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Sporting & Leisure Activities in Saint Lary

Sensoria Thermal spa
Jardin des thermes, 65170 Saint-Lary-Soulan. Tel: +33 (0)562 995000

The resort has long been famous for its healing waters which contain sulphur and sodium. These thermal springs have been renowned since antiquity and are still accessible today but now they take on both a healing and playful form. Sensoria thermal spa with its grotto-like decor consists of a selection of pools in water heated to an inviting 90°F (32°C). The various pools have themes – whirlpools and geysers, waterfalls and underwater jets are a thrill for all the family. The canyons and lazy rivers whooshing through the grottos and caverns. There are also more relaxed areas for adults with a sauna, whirlpool bath, and steam room.

Opening times: School holidays: Daily, 09:30 – 21:00 14.00 – 19.00. For other dates, other dates, please consult the website: www.mercuresensoria.com/1-37573-Horaires-et-Tarifs.php


Road Cycling and Mountain Biking

Road Cycling
The Pyrenean Mountains around Saint Lary are a road cyclist's heaven. These mountains provide the canvas for the artists - the riders of the Tour de France - who paint them with displays of endeavor, sacrifice and suffering. For the keen road cyclist, the resort of Saint Lary offers a wide range of cycling terrain to keep you occupied during your stay; from low rolling valley rides on quiet roads beside mountain streams to the mighty, mystical and imposing Pyrenean climbs of the Tour de France. There is a good selection of famous cols in reasonable striking distance from your base in the resort. Literally on your doorstep is the gruelling HC climb up to Pla d'Adet which featured in the race as recenlty as 2014 where Rafael Majka took the stage victory. There is also a good selection of Cat1 climbs such as the Col d'Azet with its stunning summit panorama and the Col d'Aspin and Hourquette d'Ancizan which are but a short ride down the Aure Valley. Close to the Spanish border you have the climb up to the ski resort of Piau Engaly with its picturesque, jagged peaks.

Further afield, but still within a capable riding distance you have the mighty Col du Tourmalet along with the Col de Peyresourde, the Port de Balès and the summit finish in the ski resort of Superbagnères. Some of these mountains make up the infamous ride called the Devil's Pitchfork which riders need to complete in a day to claim bragging rights and a well earned Breton cidre!

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of La Grande Boucle, the route for the coming Tour de France is normally announced in October prior to the race in July (www.letour.fr/le-tour/). So now there is no excuse for not booking your stay well in advance before the rooms start to disappear!

The area has also welcomed the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) and the Route du Sud professional races along with hosting La Pyreneenne Cyclosportive for amateurs. Itineraries of the 5 circuits and routes in the “Pays des Nestes” (the Nestes country) are available for purchase at the Tourist Office at a price of €10.

Road bikes and road bikes can be hired from
Velo Altitude/ Alex Sports

Mountain Bike Park
There is also a good selection of MTB trails from gladed downhill singletrack to long mountain descents suitable for a wide range of abilities. For advanced mountain bikers, there is a mountain bike park at the top of the ski resort of Saint Lary 1700 which can be accessed by the Telepherique. This cable car takes you up to 1700m above Saint Lary village to the beautiful Pla d’Adet with its surrounding mountains (the slopes of the ski area in the winter). From here the Mountain Bike Park trails are accessed using the Soum chairlift which whisk you and you bike up to the top of the Soum de Matte. Here, downhill descents of up to 400m in vertical drop await. Make use of the 11 mountain bike tracks of various levels (blue, red and black). There is a 6km family track which is allowed for children over 12 years of age. Some of the black and red circuits could be classed as competition standard for the more experienced biker.

