With the mountains so close by, less than an hours drive away, and Spain only 1½ hours away, the area offers a host of opportunities for sightseeing and activities for the more adventurous.
It's absolutely packed with things to do - we've lived here for 10 years now already and hardly managed to visit them all.
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In early spring there is skiing 45 minutes away with a choice of resorts.
They aren't as grand as the Alps but they are certainly less crowded, and you spend more time skiing rather than queuing at the chair lifts.
There's plenty of off-piste skiing too.
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For those that find sitting in a jacuzzi a bit tame, we can organise some excellent "watersports" and you can fulfill your fantasy of dressing up in latex at the same time!
A great afternoon of fun bouncing down the Gave de Pau, instead of your partner, on one of the beautiful rivers that flows via Lourdes towards Pau.
This activity is not for the faint hearted especially in May/June when the waters are high and fast.
Devotees of colonic irrigation will be delighted.
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Peter & Manuela crewing HMS Dildo |
Almost in !!! Peter doing the can-can |
Guests will be under supervision of qualified instructors from our favourite Rafting Company, fully equipped with helmets, life jackets, wet suits and under the supervision of a very stern mistress! Oh la la indeed!
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In summer the choice widens greatly as the weather gets warmer.
Popular choices are the local markets, visiting abandoned monasteries and touring, either on foot or by car, around the spectacular mountains and gorges.
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We have taken some clients skiing, rafting and mountain walking whilst others are content to sit around the pool and relax.
The wildlife in the area is of interest too, with an astonishing variety of birds of prey, including, in the mountains, golden eagles and Griffon vultures.
Even at Peyraille it is not uncommon to have half a dozen red kites soaring overhead.
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We can take you on tours to Spain and also accompany you on mountain walks, as and when we are available, where you can benefit from our knowledge of the area and some 30 years mountaineering experience, be it a gentle walk and a picnic or a full day excursion to some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
These excursions are supplemental to your stay here and not included in the price of your holiday.
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And when it rains, as it does sometimes, there are local markets and caves to explore, and also the quaint shopping streets of Toulouse.
After an afternoon's shopping and a good evening meal, what about an exciting evening playing in our Pleasure Zone or relaxing in the Jacuzzi
Here's a suggested list of 20 favourite things to do and visit when you are here! You can't just play with people all the time, can you ?
Just look what you can do!
This is an important reason why some couples have been coming down to visit us for the 5th and 6th time.
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Suggested itineraries/ideas for your stay :
This is a very short selection - leaflets available on more activities.
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| 1. |
Visit to the Chateau Fort of Lourdes.
The town itself is horribly commercial. You can combine this excursion with a trip to the Donjon des Aigles* or Gavarnie*.
76 miles 2 hours round trip to Lourdes center.
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| 2. |
Trip to Spain visiting the ancient restored town of Ainsa, via the gorges of the Rio Cinqa.
Excellent restaurant with menu from 18 euros.
Buy cheap wine, cigarettes at Bielsa.
About 150 miles (200k) there and back; 4 hours drive return.
Best to leave before 10.00am. so that you can lunch in Ainsa.
There are a number of walks from here, some through gorges and canyons.
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| 3. |
The Pic du Midi telecabin via the ski resort of La Mongie.
Spectacular drive following the famous Tour de France route.
The Pic has an observatory with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and is one of the highest local mountains at 2877 metres.
Outstanding views - best obviously for a clear day.
80 miles 2 hours 30 minutes round trip.
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| 4. |
Visit to the Lac d'Ôo (pronounced "Oh")
Drive to Bagneres de Luchon and an easy 1 hour walk to the lake and cascade.
Mountain refuge provides a simple lunch.
A further 2 hours and you reach the lake and refuge d'Espingo (for confirmed mountain walkers only).
Very safe and gentle.
130 miles 3¾ hours driving round trip.
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| 5. |
Lac Bleu - 900 metres of ascent ( day trip) either via Col de Tourmalet or valley de la Gripp.
72 miles 2 hours 20 minutes round trip.+ 5 hours walking.
Superb day out walking, refuge offers meals/refreshment. For confirmed walkers only.
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| 6. |
Visit to Chateau de Mauvoisin. 15 minutes from Lannemezan; jousting displays in August, combine this with a visit to the Abbey d'Escaladieu
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| 7. |
Col d'Aspin and Payolle.
Site of the most determined battle between the Resistance and German occupying forces.
Beautiful woods and lake and favorite picnic area.
Excellent views from the col d'Aspin.
Good steak and chips available.
77 miles 2 hours 20 minutes round trip. |
| 8. |
Reserve Naturelle de Neouveille.
A condensed lake district with some easy walks around some of the lower lakes in view of the Neouveille itself at 3004 metres; also the base for more serious walks for confirmed walkers.
Ask us about which walks you prefer.
95 miles 2 hours 45 minutes round trip. |
| 9. |
The Fortified Cathedral of St Bertrand de Cominges.
Charming village with large 13th century Cathedral, shops and art gallery.
Excellent book shop for those that like art.
49 miles - 1½ hours driving round trip.
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| 10. |
The Market of Bagneres de Bigorre (Saturday morning) interesting local produce, casino, spas.
Quaint old fashioned town.
49 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes driving round trip.
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| 11. |
Lannemezan Market (spot the local beauties!) fruit and vegetable market and lots of clothes, tractors and farm animals. (Trade in your partner for a new one !)
Interesting local produce and much bigger than the Bagneres market.
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| 12. |
Le Petit Train d'Artouste If you really can't be bothered to walk yet want to see the mountains in a typically tourist fashion..
Great view of the Ossau mountain.
And visit to the Lac d"Artouste via a small choo-choo train.
Rather touristy but fun.
Around 3-3½ hrs for the trip. 170 miles round trip.
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| 13. |
The Jazz festival of Marciac.
Usually first fortnight of August.
All the big international stars play here - great atmosphere.
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| 14. |
The cave systems of Medous, Betharam, and Esparros.
For those that wish to see beautiful cave formations and best reserved for a wet day.
Leaflets available.
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| 15. |
Gailhou-Durdos.
Speciality shop selling fine fois gras, pâtes and conserves for those who wish to purchase Gourmet items.
Based in the center of Tournay.
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| 16. |
Rafting/Canyoning.
Various points of departure available.
Note that this activity can be dangerous and it is NOT recommended that you have a large liquid lunch beforehand.
These activities are monitored by specially trained personnel whose advice must be obeyed..
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| 17. |
Mountain walking.
By arrangement
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| 18. |
Donjon des Aigles.
Very spectacular falconry display with free flights of vultures, red kites and eagles.
Well known and highly respected.
Near Argeles Gazost.
Combine with a trip to Lourdes or Gavarnie.
100 miles round trip about 3½ hours driving.
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| 19. |
Gavarnie.
Spectacular cirque with Europe's highest free falling cascade.
Walk to the cascade and have lunch there.
Crowded at the height of the season.
Horse flies galore, but very beautiful.
140 miles round trip 4 hours driving
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| 20. |
Toulouse.
Incorporate a visit to one of the saunas as well for an afternoon of pure fun !
Certain afternoons are couples only; others for greedy girls !
Apart from the sex, there's shopping and sightseeing as well as a host of good restaurants.
Best for a day that isn't too hot as the city can be stifling in summer.
175 miles round trip 3 hours 15 minutes driving.
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