divided up into several sectors with the Techous sector offering easy green and blue runs that will quickly build beginner’s confidence. Directly below the imposing and venerable Grand Hotel, the runs become a little steeper with some interesting red and blue descents through the trees to the Lac d’Arbesquens. From here an access chair takes the rider over a valley to the Cecire sector where the Hount-Estrete chairlift opens up some challenging high mountain terrain. The top station at 2260m offers a number of steep black runs, including the Gouron which follows a steep and narrow line down a powder chute to the bottom of the chair. Intermediates will enjoy the long sweeping blue Marmottes run that provides an 810m vertical descent back to the lake at 1450m. Overall, Superbagneres offers something for all levels of rider and is a great station for families and groups of differing abilities. In keeping with Luchon’s long tradition make sure you visit the thermal baths. There is no better way to soothe those aching muscles than in the warm waters fed from local hot springs.
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Luchon Superbagnères Ski Resort
Avenue Gallieni
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Luchon Town is a 30 minute drive from La Vieille Ferme. SuperBagneres is perched high above Luchon at 1860m on a sun-drenched mountain balcony surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the Haute Pyrenees. From here you can see a number of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees range including the Maladeta and Aneto peaks. SuperBagneres is accessed by a 10min gondola ride from the town centre or by a 20 minute drive if you want your car nearby. The gondola is the quickest and easiest option. Superbagneres is a compact family ski resort providing 35km of pistes and is very easy to navigate for those less experienced skiers. The skiing is divided up into several sectors with the Techous sector offering easy green and blue runs that will quickly build beginner’s confidence. Directly below the imposing and venerable Grand Hotel, the runs become a little steeper with some interesting red and blue descents through the trees to the Lac d’Arbesquens. From here an access chair takes the rider over a valley to the Cecire sector where the Hount-Estrete chairlift opens up some challenging high mountain terrain. The top station at 2260m offers a number of steep black runs, including the Gouron which follows a steep and narrow line down a powder chute to the bottom of the chair. Intermediates will enjoy the long sweeping blue Marmottes run that provides an 810m vertical descent back to the lake at 1450m. Overall, Superbagneres offers something for all levels of rider and is a great station for families and groups of differing abilities. In keeping with Luchon’s long tradition make sure you visit the thermal baths. There is no better way to soothe those aching muscles than in the warm waters fed from local hot springs.
My personal favourite and worth the additional 10-15 minutes in the car compared to Le Mourtis or SuperBagneres, Peyragudes is the linked ski area served by the purpose-built resorts of Peyresourde and Les Agudes. Although many British skiers will be unfamiliar with the ski area, some may recognise Peyresourde as the setting for the opening of Tomorrow Never Dies, where 007 makes a dramatic escape from a ‘Russian’ arms market. The 50km of pistes from 2400m down to 1600m straddle the Col de Flamme and are accessed by an efficient lift network. Intermediates and families are well catered for with wide principally red and blue runs whilst more advanced skiers will find the steep moguls of the Faucons and Eperviers runs and the unpisted Pene Nere challenging. The open nature of the terrain means that off-piste opportunities abound and skiers and boarders are sure to enjoy the snowpark and boardercross. Peyragudes showpiece is the Vallee Blanche, a 6km red run that descends down a hidden valley and through tree-lined farmland. The 1000m vertical, wide variety of terrain and feeling of remoteness make this one of the most enjoyable runs in the French Pyrenees. If you tire of sliding down the white stuff, Peyragudes also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoe treks, husky rides, airboarding and snow archery. You can ride in a piste groomer after the pistes have closed to understand the work of the snow groomers, spend a night in an igloo or get rid of those aches and pains at the Balnéa spa and relaxation centre
Peyragudes
Peyragudes
My personal favourite and worth the additional 10-15 minutes in the car compared to Le Mourtis or SuperBagneres, Peyragudes is the linked ski area served by the purpose-built resorts of Peyresourde and Les Agudes. Although many British skiers will be unfamiliar with the ski area, some may recognise Peyresourde as the setting for the opening of Tomorrow Never Dies, where 007 makes a dramatic escape from a ‘Russian’ arms market. The 50km of pistes from 2400m down to 1600m straddle the Col de Flamme and are accessed by an efficient lift network. Intermediates and families are well catered for with wide principally red and blue runs whilst more advanced skiers will find the steep moguls of the Faucons and Eperviers runs and the unpisted Pene Nere challenging. The open nature of the terrain means that off-piste opportunities abound and skiers and boarders are sure to enjoy the snowpark and boardercross. Peyragudes showpiece is the Vallee Blanche, a 6km red run that descends down a hidden valley and through tree-lined farmland. The 1000m vertical, wide variety of terrain and feeling of remoteness make this one of the most enjoyable runs in the French Pyrenees. If you tire of sliding down the white stuff, Peyragudes also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoe treks, husky rides, airboarding and snow archery. You can ride in a piste groomer after the pistes have closed to understand the work of the snow groomers, spend a night in an igloo or get rid of those aches and pains at the Balnéa spa and relaxation centre

