D5: SAINT-LARY/PIC DU MIDI/GAVARNIE

Arreau

Situated where the Neste d'Aure and Louron rivers meet, Arreau is a typical Pyrenean village which merits a halt for a cafe after admiring its famous market hall, the half-timbered houses, its castle and church.

As soon as you leave Arreau turn left on to the Col d'Aspin. This road is regularly used by the Tour de France, it initially climbs gently than more abruptly after the village of Aspin Aure to the top at 1489m.

The Aspin mountain pass

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 Laquette chairlift

The chairlift allows access to a lovely high plateau and the La Laquette cafe, there are many splendid walks and waymarked mountain bike descents. Bikes can be hired and can be taken on the chairlift.

At Tournaboup parking, 3k from Bareges on the Col du Tourmalet.

The Cieléo spa centre in Barèges

A fantastic space, spa waters at 34C under a huge glass-domed ceiling, with massages jets, geysers... it is  a feast for both the eyes and the body. There are also showers, steam baths and a huge jacuzzi bathed in the light from the glass dome.

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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A lovely diversion

The Creperie at Saint Justin (Sers)

Beautifully positioned on a promontory with views over the whole Tourmalet valley and over Luz and the Ardiden massif this little creperie is really worth the visit. Sit on the terrace and enyoy the crepes, Jean-Louis and Gwenaelle, the owners have many stories to tell and great advice on places to visit to offer. 

Access from the footbridge in the centre of Bareges (40mins walk) or from the village of Sers, drive through the village and park after 500m, the path climbs for 700m to reach St Justin.

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