View from the Pyrenees
August 2007
Welcome to the August issue where we take you from the heights of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre to the plunging depths of deep Pyrenean canyons. Stopping off at the small but perfectly formed spa town of Cauterets I am sure you will find the perfect spot for a weekend break or for a longer Pyrenees holiday. Happy reading and here's to you Canyoning in the Pyrenees!
- Landmarks to visit – Pic du Midi de Bigorre
- Activities – Canyoning Pyrenees
- Cauterets — Popular for weekenders
- Finding Gites Pyrenees
Contents
Landmarks to visit – Pic du Midi de Bigorre
The Pic du Midi is situated close to the French ~ Spanish border near the winter ski resort of La Mongie. One of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees it is also the home to a spectacular observatory, impressively perched on the top, which would not look out of place in a James Bond film.
Since 2003 the Pic du Midi has been classified as a national natural site for the beauty of its scenery.
Access to the observatory is by cable car from the nearby ski resort of La Mongie. You leave La Mongie at an altitude of 1,800 metres and arrive at the Pic’s summit of 2,877 metres, some 15 minutes later.
During the winter, ski guides take good intermediate skiers and boarders on a jaw-dropping off-piste descent back to La Mongie.
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Activities – Canyoning Pyrenees
Why bother with a boat? Don your wetsuit and take to the water for a mix of jumping down waterfalls and wading through rivers. Some routes just need an ability to swim whilst others require helmets, ropes and even some abseiling skills.
The principle canyoning centre is in the Sierra de Guara in Spain and for France try the Gave de Pau in Haute Pyrenees, the high Ariège or the Gorge de Galamus in the Aude.
Cauterets — Popular for weekenders
The small town of Cauterets, approximately 30km from Lourdes in the beautiful Gave valley borders the Pyrenees National Park. It is a popular spot for many British visitors, especially those arriving at the nearby Lourdes or Pau airports.
In winter it is the ideal base for beginner to intermediate skiers and boarders. Access to the high mountain slopes is provided by cable car from the centre of the town and it enjoys one of the liveliest après ski scenes in the Pyrenees.
Throughout the rest of year the town is popular with climbers and walkers, but also to those seeking to enjoy the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters.
For accommodation in and around Cauterets Click Here
Finding Gites Pyrenees