Local Walks

What to Expect: - Great views back down the Barousse valley - Picturesque, hilltop medieval village - Pretty church in the village often open to visitors - Impressive viaduct over the River Ourse - 30 minute amble to Esbareich from the house Route Guide: Starting from the doorsteps of La Vielle Ferme turn left at the gates and follow the road up and away from Mauleon Barousse village. This was the main route to Esbareich village until the building of an impressive viaduct linked Esbareich to the main road up through the Barousse valley. Now the track is mainly used by walkers and mountain bikers. You will soon come across Mauleon Barousse's 2nd chateau from where the path starts to open out onto fields and woodland and winds its way up to Esbareich. At Esbareich take some time to walk amongst the ancient streets and houses before enjoying glorious views back down the valley for the walk back. To make this a circular route join the main road left out of the village and over the impressive viaduct. Once across the viaduct, turn left and follow the road back down to Mauleon Barousse.
Esbareich
What to Expect: - Great views back down the Barousse valley - Picturesque, hilltop medieval village - Pretty church in the village often open to visitors - Impressive viaduct over the River Ourse - 30 minute amble to Esbareich from the house Route Guide: Starting from the doorsteps of La Vielle Ferme turn left at the gates and follow the road up and away from Mauleon Barousse village. This was the main route to Esbareich village until the building of an impressive viaduct linked Esbareich to the main road up through the Barousse valley. Now the track is mainly used by walkers and mountain bikers. You will soon come across Mauleon Barousse's 2nd chateau from where the path starts to open out onto fields and woodland and winds its way up to Esbareich. At Esbareich take some time to walk amongst the ancient streets and houses before enjoying glorious views back down the valley for the walk back. To make this a circular route join the main road left out of the village and over the impressive viaduct. Once across the viaduct, turn left and follow the road back down to Mauleon Barousse.
What to Expect: - Great views back down the Barousse valley - Buy the local delicacy, Sost cheese - The end of the valley and start of the rugged Pyrenees - 1 hour amble to Sost from the house Route Guide: Starting from the doorsteps of La Vielle Ferme turn left at the gates and follow the road up and away from Mauleon Barousse village. This was the main route to Esbareich village until the building of an impressive viaduct linked Esbareich to the main road up through the Barousse valley. Now the track is mainly used by walkers and mountain bikers. You will soon come across Mauleon Barousse's 2nd chateau from where the path starts to open out onto fields and woodland and winds its way up to Esbareich. At Esbareich continue on the path past the church in the centre of the village and up to the cemetry. Follow the path all the way to Sost. Many of the houses at Sost advertise and sell their local produce, Sost cheese. the Pyrenees mountain pastures produce a uniquely flavoured cheese sole throughout France, well worth a try. To make this a circular route join the main road out of the village and back down to Mauleon Barousse. There is not a huge amount of traffic through the Barousse valley so the main is fine for walkers.
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Sost
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What to Expect: - Great views back down the Barousse valley - Buy the local delicacy, Sost cheese - The end of the valley and start of the rugged Pyrenees - 1 hour amble to Sost from the house Route Guide: Starting from the doorsteps of La Vielle Ferme turn left at the gates and follow the road up and away from Mauleon Barousse village. This was the main route to Esbareich village until the building of an impressive viaduct linked Esbareich to the main road up through the Barousse valley. Now the track is mainly used by walkers and mountain bikers. You will soon come across Mauleon Barousse's 2nd chateau from where the path starts to open out onto fields and woodland and winds its way up to Esbareich. At Esbareich continue on the path past the church in the centre of the village and up to the cemetry. Follow the path all the way to Sost. Many of the houses at Sost advertise and sell their local produce, Sost cheese. the Pyrenees mountain pastures produce a uniquely flavoured cheese sole throughout France, well worth a try. To make this a circular route join the main road out of the village and back down to Mauleon Barousse. There is not a huge amount of traffic through the Barousse valley so the main is fine for walkers.
