D4 : BENASQUE/ BALNÉA/SAINT-LARY

A little corner of Ireland

After leaving Castejon de Sos and Bisaurri you will reach the Coll de Fades mountain pass with fabulous views. From here and to the Coll d'Espina the route passes through high mountain plateaux, a last channce to admire some of the magnificent summits. This traverse across rolling grasslands reminds one of the Ireland or Scotland, but in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Bossòst

This is the last village before crossing the border, it has many restaurants and shops which are favoured by the French. The Garonne river traveres the village, its source is not far. Take thew time for a stroll around its narrow streets. The village is situated just 20k from Luchon by the Col de Portillon mountain pass.

The cols du Portillon and de Peyresourde

• The Portillon mountain pass:  With its modest altitude (1239m) and its few zig-zags the Portillon mountain pass offers an easy route from Spain (Bossóst) into France (Luchon). The road passes through beech and pine forests.
• The Peyresourde mountain pass: Leave Luchon in the direction of 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 Genos Loudenvielle lake

As you come down off the Col at the vilage of Estarvielle drop down to the valley bottom and the genos 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

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.

The Val Louron-Azet mountain pass

After this relaxing stop you take to the road for one last mountain pass- the Val Louron mountain pass. At the top the road passes through vast pastures, a favourite take-off point for paragliders and hangliders. The descent off the pass will bring you to Saint Lary, in a famous Pyrenean valley and a luxurious stop for the night. 

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.

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