View from the Pyrenees
June 2007
Welcome to the June issue where we are gearing up for a hectic summer. In this edition we take you up to the highest French Pyrenean summit and then follow the Tour de France route as we go cycling Pyrenees. We rest up at Saint Lary Soulan, one of the Pyrenees true all year round adventure resorts before showing you some of the varied options at your disposal for accommodation Pyrenees. Happy reading and here's to your Pyrenees holiday.
- Landmarks to visit – Vignemale and Lake Gaube
- Activities – Cycling Pyrenees
- Saint-Lary Soulan – All Year Round Resort
- Finding Hotels Pyrenees
Contents
Landmarks to visit – Vignemale and Lake Gaube
Located close to the popular all year round resort of Cauterets is the Vignemale massif.
This massif straddles the border between Aragon in Spain and the Hautes Pyrenees in France.
There are several impressive peaks in the range including the Grande Vignemale (or Pique Longue), pictured left. Standing 3298m tall it is the highest of the French Pyrenean summits.
Lake Gaube provides the perfect setting from which to enjoy the dramatic views of Mount Vignemale and the surrounding peaks. The lake is approximately a 1 hour 30 minute walk from Cauterets, or you can save time by taking the chairlift from the Pont d’Espagne.
The delightful Pyrenean Spa town of Cauterets is conveniently located 32km southwest of Lourdes. It lies in the beautiful Gave de Cauterets valley bordering the Pyrenees National Park. Cauterets is an excellent centre for excursions in and around the area.
Read MoreActivities – Cycling Pyrenees
One of the most popular sports in France. Thousands of riders cycle everyday as professional, amateur or for pleasure. You'll see many people on the roads in small groups, teams or as individuals enjoying cycling Pyrenees.
So why not join in, the Pyrenees offers some of the most spectacular rides both on and off road in Europe.
The Tour de France 2007 will be breaking new ground in the Pyrenees in July. The Pyrenean stages are:
Stage 15 - 23rd July - 196km - Foix - Loudenvielle Le Louron
Stage 16 - 25th July - 219km - Orthez to Gourette Col d’Aubisque
Stage 15 - This stage takes in five cols including the Port de Balès, a gruelling 19.5km at 6.2% gradient and a first for the tour. It is expected to be one of the major stages and will also be the course for the Étape du Tour on 16th July when around 8000 amateurs will have the chance to tackle the arduous course.
Stage 16 - This second stage in the Pyrenees takes in four great climbs, the Port de Larrau, the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, Col de Marie-Blanque and finally the Col d’Aubisque.
Further details can be found on the official Tour de France website www.letour.fr
Read More
Saint-Lary Soulan – All Year Round Resort
Located in the heart of a vast natural border area with Spain, Saint-Lary Soulan has all the charm and character of a true mountain village. With the close of the winter season thoughts turn to the broad spectrum of summer activities from walking or cycling to rafting or parapenting, from cultural heritage to health and vitality. Young or old, take a relaxing breath of fresh air and live life at your own pace in this magnificent Pyrenean mountain setting.
As the school holidays approach it is worth noting that Saint-Lary Soulan is an approved "Famille Plus Montagne". It is committed to offering the very best amenities and activities for your child’s enjoyment.
Click Here for accommodation in and around Saint-Lary Soulan
Finding Hotels Pyrenees
