View from the Pyrenees
May 2007
Welcome to the May issue. Summer is approaching and for many people it is time to think about what to do and where to go this year. Well here are a few suggestions to help you on your way. You can visit one of the most awe inspiring natural monuments in the Pyrenees, the Cirque de Gavarnie, you can try your hand at white water rafting on melt water swelled rivers flowing off the mountains or enjoy the many delights of the Ariege. 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 – Cirque de Gavarnie / Breche de Roland
- Activities – White Water Rafting?
- Ariege - A Thousand Years of History
- Finding Hotels Pyrenees
Contents
Landmarks to visit – Cirque de Gavarnie / Breche de Roland
This month we focus on the Cirque de Gavarnie, considered to be one of the most spectacular natural features in Europe attracting visitors from across the globe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated within the Pyrenean National Park and near the village of Gavarnie.
The Cirque de Gavarnie is a spectacular glacial bowl 800 metres wide at the deepest point and about 3000 metres wide at the top. Formed in the steep cliffs of the cirque is La Brèche de Roland, an impressive natural gap, 40 metres wide and 100 metres high. Bursting out of the cirque is the Grand Cascade de Gavarnie, the tallest waterfall in France with a breathtaking drop of 422 metres.
The Cirque can be reached on foot in about 30mins & the Brèche de Roland in about 1 hour from the village of Gavarnie. With the airport at Pau only 100km away seeing these natural wonders can be done even as a weekend break.
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Activities – White Water Rafting?
Spring has arrived, the thaw has set in, and the streams and rivers are swollen with melt-water. Time to consider some action in the form of white water rafting and the Pyrenees is a great place to try this sport and get the adrenaline pumping through your body!
Saint Lary Soulan situated in the heart of the Aure valley approximately 1½ hours from Pau or Toulouse airports, is one of the leading year round Pyrenean resorts. Many activity businesses in the region cater for rafting trips. For those of you seeking an even greater rush, consider canyoning or even hydro-speed — sure to get your pulse racing.
Click Here for water sports across the Pyrenees.
Ariege - A Thousand Years of History
Conveniently located close to both Toulouse and Perpignan airports is the region of Ariège. One of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in 1790 Ariege can trace its history right back to early cave man. Many important pre-historic artefacts have been found and remain on display in the numerous caves open to the public.
The small city of Foix (the capital of Ariège) is dominated by the Château de Foix which has stood guard for over 1000 years. Prior to this the town was inhabited by the Romans and today attracts many visitors, lured by its delightful medieval streets and vibrant Friday market. On 23 July Foix will host the start of the Pyrenean mountain stage on the Tour de France 2007.
Click Here for accommodation in and around Foix.
Ax-Les-Thermes is located 130km from Toulouse airport. Since Roman times the town has been popular due to the numerous hot springs in the locality. The springs proved popular during the middle-ages for weary soldiers returning from the Crusades and later Spa-tourism developed as people took advantage of the water’s healing properties. Today the waters are also used by walkers relieving the strains after a day enjoying the stunning mountain scenery surrounding Ax.
Try the thermal spa or simply relax your aching feet in the open air hot spring in the centre of town. Andorra is close by so many visitors take this opportunity to do some duty free shopping in the Principality.
Click Here for accommodation in and around the Ax Valley.
Finding Hotels Pyrenees