Opening dates & times: open daily from 5 July – 24 August (closed Mondays and Tuesdays from 5 – 27 July and 18 – 28 August) from 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:30.
Price: Adult return ticket on the Pic Lumiere cable car/ 8.40€; Child (6 – 18 yrs) return ticket/ 6.10€; Weekly pass/ 33.20€;

Hiking and walking in Saint lary
There are plenty of walks in Saint Lary taking in the stunning nature and scenery. From high altitude walks on the surrounding mountains and cols to the gentler walks around the village, there is something for everyone.

 
See our activities nearby section for more info in the surrounding area. You can either be guided by a professional guide (see below) or use the local lifts and take advantage of the Tourist’s office mini map showing pleasant walks in and around Saint Lary.
The 7 paths in the Aure valley are colour coded and sign posted for ease and usability. Colour coded from Blue, yellow, Red and black in ascending difficulty. All these routes offer excellent views and some have view points and picnic areas.

In addition, thanks to the Pic Lumiere cable car some walking itineraries can be cut down by nearly two hours.
2 green paths: less than 2 hours. Ideal family outing with small
2 blue trails: less than 3 hours. Family hikes
2 yellow trails: less than 4 hours. For hikers accustomed to walking including fairly challenging passages or steep terrain
1 black trail: more than 4 hours. For experienced hikers and sports. The route is long and / or difficult.

For those looking to get away from the signposted paths, the local walking guides are on hand to take you off the beaten track and into the less trodden areas of the valley.

Mountain walking/Hiking
The Pyrenees National park stretches for 100km from east to west, from the Aure Valley to the Aspe Valley. The park is made up of six valleys and the link above tells you about walks in each of the valleys.
Vallée d'Aspe (the Aspe valley)
Vallée d'Ossau (the Ossau Valley)
Val d'Azun (the Azun valley),
Vallée de Cauterets (Cauterets valley)
Vallée de Luz (Luz valley)
Vallée d'Aure (the Aure valley).
Within all of these valleys there are some amazing walks and hikes up into the mountains and through the beautiful valleys.
Itineraries are available at the Tourist office and at any of the visitor centres in Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Arrens-Marsous.
http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/decouverte/randonner/itineraires-randonnee.html
 
The "GR 10" hiking footpath
This famous hiking path crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. There are 12 stages that pass through the Hautes Pyrenees and due to the steepness of some routes, the GR10, it should only be navigated by experienced hikers. Signs are in white and red.

The stages in the Hautes Pyrenees include
Gourette - Arrens-Marsous: 12 km – 5 hours 30 minutes
Arrens-Marsous - lac d’Estaing: 15 km - 2 hours 50 minutes
Lac d’Estaing - lac d'Ilhéou: 4 km - 4 hours 45 minutes
Lac d'Ilhéou - Cauterets: 10 km - 2 hours 45 minutes
Cauterets - lac de Gaube: 2 km - 2 hours 50 minutes
Lac de Gaube – Vignemale: 5 km - 4 hours
Vignemale - refuge Bayssellance: 2, 5 km - 2 hours 35 minutes
Refuge Bayssellance – Gavarnie: 9 km - 5 hours 50 minutes
Gavarnie - Luz-Saint-Sauveur: 24 km - 8 hours 35 minutes
Luz-Saint-Sauveur – Barèges: 10 km - 5 hours
Barèges - lac Estagnol: 15 km - 4 hours
Lac Estagnol - Refuge de l'Oule: 4 km - 5 hours
Refuge de l'Oule -Saint-Lary: 18 km - 6 hours 35 minutes
Saint-Lary – Loudenvielle: 9 km - 4 hours 20 minutes
Loudenvielle - lac d'Ôo: 29 km - 9 hours
Lac d'Ôo - Bagnères-de-Luchon: 12 km - 08 hours 30 minutes

Walking the green routes of the Gaves Valley
Tel: +33 (0)562 426498. www.voiesvertes.com
This disused railway track has been converted into a scenic walking path connecting Lourdes to Soulom (35km round trip). This cycle path is open to everybody – walkers, roller skaters (mountain bikes are tolerated) and is food for families, friends or sole walkers. You can take the walk at your own pace and can take in sections of the walk or complete the3 whole route. Beware of the false flats however – a killer on the calves!!
Taking in the banks of the “Gave de Pau” river between Lourdes and Pierrefitte- Nestalas it passes through small villages of the Lavedan” area of the Pyrenees such as Lugagnan, Geu, Ger and Boo-Silhen. Getting all the way to Argelès-Gazost is an accomplishment in itself – as you have to remember that the return journey awaits you!! There are amazing views of the Pyrenees and nature galore.