What to Expect: - Anglo-Canadian WW2 Cemetery - Spectacular views over the Pic-du-Gar and other peaks - 1 hour 10 mins from the parking area Route Guide: This walk is full of history and contemplation. During WW2 French Resistance fighters hid out in the mountains. Former Spanish Republican fighters who had fled Spain when Franco and the Nazis won the civil war would come down at night to ambush the Germans. Their directive from London was to prevent the SS division from leaving for Normandy. The Anglo-Canadian cemetery is the last resting place of a Canadian pilot and six RAF crewmen whose plane crashed on the Pic-du-Douly whilst attempting to resupply the resistance fighters, who were in a life or death battle against a regiment of the 12th SS Panzer Division. Every year the ex-French Resistance fighters and the local population of the Nistos valley commemorate the crash from RAF 624 Special Duties Squadron. Drive through the villages of Nistos Bas and Nistos Haut until you see a signpost directing you off to the left, marked up as "Cimetiere - Anglo Canadien, Clos du Douly". Once on the trail watch out for a narrow path up to the right as the main, wider path heads down. Gradually walk around the hillside in the forest until you are rewarded with glorious views over the Pic-du-Gar and other peaks. In the small timber hut next door to the cemetery you can sign the visitors book and pay tribute to those that died.
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Nistos
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What to Expect: - Anglo-Canadian WW2 Cemetery - Spectacular views over the Pic-du-Gar and other peaks - 1 hour 10 mins from the parking area Route Guide: This walk is full of history and contemplation. During WW2 French Resistance fighters hid out in the mountains. Former Spanish Republican fighters who had fled Spain when Franco and the Nazis won the civil war would come down at night to ambush the Germans. Their directive from London was to prevent the SS division from leaving for Normandy. The Anglo-Canadian cemetery is the last resting place of a Canadian pilot and six RAF crewmen whose plane crashed on the Pic-du-Douly whilst attempting to resupply the resistance fighters, who were in a life or death battle against a regiment of the 12th SS Panzer Division. Every year the ex-French Resistance fighters and the local population of the Nistos valley commemorate the crash from RAF 624 Special Duties Squadron. Drive through the villages of Nistos Bas and Nistos Haut until you see a signpost directing you off to the left, marked up as "Cimetiere - Anglo Canadien, Clos du Douly". Once on the trail watch out for a narrow path up to the right as the main, wider path heads down. Gradually walk around the hillside in the forest until you are rewarded with glorious views over the Pic-du-Gar and other peaks. In the small timber hut next door to the cemetery you can sign the visitors book and pay tribute to those that died.
What to Expect: - Not suitable for young children - Wear walking boots or good trainers - Spectacular views over the Garonne valley and the Pyrenees - 2 hour walk from the parking area Route Guide: This walk is not suitable for young children as the last approximate 250m does get steeper and more difficult. To get to this walk take the 20 minute drive to Eup, where you will find a small car park not far from the start of the path which is signposted from the village. The track is well used and easy to follow as you make your way up through the forest. As the path snakes its way up to the top you will catch glimpses of the imposing limestone peak through the trees, standing at 1785m above sea level. There is 1 turn to watch out for where the main path continues straight on there is a small turning up to the right to follow the track to the peak. The last approximate 250m of climbing is steeper and a little more difficult, but nothing that would require specialist equipment, just sensible walking shoes or good trainers. Once at the top you will enjoy spectacular views over the Garonne valley and the surrounding peaks. The summit is a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic before making the journey back down.
