Historic Spa Town,
Modern day health resort,
On the 2008 Tour de France route
Cultural highlights
The Old Quarter
Musee Salies
Musee du Vieux Moulin
Weekly summer market
Ski at nearby Tourmalet
From 1400m to 2500m
100km downhill slopes
23 green
19 blue
21 red
6 black
Nightskiing
Snowpark
Click links below for
Slope Info
Piste Map
Lift Pass Tariff
Mountain Biking
373km trails
3 geen
11 blue
5 red
4 black
Walking
In the Campan Valley
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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.
Set in a 19th century former casino building this spectacular health spa offers a 20 metre long swimming pool stretching out beneath an incredible wooden arch, a recreational swimming pool equipped with 14 hydro massage points and a hammam. Making excellent use of the rooftop terraces are two traditional Finnish wooden saunas, a Jacuzzi, sun bathing area and a viewpoint providing 360° views on the Pyrenees, Bagnères and the Bédat forest.
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. Be sure to check out the fine summer market every Wednesday selling regional produce and make time to visit at least one of the two charming museums: The Musee Salies with its elegant art gallery of mainly 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.
Take a walk around the old quarter for its lovely architecture. As well as several old houses you will find a graceful 15th century octagonal tower, the remains of a Jacobin monastery, the Carmelite church, the remains of the old church of St Jean, the town hall and the 14th century church of St Vincent.
On 13th July 2008 the 9th stage of the Tour de France will be finishing in Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The cyclists will be starting their 222km ride from Toulouse and after 123km will start to climb the col des Ares, then the col de Peyresourde and finally the col d'Aspin to finish up in this delightful town. |