Hike caching in the Gaves Valley with GPS
Hike Caching is a great way to discover the mountains both in summer and winter. It is hiking with the aid of a GPS which transforms the experience into a treasure hunt. A true sense of freedom, of recreation for all the family. This is a great way to reconnect with nature, to listen to its sounds and be amazed by all the treasures that meet the eye.

The Tourist Office the Gaves valley in collaboration with the French Hiking association has developed an innovative way for young and old to explore this area. Using GPS follow clues and navigate and explore the village at the same time. Contact the local Tourist Offices for more details.

Néouvielle Nature Reserve
Cirque of Gavarnie
Col du Tourmalet and the Pic du Midi
Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne
The Cirques of Estaube and Troumouse
Lourdes

Hiking around the Cirques in the Gavarnie territory (see Natural sights for more info)
This is easy due to their accessibility. These majestic high mountains with their magical hiking and walking routes get right to the heart of the countryside so the whole family can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Pyrenees! For those who think that hiking is an all too strenuous activity, you can simply enjoy the spectacular scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site from one of the bar terraces while savouring an ice cold drink!

The cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé have the easiest routes, with plenty of 2 hour round trips. Be sure to take the following items with you: water, a sugary snack, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, something warm to wear, a waterproof, hiking boots, plastic bag for taking your litter home.

A pamphlet is on sale in Gèdre and Gavarnie National Park visitor centres (Gavarnie, Tel: +33(0)562924248) and costs €1. Written in English, this pamphlet describes 16 hiking tours in the area including the Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé cirques. You will also find a lot of documentation about Pyrenees fauna and flora at the visitor centres along with a free permanent exhibition on the Pyrenees.

The Cirque of Gavarnie has the most spectacular scenery during the summer months and provides an amazing backdrop to walks and hikes with almost endless route possibilities. The starting point for all of the walks will be from the village of Gavarnie. Many easy walks and hikes ranging from 2-5 hours are possible and reward you with numerous view points of the cirque and its waterfall. For a different perspective, it is also possible to walk to the bottom of Europe's highest where you get a full appreciation of the vast and high wall of the Gavarnie Cirque.

Cirque of Troumous can be accessed directly by car - watch for the turn on your left on the road up to Gavarnie just as you leave Gedre. From the parking beneath the cirque, there are some short and easy walks ranging from 30mins to 3 hours.
If you are feeling very energetic, you can leave the car at the parking near Heas church in the valley and take a 5 hour hike up to Troumouse! Either way, the road up to Troumouse is stunning and offers many spectacular vistas.

Cirque of Estaubé is the least famous of the cirques but just as stunning. Starting from the parking at the Gloriettes dam you can discover this beautiful area by taking a simple walk along a babbling mountain stream. This walk is really easy, lasting around 2 and a half hours, and is great for spotting marmots!

