Hiking and Walking
Saléchan a pretty village situated in the beautiful Barousse valley is an ideal location to hike and walk from for all levels and abilities whether that be gentle walks by the Saléchan Lakes, the Garonne river and the local forest walks, such as that linking the village to Siridan and beyond. For the more challenged individuals there is Pic du Gar a three hour climb and many more challenging hikes all around the region, an opportunity to take in and wonder at the majesty of the scenery offered by the Pyrenées, a great place to challenge the hikers’ physical strength and enhance ones’ overall sense of well-being and mental health.
A mountain range that stretches 430km from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenées include many peaks in excess 2700m, the highest being Pico de Aneto which rises some 3404m. Mythically, the range is named after Pyrene, a princess and lover of Hercules who tragically died having fled to a forest. Legend being that the mountains formed from her tomb! In truth, the mountain chain owes its ruggedness to granite, a volcanic rock that erodes slowly, yielding such magnificence. Importantly, the Pyrenées is home to a range of people and languages including, French, Spanish, Basque, Catalan and other dialects. It is a place of fascination.
Cycling
Since the Tour de France was established in 1903, cycling and the Pyrenées have been synonymous with one another. Whilst the course changes year to year the Pyrenées along with the Alps have been at the core of the races ever since, apart from interruptions during the two world wars. There are many famous climbs in the Pyrenées such as Portet d'Aspet, Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque, Marie Blanque, Peyresourde, Puymorens, and Plateau de Beille, all embedded in the historical annals of the race. Interest in cycling has grown over the decades with an evolution from the traditional road racing to Mountain biking and other easier modes of cycling enjoyment for all. Our apartment is ideally located to access all the forms of cycling, at all levels, available in the region and includes secure housing for cyclists’ bikes and equipment.
Skiing
The Pyrenées is the place for a number of well known ski resorts. Our apartment is 25mins from the tele-cabin in Luchon which takes you up to SuperBagnere and about 40 mins from Le Mourtis. Peyragudes is 35-40 mins drive. Check out the links for current status and prices. Our apartment offers secure storage for all your equipment.
Visit Local Markets
Take a morning out and visit one of our local markets, experience French life first hand. There are large open and covered markets in Montrejeau on Mondays, Bagnere de Luchon, Wednesday and Saturdays and St Gaudens on Thursdays. Many villages have small local markets as well.
Cultural Sites
The Pyrenées contain a wealth of cultural destinations to visit and explore. Saint Bertrand de Comminges with its famous Cathedral is only 15 minutes from our apartment. Established in medieval times the town as shaped nowadays came about after 1083AD when Bertrand de L’Isle became Bishop. It was he who built the Cathedral and made significant improvements to the quality of life in the town which following his canonisation in 1218 adopted the current name of the town in 1222. The town and its cathedral are well worth a visit.
Also, nearby, are the famous Grottes de Gargas with their fascinating artworks dating back some 27000 years. There is also an accompanying interpretative centre.
Many local cultural historical sites nearby can be found at Neste Barousse.
A little further away, 25 minute drive, is the well known town of Bagnere de Luchon, with its roots stretching back some 2000 years. Known for its thermal baths it has been a destination for royalty and other famous individuals since the time of Empress Eugenie. The town has also been a key part of the Tour de France, ever since the race was established. It is also connected to SuperBagnere Ski Resort by cable car, recently rebuilt and re-opened December 2023. With Parapenting and a small airfield offering gliding, sports-fields and tennis courts the town is a sports and outdoor activity must. The town boasts attractive and impressive period architecture and offers many speciality shops selling local foods, drink and crafts for the discerning traveller.
Accessible by train from Montrejeau, if wanting a rest from driving, are the cities of Lourdes and Pau. Lourdes, the famous Catholic pilgrimage site. Each year, millions, including thousands from Ireland, visit the Grotto of Massabielle where, in 1858, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a local woman. West of Lourdes is Pau accessible by train or car. A walk along central Pau's Boulevard des Pyrénées offers countryside views and mountain panoramas on clear days. The boulevard leads up to the castle of Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV of France and Navarre, worth a guided tour, with period furnishings and artworks. Enjoy a lunch in the open-air in one of the restaurants in the city centre.
Contact
Address
Vue du Gar,
445 Camin de Menut,
65370 Saléchan,
France
Phone
+33 (0) 788888175
