Heritage
Lourdes and its Sanctuary
The Grotto of Massabielle, the basilica and the torchlight processions. Ideal for a serene pilgrimage, with peace and quiet to return to in the evening.
Things to see and do
The Hautes-Pyrénées on your doorstep
Sanctuaries, summits, lakes and characterful villages: here are Hélène’s favourites, all less than an hour from the gîte.
- Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport5 min
- Ossun station5 min’ walk
- Lourdes10 min
- Tarbes10 min
- Argelès-Gazost20 min
- Pau30 min
- Cauterets, Tourmalet, Pic du Midi40 to 50 min
- Gavarnie1 h
- Spain, Basque Country beaches1 h 30
Our favourites
Landscapes you’ll never forget
Approximate driving times from the gîte.
Mountains
Pic du Midi de Bigorre
The cable car from La Mongie takes you up to 2,877 m: a breathtaking panorama over the whole range, and the walkway suspended over the void.
Mountains
Pont d’Espagne, Cauterets
Waterfalls, pine forests and the Lac de Gaube: a magnificent, accessible walk, best done early in the morning to enjoy the calm.
Mountains
Cirque de Gavarnie and Cirque de Troumouse
UNESCO World Heritage sites: towering rock walls, dizzying waterfalls and flocks on their summer pastures.
Lakes
Lac des Gloriettes and Estaube valley
A turquoise lake at the foot of the peaks, then a wild valley carpeted with flowers in spring. An easy walk, perfect for families.
Lakes
Lac de Payolle
Walk or ride on horseback around the lake, picnic by the water, and in winter enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Lakes
Lac de Suyen and Toue de Doumblas
At the far end of the Val d’Azun, a family hike to an old shepherd’s hut nestled beneath a rock.
Heritage
Lourdes Castle
A medieval fortress housing the Pyrenean Museum: traditions, costumes and mountain life of days gone by.
Family
Shepherd for a day
Meet shepherds and their flocks, and taste ewe’s milk cheeses on the farms of the Val d’Azun and Saint-Savin.
For families
Activities for all ages
- Pyrenees Wildlife ParkAgos-Vidalos20 min
- Donjon des Aigles (birds of prey show)Beaucens25 min
- Lau Folies water parkLau-Balagnas25 min
- Lourdes Lake: walks and paddleboardingLourdes15 min
- Voie Verte des Gaves cycle pathLourdes → Pierrefitte15 min
- White-water raftingArgelès-Gazost25 min
- Thermal baths and spas (Les Bains du Rocher…)Cauterets, Argelès, Bagnères25 to 50 min
- Massey Museum and gardensTarbes10 min
- Saturday morning marketBagnères-de-Bigorre35 min
- Col du Tourmalet by bikeBarèges / La Mongie50 min
In winter
Skiing, snowshoeing and snow
- Hautacam35 min
- Val d’Azun (cross-country skiing)35 min
- Cauterets40 min
- Luz-Ardiden50 min
- Grand Tourmalet (Barèges – La Mongie)50 min
Heating is provided from October to May, and the fireplace makes winter evenings especially cosy.