Pic Lumiere cable car
Saint Lary lift services, Saint Lary. Place du téléphérique, 65170 Saint-Lary Soulan. Tel: +33(0)562 395366. www.altiservice.com . Email: saintlary@altiservice.com
This cable car takes you up to 1700m above Saint Lary village to the beautiful Pla d’Adet with its surrounding mountains (the slopes of the ski area in the winter). From here you can access many of the walks in the area and take advantage of the spectacular views.
Opening dates & times: open daily from 5 July – 31 August from 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:30.
Price: Adult return ticket/ 8.40€; Child (6 – 18 yrs.) return ticket/ 6.10€; Weekly pass/ 33.20€;

Note: The Tourist Office has walking guides of the area that include the following itineraries
Rioumajou valley: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Gela valley: 1 hour (to the Gela plateau) or 3 hours 30 minutes to the Barroude Refuge.
Badet valley: 1 hour 30 minutes to Lake Badet
Néouvielle Nature Reserve: 1 hour 30 minutes to Lake Aubert
Col du Portet: Open from the 1st June each summer. Walk up to Lakes Oule (1 hour 15 minutes) and Bastan (2 hours 15 minutes)
Village of Aulon: Easy route up to the pastures of Lurges (1,454m) ca. 1 hour 20 minutes.

There are also routes starting from the top of the Pic Lumiere cable car.
Pla d’Adet to Saint Lary: 3km, 30 – 50 minutes, 400m downhill.
La Cabane (The winter ski slope path: 6km return walk between Pla d’Adet to Espiaube.
Panorama (taking the Soum chair lift open in July and August): at an altitude of 2,100 m with stunning views.

Gym and classes
Jardin des thermes, 65170 Saint-Lary-Soulan. Tel: +33 (0)562 995000

Within the Sensoria Spa in the centre of town, there is also a fitness gym and classes for adults. There are also more relaxed areas for adults with a sauna, whirlpool bath, and steam room.

Opening times: School holidays: Daily, 09:30 – 21:00 14.00 – 19.00. For other dates, other dates, please consult the website: www.mercuresensoria.com/1-37573-Horaires-et-Tarifs.php

Bungy Trampoline
Rue de Neouvielle, 65171 Saint Lary. Tel: + 33(0)683 530760
The most fun you can have as a child or adult. Have a go at jumps and turns and somersaults in complete safety.
Opening Times: 15:00 – 19:00
Price: per session/ 5€

Saint Lary Outdoor Pool
Rue de la piscine 65170 Saint-Lary Soulan. Tel: +33(0)562 400253.

Three supervised outdoor pools await you during the summer: a paddling pool for toddler and a large and a medium pool. There is also a diving board.
The swimming pool is open every day from late June to early September from 10am to 7pm.

Tennis
Club House, Saint Lary village. Tel: +33(0)562 408785. http://www.mairie-saint-lary.fr. Email: mairie@mairie-saint-lary.fr
You can knock around the little yellow ball during the summer on this supervised summer court and racquets can be hired at Alex Sport in Vignec. Reservations can be made at the Club House

Multisport Centre
Theatre De La Nature (Nature theatre). Ave du Dr Domer, 65110 Cauterets. Tel: +33(0)562 925070/925034
The open games area is open all year round. There is a multi-use court for basketball, handball, volley ball and badminton.

Cinema
Cinema Le Lary I & II, Place du Teléphérique, 65171 Saint Lary. Tel: +33 (0)562 980372. www.lelary-saintlary.com
Located in the centre of town near the cable car. Daily evening showings at 9pm. Extra showings during the French school holidays.
Price: Adult/ 6.50€, Children under 12 yrs & students/5€

Guided walks and hikes
Guided by professional climbers take to the heights of Saint Lary to discover the summits of the area and their spectacular views.
Booking: Available upon reservation:
Bureau des Guides/ La Maison du Randonneur / Office des Sports de Montagne / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne / Arraya Daniel Guilly / Aubac Pyrenees Randos

Paragliding
Take off from the famous Pla d’Adet for a stunning glide over the the Aure valley. See the resort from a bird’s eye view.
Booking: Available upon reservation:
Air Plume Fabrice / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne / La Maison du Randonneur/ Office des Sports de Montagne

Rock Climbing
Guided by professional climbers take to the heights of Saint Lary to discover the summits of the area and their spectacular views.
Booking: Available upon reservation:
Bureau des Guides/ La Maison du Randonneur/ Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne

