Campan-Payolle

Fact Box

Rolling Valley meadows and picturesque villages
Life sized rag dolls decorate the village
16th Century Church
Fountain and Covered Market

Skiing
50 km of Cross country skiing
From 1100m to 1450m
4 pistes - 1 green, 1 blue, 1 red, 1 black
Close to the downhill ski resort of La Mongie

Click links below for
Piste Map

Activities
On the GR10 walking route
Numerous local routes
Ascent to the Pic du Midi at 2872m

Ideal base from which to cycle the Col d’Aspin and Tourmalet passes

Beginner Climbing at Beaudean
Challenging expert climb on the Trassouet cliffs

The road from Bagnères de Bigorre up to the purpose built ski station of La Mongie passes through the delightful Campan Valley, a beautiful landscape of rolling valley meadows dotted with south facing farms and picturesque villages. You will soon know you are in the valley by the numerous life sized rag dolls propped up on pavements and benches that decorate the villages. This local craft tradition is still very much alive today and you will see many of these quirky dolls brightening up the villages all summer.

Walkers can enjoy the GR10 coast to coast route which passes through here. There is a wide variety of trails to suit all levels from the lush lower meadows and forests of Spruce, Pine and Beech up to high mountain lakes including the Caderolles at 2170 m right up to ascents of the Pic du Midi at 2872m.

This gentle valley is also an ideal base for cyclists. Situated at the foot of some of the most infamous routes Tour de France climbs this is an excellent base from which to tackle the infamous Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet passes.

For a more relaxing time there is plenty of fishing on the fast flowing Adour River and the Payolle Lake on the road up to the Col d’Aspin is a popular spot for picnickers.

In winter the Ski Station at Payolle provides a varied 50km of cross country skiing set between 1100m and 1450m altitude through a spectacular landscape. In amongst the forest of fir trees or surrounding the Payolle Lake there is something for everyone from 1.8km beginner slopes to the tough black rated 20km L’isard.

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