Loudenvielle, Balnéa > Saint-Lary
21 km / 33 mn
After passing through Luchon, you will arrive over the Col de Peyresourde mountain pass. Take the time to stop at the top to admire the view. Once going back down through the Louron valley, head towards the Génos-Loudenvielle lake. The Pyrénées here welcome you with a bath in the naturally warm and comforting spa waters, it is in the open air with a view towards a magnificent range of mountains. After this relaxing pause it is back on the road for one last mountain pass, the Col de Val Louron-Azet, which will take you into the valley of Saint Lary, a famous Pyrenean valley, for your luxurious overnight stop.
Your itinerary
Loudenvielle > Saint-Lary : 21 km / 33mn
Leave the A64 towards Luchon (40 k / 46mins). Cross through Luchon, take the direction of the Col de Peyresourde (14k/22 minn). Cross and descend the Col, after Estarvielle turn right towards Loudenvielle (10km / 16 mins).
Leave Loudenvielle towards Génos (2k / 3mins). In Génos, take the direction of the Col de Val Louron – Azet to your left until you reach Saint-Lary (19k /30 mins).
Download the itinerary
The Col de Peyresourde
The pass is wide and the view magnificent. Do stop at the famous wooden cafe for a crepe, just 50 cents each, 12 for €4.50, go for it! Whilst the patron is making the crepes he will show you his collection of Chinese puzzles. But we had better get going... as you continue up the pass there are many interesting villages along the way, each has its own treasures - Roman chapels, precious treasures, superb frescos to thank God for the rewarding exchange of goods, mainly leather and wool with Spain, taking place after the discovery of the New World.
The Mont village and its Roman chapel, listed Historical Monument
" Mont is a superb village of just 20 inhabitants that has exceptional views. "
On the way down from the mountain pass, Mont is a superb village of just 20 inhabitants that has exceptional views. Its church is unique, with its exterior fresco that represents scenes of the Last Judgment, preserved since the 13th century.
The interior is also decorated with fantastic paintings. For 2 euros a soundtrack will give a you a comprehensive explanation.
The Genos Loudenvielle lake
" Take the time to climb to the towers of Genos and Loudenvielle to enjoy the view."
As you are still coming down from the col and at the village of Estarvielle, head for the bottom of the valley and the Génos-Loudenvielle lake. There are many lovely walks along the water's edge.
There is an circuit of an hour maximum and on the flat. But take the time to climb to the towers of Genos and Loudenvielle to enjoy the view. A local legend says that an underground passage connects them both.
Yellow waymarkings • 1 hour
Balnéa
" The view from the waters is of 3000m peaks dressed like a wall as if to protect the quiet of the valley. "
The premier spa centre in the French Pyrenees
It is finally time to slip into the arming waters of the Balnéa spa. The view from the waters is of 3000m peaks dressed like a wall as if to protect the quiet of the valley. Admire this view from the soothing warm waters of the outdoor lagoons, remembering that just a few hours ago you were up amongst these summits.
2 hour pass. Massages by reservation.
On the shore of the Genos Loudenvielle lake • www.balnea.fr
The Col de Val Louron mountain pass
At the top the road passes through vast pastures, a favourite take-off point for paragliders and hangliders. On the way back down from the mountain pass, around Sailhan, after having passed the original marble fountain adorned with four water troughs, it is time to cross into Spain!
Evening and night in Saint-Lary
The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Saint-Lary and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A lovely diversion
" A real institution in this village! "
« Chez Roger », in Loudenvielle
A real institution in this village! It has been open continuously since 1930, initially run by Lulu and Roger, it was then taken over by their daughter Josette. Claire, their grand daughter, and Laura as well as Flavie, great-grand daugthers, can also be seen around. Tourists and locals all find something to love in this bistrot, where everyone comes together to play Belote and sing the songs of the Pyrenees.
11 chemin de Clarabide – 65510 Loudenvielle.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Favourite places
- La Table de Saoussas at Loudenvielle :
This friendly and welcoming restaurant specialises in cooking using local produce. There is also the opportunity to visit the watermill on the other side of the road, it has a beautiful pastoral setting.
Chemin Saoussas – 65510 Loudenvielle • +33 5 62 99 96 40
It is not just a palace of relaxation and wellbeing, the Balnéa restaurant offers a range of natural, healthy and well balanced dishes…
Balnéa, on the edge of the Génos-Loudenvielle lake • +33 5 62 49 19 19
Selected by Michelin inspectors 'a restaurant chic and welcoming with a strong mountain ambience. The food is tasty and flavourful, made from the best local ingredients, trout tartare, local lamb chops, plum tarts... a very good restaurant.'
13, Route d’Autun • +335 62 40 07 14
- La Mangeoire at Saint-Lary-Soulan
The chef, Clément, carefully blends local flavours, gently bastes meats in their juices and artistically garnishes his dishes. Each plate brings together his creativity, warm heart and high expectations. A complete delight for the eyes and tastebuds.
18 route de Soulan - 65170 Saint-Lary-Soulan • +335 62 99 50 20
- La Pergola at Saint-Lary-Soulan
This location is as legendary as the name of its owners. For the Mir family, skis on their feet and medals round their necks are a daily occurrence. In this family business, full of family memories, your palate is in for a treat as you sample the valley’s cuisine.
25 Rue Vincent Mir - 65 170 Saint-Lary-Soulan • +335 62 39 40 46
Français
Español
Italiano
