The Area

 

St Betrand de Comminges is on the route of Saint-Jaques de Compostelle. It is the site of an ancient Roman town guarding the old routes to Spain via the Aran valley. The cathedral cloisters overlook stunning views of the foothills of the Pyrenees.

 

Aurignac is a charming hilltop village which still has vestiges of its fortifications including the Chateau Cantal with 13th century Donjon. It boasts a museum of prehistory reflecting important discoveries in 1862.

Abbaye de Bonnefont a local walk from Beauchalot leads to the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey.

Le Mas-d’Azil can be found North East of St Girons. The discoveries in the cave gave rise to the naming of the Azilian Age of pre-history. The drive through the cave by car following the river’s course is unique. Guided tours and slide shows are available through the summer months.

Gavarnie is a world heritage site within the Parc National des Pyrenees. It is possible to visit the Cirque by foot or horseback from the village and the trip is rewarded by the views of the waterfalls. This exceptional place with its magical scenery has a wondrous array of wild flowers in spring and summer.

Lourdes with its famous shrine can be visited en route to or from Gavarnie.

Spain and the Ordessa National Park lie over the border and are very different in flavour.

Toulouse, capital of the Midi Pyrenees with shops, theatres, restaurants, markets and famous architecture is 40 minutes away. It is possible to travel to Toulouse by train.

The Canal du Midi starts at Toulouse and joins the Mediterranean.

Carcassonne - the world famous medieval city is accessible by motorway and lies 90 minutes to the East.

Golf - a superb course is available half an hour from the house in Lannemezan.

Skiing - excellent Skiing is available at Peyragudes, which is approximately 1 hour away from the house.

The pistes...

The summer scenery is equally attractive and offers a wide variety of alternative sports such as hiking, mountain biking and parapenting.

For Children

African Safari Park (Plaisance de Touch)

Cité d’Espace (Toulouse)

Suspended Forest (St Lary)

Parc de Loisirs (Near Luchon)

Lac de Loisirs - Children's World (Lannemezan)