D2 : SAINT-LARY/ PIC DU MIDI/GAVARNIE

The Col d'Aspin

It is wilder, less visited and lower than many of the neighbouring passes yet the Aspin offers a great itinerary with probably the widest panorama of all from the top. The summit is a protected site, with no buildings, just cows and horses grazing. There is a parking to pull in to to admire the view including the Pic du Midi, the Arbizon and the Aure valley. The gentle terrain at the top is perfect for a walk along the ridge.

As you leave the parking ther is a panoramic walk at the Pla del Naou along the ridge to the south, it opens up wonderful views into the Aure and Campam valleys. To the north the footpaths lead to the Col de Beyrede and the Signal de Bassia.

The Payolle lake

The descent off the Aspin is through grasslands and pine forest. at the bottom are the ancient marble quarries of Payolle, whose marble was used at Versailles, Grand Central station and the Empire State building no less!

A little further on is the Payolle lake surrounded by a pine forest, a lovely place for a stroll where you will most certainly come across a family of cows enjoying the lush grass in this famous grazing area.

The most beautiful view in the world

After leaving the Payolle lake head towards Sainte Marie de Campan, in the centre of the village turn left on to the Col du Tourmalet and follow it to La Mongie.

Stop in La Mongie and climb aboard your starship, the cable-car that takes you to the summit of the Pic du Midi, the castle in the sky. In reality it is a working stellar observatory, scientiest live up her to scrutinise the skies, study the sun and the galaxies. The Americans mapped the moon from here before the first lunar landing.

A mythical summit

4k from the cable-car station is the famous Col du Tourmalet pass. At 2115 m it is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees.

Selfie with the Giant

On the top of the Tourmalet you will find a 3m high sculpture, Octave, named after the first rider to cross the Tourmalet in 1910 (Octave Lapize). It represents a rider climbing 'out of the saddle' and is one of the 9 elements of the 'Tour de France sculpture' at the A64 autoroute services between Tarbes and Pau. At the end of each autumn the Giant comes down from the Tourmalet to be taken back up in procession accompanied hundreds of cyclists each June.

The Pont Napoléon in Luz Saint Sauveur

Coming back down from the Col du Tourmalet, you will reach Luz-Saint-Sauveur at the valley bottom, it is situated at the crossroads to most of the prestigious Pyrenean landmarks. This town's many assets are due to the many stays here of the Empress Eugénie, who started the fashion of spa towns. In 1860 on the orders of Napoléon III, who was on a  spa cure himself in Luz-Saint-Sauveur with the Empress Eugénie, the Pont Napoléon bridge was constructed. Situated at the exit of the village in the direction of Gavarnie, this spectacular construction is composed of a single arch, 47 metres in diameter, 66 metres high. It provides a crossing point over the Gave river below, it also a favourite bungie jumping spot.

A World Heritage site

Firstly the village, lively and charming and then at the end of the street it appears... It is now that you will be spellbound and words inadequate. The master wordsmith Victor Hugo described it as "a coliseum of nature". With an easy 30 minute walk along the river bank and across the Courade plateau you will reach the orientation point for the Cirque. You can do this on foot, horseback or mule. Go on a bit further and you will reach the Hostellerie de Cirque. From here you can really appreciate the sheer size of the cliffs and admire the longest waterfall in France. But what about the other Cirques?

www.gavarnie.com

Evening and night in Gavarnie

The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Gavarnie and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.

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Worth the detour

• The footpath between the Col de Tentes and the Port de Boucharou

A very easy walk, on the level, which takes you into Spain! Fabulous views over the 3000m peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie. The path is just 1.5k long and has a sign board at the start explaining the geology, history and local legends. • From Gavarnie village take the road to the ski resort, continue to the parking at the Col de Tentes (9k).

• Notre Dame des Neiges

A short walk of 20 mins to reach the statue of Notre Dame de Neiges, from where there is a great view over Gavarnie village and the Cirque. There is also a great view along the Ossoue valley towards the Vignemale and its glacier. • Take the road to towards the ski resort, pull into the parking at the Grange de Holle refuge after 1.5k.

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