Pic du Gar
What to Expect: - Not suitable for young children - Wear walking boots or good trainers - Spectacular views over the Garonne valley and the Pyrenees - 2 hour walk from the parking area Route Guide: This walk is not suitable for young children as the last approximate 250m does get steeper and more difficult. To get to this walk take the 20 minute drive to Eup, where you will find a small car park not far from the start of the path which is signposted from the village. The track is well used and easy to follow as you make your way up through the forest. As the path snakes its way up to the top you will catch glimpses of the imposing limestone peak through the trees, standing at 1785m above sea level. There is 1 turn to watch out for where the main path continues straight on there is a small turning up to the right to follow the track to the peak. The last approximate 250m of climbing is steeper and a little more difficult, but nothing that would require specialist equipment, just sensible walking shoes or good trainers. Once at the top you will enjoy spectacular views over the Garonne valley and the surrounding peaks. The summit is a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic before making the journey back down.
What to Expect: - Free to enter the castle - Open all year - Step inside a 6th century castle - Fantastic views over the valley from the castle ramparts - 40 minute amble to the castle from the house Route Guide: Starting from the doorsteps of La Vielle Ferme walk down into the village square. Follow the road signposted to Luchon and Ferrerre. As you reach a large bend veering left take the track up to the right signposted to Maison de Source. The footpath begins as you enter the grounds of the Maison de Source (a nice park, Museum and BBQ/Picnic area with river running through it). You can join the path by veering up left after entering the grounds of the Maison de Source or pick up the track just behind the main Museum building. The shady track passes through the woodland and you will start to notice that you are on an ancient road with clearly defined walls either side dating back many centuries, it could easily be a scene straight out of the Hobbit. Bramevaque Castle itself is open all year, free to enter and well worth climbing the steps up to the rooftop turrets. The views over the Barousse Valley from this elevated position are spectacular. Walk down the other side of the castle and you will soon be in Bramevaque village. A quaint, peaceful collection of houses from where you can join the main road back up to Maueon Barousse to make it a circular route
Chateau de Bramevaque
place du tilleul
What to Expect: - Free to enter the castle - Open all year - Step inside a 6th century castle - Fantastic views over the valley from the castle ramparts - 40 minute amble to the castle from the house Route Guide: Starting from the doorsteps of La Vielle Ferme walk down into the village square. Follow the road signposted to Luchon and Ferrerre. As you reach a large bend veering left take the track up to the right signposted to Maison de Source. The footpath begins as you enter the grounds of the Maison de Source (a nice park, Museum and BBQ/Picnic area with river running through it). You can join the path by veering up left after entering the grounds of the Maison de Source or pick up the track just behind the main Museum building. The shady track passes through the woodland and you will start to notice that you are on an ancient road with clearly defined walls either side dating back many centuries, it could easily be a scene straight out of the Hobbit. Bramevaque Castle itself is open all year, free to enter and well worth climbing the steps up to the rooftop turrets. The views over the Barousse Valley from this elevated position are spectacular. Walk down the other side of the castle and you will soon be in Bramevaque village. A quaint, peaceful collection of houses from where you can join the main road back up to Maueon Barousse to make it a circular route
What to Expect: - Great views over the valley - Refuge near the summit - Circular route available - 30 minute drive to the start Route Guide: Starting from the Auberge La Soulan before you arrive at Le Mourtis ski station, the track starts opposite this bar restaurant. The gravel track is very easy to follow as you edge up through the forest offering glimpses of the higher mountains as you follow the trail. Once arriving through the forest the panoramic views open up with glorious views over the valley and the refuge available in sight. To make this a circular route take the right off the main path just down from the refuge, which makes this a 5km circular route. It took us with our 9 year old 1hr 45 mins on the circular route. There is a further walk rising further up into the mountains if you wish
Le Mourtis, 31160 Milhas, Francia
What to Expect: - Great views over the valley - Refuge near the summit - Circular route available - 30 minute drive to the start Route Guide: Starting from the Auberge La Soulan before you arrive at Le Mourtis ski station, the track starts opposite this bar restaurant. The gravel track is very easy to follow as you edge up through the forest offering glimpses of the higher mountains as you follow the trail. Once arriving through the forest the panoramic views open up with glorious views over the valley and the refuge available in sight. To make this a circular route take the right off the main path just down from the refuge, which makes this a 5km circular route. It took us with our 9 year old 1hr 45 mins on the circular route. There is a further walk rising further up into the mountains if you wish