Potholing
Discover the underground caverns and cave networks in this area of the Pyrenees. Available daily for adults and children aged 8 and above. Half day (10h to 16h) Lunch can be taken in the cave. Meeting point: Bagneres de Bigorre.
Office des Sports de Montagne / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne

Treetop Trails
Children and adults alike will go giddy on this one – literally. Take to the heights of the treetops discovering different methods to cross from one tree to the next using swings, rope bridges and zip cords. Great fun for all the family - especially those who love being high up in the trees.
Booking: Available upon reservation:
La Foret Suspendue /Office des Sports de Montagne / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne

Archery
Olivier Zelleg, Route de Bourisp 65170 Sailhan. Mob: +33 (0)688 079974. www.tiralarcnature.sitew.fr .
Email: olivierzelleg@gmail.com  
A half day outdoor activity combining target practise and archery, Paper animal pictures of different sizes are used as artificial targets. Maximum 8 people. For beginners from 10 years old welcome. Open from Easter holidays until the end of August.

Horse Riding

Horse riding the Cirque of Gavarnie is great as an alternative to hiking and walking, why not discover the Gavarnie Cirque on horseback. From Easter through to November you can visit the cirque by renting and riding a horse (or a donkey) for a 2 or 3 hour ride. A great experience for kids and adults and a great day out for the family. The horses are available for rent at the start of the walk up to The Cirque in Gavarnie at the end of the village.
For experienced horse riders, it is possible to discover wild and amazing landscapes accompanied by a guide.

Water sports
Treat yourself to a fun escapade on gentle or lively white water on one of the nearby rivers. Discover the local rivers by raft, air boat, kayak, canoe or hot dog.
Morning, afternoon and day excursions at varying levels are available.
Booking:
La Maison du Randonneur / Office des Sports de Montagne / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne /

Canyoning
Discover the wild and beautiful fresh water river canyons of the Pyrenees. This fun activity takes you on a discovery trip of local canyons in the surrounding area as well as in nearby Spain, just over the border. You will be able to learn the four disciplines of the canyoning - swimming, walking, rappelling and jumping in to the fresh water pools.

Saint Lary has some of the best canyoning spots nearby as well as the largest and deepest ones in nearby Spain. There are half and full day options available in the nearby canyons.
Booking:
Bureau des Guides/ La Maison du Randonneur / Office des Sports de Montagne / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne / Arraya Daniel Guilly / Aubac Pyrenees Randos

Via Ferrata
Clip on and off of the iron ropes that are used when scaling the walls on the Via Ferrata circuits. The equipment can be hired at sports shops in the village or local guides can take you out on some circuits.
Booking:
Bureau des Guides/ La Maison du Randonneur / Office des Sports de Montagne / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne

Rock climbing
Scale these impressive mountains at close range on a rock climbing day. Professional guides teach you how to use mountaineering equipment and safety tips when in the mountains. Short beginner courses are available and vary in difficulty whilst taking in classic climbing routes in the area in the Gavarnie, Néouvielle or Vignemale ranges.
Whatever your level, you will enjoy scaling the heights of these granite and limestone mountain routes
Booking:
Bureau des Guides/ La Maison du Randonneur / Office des Sports de Montagne / Sarrat Evasion / Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne

Fishing
Saint Lary is great for those with a passion for fishing. Whether it is fly or cast fishing, in lakes or rivers, you can learn how to track the famous Pyrenees brown trout. Furthermore, with many mountain lakes, and 300km of rivers nearby, there will be plenty to keep you busy.
La Maison du Randonneur / Arraya Daniel Guilly

Contact details of all activity suppliers:

Bureau des Guides
Route de cap de long
65171 Saint Lary.
Tel: +33(0)562 400258
Email: info@guides-saintlary.com
www.guides-saintlary.com

