View from the Pyrenees

September 2007

Welcome to the September issue of view from the Pyrenees. Our tour this month starts at the charming hilltop village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges, complete with its fabulous cathedral. Before the winter season arrives there is still plenty of time to rip up the trails mountain biking Pyrenees and why not combine it with a relaxing soak at one of France's premier spas at Bagnere de Bigorre. Whatever you decide a short Pyrenees holiday is only a low cost flight away!

Contents

• Landmarks to visit – Saint Bertrand de Comminges
• Activities – Mountain Biking Pyrenees
• Bagnéres de Bigorre — Premier Spa Resort
• Finding Gites Pyrenees

Landmarks to visit – Saint Bertrand de Comminges

The 11th century cathedral at Saint-Betrand-de-Comminges dominates the landscape for miles around, set against a backdrop of the rising Pyrenees mountains.

Equally famous for its interior, each choir stall was painstakingly carved by a different craftsman and the magnificent angled organ is labelled one of the three beauties of the Gascogne region.

For the young ones there is even a stuffed crocodile to find. Legend has it that it crawled up the river, breached itself and was killed by the power of St Bertrand’s prayers. More likely, it was a gift to the church from a pilgrim or knight.

Surrounding the cathedral is a charming walled village of half timbered houses, well worth a meander through before stopping at one of the pavement cafes for a drink and a snack.

Read More about Saint Bertrand de Comminges and the surrounding area including the fascinating Roman remains at the foot of the village and the Romanesque church of Saint-Just de Volcabrère.

Activities – Mountain Biking Pyrenees

September and October are great months to jump on a mountain bike and hit the trails.

The heat of summer has been replaced by the pleasant warmth of autumn, the ideal conditions to explore the many marked mountain bike routes in the Pyrenees.

Mountain-biking in France (Velo Tout Terrain) is not as popular as road cycling but there are companies catering for mountain bikers.

AQR (a quick release) is run by a British couple. Based in Luchon with over 600km of mountain-bike trails you have the benefit of an AQR guide, a choice of top of the range bikes and a variety of challenging routes.

Find out More on Mountain Biking Pyrenees

Bagnéres de Bigorre — Premier Spa Resort

The historical spa town of Bagnères-de Bigorre has long been a firm favourite amongst French tourists.

Formerly named "VICUS AQUENSIS", it was in fact the Romans who first appreciated the virtues of the town's warm waters. They can still be enjoyed today thanks to the luxurious Aquensis natural health spa which opened in 2003 in the 19th century former casino building.

Nestling at the foot of the Campan Valley, Bagnères de Bigorre is a classic looking town full of tree lined avenues and fine Pyrenean-style houses. There are two charming museums to enjoy: The Musee Salies with its elegant art gallery of landscapes and The Musee du Vieux Moulin, a typical folk museum with exhibits of local furniture, agricultural tools and Bigourdan crafts. Nearby the Médous Caves are filled with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.

For accommodation in and around Bagnéres de Bigorre Click Here

Finding Gites Pyrenees

Here at ePyrenees.com we are constantly striving to find you the best places to stay in the Pyrenees.

From the swankiest hotels Pyrenees through to budget Pyrenees camping sites, we have a wide selection for you. In fact, we are convinced that we have what you are looking for so if you can’t find what you want just contact us and we will help you arrange your perfect Pyrenees holiday.


Click Here Now for accommodation Pyrenees