View from the Pyrenees
July 2007
Welcome to the July issue. Summer is here and the weather is great. My commiserations to those stuck in a very wet and flooded England. Best bet, take some time off and come walking in the Pyrenees. There are plenty of routes to suit all ages and ability, more of that below. We also visit the Cathar legend at Puilarens Castle in the Eastern Pyrenees before heading to the delightful spa town of Luchon in the heart of the Pyrenees. Wherever you choose to go ePyrenees.com can help provide your accommodation, an airport transfer or a mountain guide.
Happy reading and here's to your Pyrenees holiday.
- Landmarks to visit – Puilarens Cathar Castle
- Activities – Walking Pyrenees
- Luchon - Elegant Pyrenean Spa town
- Finding Hotels Pyrenees
Contents
Landmarks to visit – Puilarens Cathar Castle
Perched high on its rocky outcrop at 700 metres altitude above the Boulzare Valley and the village of Lapradelle is the well preserved Cathar Castle of Puilaurens. This formidable medieval fortress is mentioned as far back as the 10th century and comprises four towers and a crenellated curtain wall. It had belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa before it was acquired by the King of Aragon in 1162.
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Following the course of the River Aude through the rolling foothills of the Eastern Pyrenees is the Haute Vallée, an area steeped in history, natural beauty and the setting for Puilarens Castle.
The Haute Vallée is a popular destination for walkers, climbers, cyclists and those seeking to relax.
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And for local accommodation click here.
Activities – Walking Pyrenees
Most of the major summits are attainable to a fit walker.
Throughout the Pyrenees there are numerous marked trails, of which the main long distance routes are the GR10 (Grande Randonnée 10) in France, the GR11 (Gran Recorrido 11) in Spain and the HRP (Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne). Each one traverses the entire range from the Atlantic across to the Mediterranean.
The Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage route snakes up through the Pyrenees towards its final destination. The entire length is now classed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
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Luchon - Elegant Pyrenean Spa town
Surrounded by high mountain peaks and sandwiched between some of the most interesting sections of the GR10 route is the delightful Pyrenean spa town of Luchon. This has been a favoured base for hikers and climbers since the pioneering days of mountain exploration.
Take a leisurely stroll along the tree lined Allee d’Etigny stopping at one of the numerous pavement cafes. You will find an abundance of interesting shops, bars, restaurants, a casino and night clubs for the late night revellers.
Luchon twinned in 1952 with another successful spa town, Harrogate in England. The town even attracts stars of the silver screen when it holds its annual film festival every February.
The Tour de France regularly passes through Luchon ensuring its popularity with road-bikers. Mountain-bikers are also in for a treat with hundreds of kilometres of tracks to choose from as well as the thrilling 1200m descent from Superbagneres serviced throughout the summer by cable car. You can also take to the skies at Luchon’s aerodrome and go canyoning or rafting to complete an adrenalin packed visit.
In winter Superbagneres is a compact family ski resort providing 35km of pistes and unbelievable views over the surrounding high peaks.
Less than 90 miles away from Toulouse airport and with an efficient airport transfer service long-weekend breaks are easy to this charming town.
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Click Here for accommodation in and around Luchon
Finding Hotels Pyrenees