La Maison du Randonneur
27 Rue Vincent Mir
65171 Saint Lary.
Tel: +33(0)562 394693
Email: info@rando65.com
www.rando65.com

Office des Sports de Montagne
Rue Vincent Mir
65171 Saint Lary.
Tel: +33(0)562 394292
Email: contact@office-sports-montagne.com
www.office-sports-montagne.com

Sarrat Evasion
65171 Saint Lary
Tel: +33 (0)562 400300
Email: contact@sarratevasion.com
www.sarratsport.com/V3/saint-lary-VF.htm

Velo Altitude
Rue Vincent Mir
65170 Saint-Lary Soulan
Tel: +33(0)562 394461
Email: stephane.ribet@evolution2.com
www.velo-attitude.com

Alex Sports
Vignec
Tel: +33(0)562 394720
Email: infos@alex-sports.com
www.alex-sports.com

Adhoc-Comptoir-Pyreneen des sports de Montagne
Tel: +33(0)562 394681
Email: adhoc.carole@free.fr
www.adhoc-pyrenees.fr

Arraya Daniel Guilly
Tel: +33 (0)562 407 05
Email: danielguilly@free.fr
www.guilly-pyrenees.com

Aubac Pyrenees Randos
Tel: +33 (0)562 399091
Email: gerard@pyrenees-rando.com
www.pyrenees-rando.com

Air Plume Fabrice
Mobile: +33(0)683 044079
Email: airplume65@hotmail.fr

La Foret Suspendue
Aire du Pradet, 65170 Guchan
Tel: +33(0)562 399890
Email: foretsuspendue@aol.com
www.foretsuspendue.com
 

Culture and Heritage in Saint Lary

Heritage and History
Saint Lary and the Aure Valley has a wealth of local heritage and some pretty amazing historical sites to visit.

Maison du Parc National des Pyrenees.
Tour Hachan, Place de la Mairie, 65171 Saint Lary. Tel: +33 (0)562 394091
A look at the protected species in the Aure valley. Discover the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees. Accompanied outings and meeting points with rangers (July and August only). Free entry.
Opening times: 09:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:30

Maison de l’Ours (Bear Museum)
Rue du corps Franc Pommes, 65171 Saint Lary. Tel: +33 (0)562 395083
Discover the best ambassador for the fauna of the Pyrenees, the bear in this exhibition. You will be able to view the new film “Vivre avec l’Ours” (Living with the bear)
Opening times: 09:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:30
Price: Adult/ 6.80€, Child 5-12yrs/4.80€

Visits to the local Farms
Some of the local farmers in the area open up their farms to show you the joys of farming in the Pyrenees.

Le Pitou: Located in the small village of Gouaux which is 8 km from Saint Lary is the family Goat farm of Le Pitou.
You can help to feed the goats and visit the dairy to sample fresh goat’s milk. Open from Christmas to the end of September, daily from 18:00 onwards during milking. The visit is free of charge for families and individuals.
Lou Lombres: Located in Lombres in the Nistos valley, a 45 minute drive from Saint Lary, this mountain farm makes its own cheeses and charcuterie which can be tasted and bought on site.
Open all year round, October to April: daily 09:30 – 12:00; May to September: daily, 09:30 – 12:00 & 15:00 – 18:30. The visit is free of charge for families and individuals.

Visit to the Cider factory of Ancizan
Visit the only cider factory in the Bigorre region. The factory produces dry cider, apple juice and liqueurs. The factory shows the traditional artisanal production methods and offers tastings.
Opening times: 10 Dec – 30 Oct; Tues – Sun: 14:00 – 18:00
Price: Adult/ 5.50€, Children under 15 yrs & students/3.50€.

Aure Valley Museum "Life in the olden days" –
Located in the small village of Ancizan, just 6km from Saint Lary, this quaint museum offers an insight into how life was 100 years ago in this valley. 16 life like scenes reconstruct daily life using costumes, animals and familiar objects.
There is also a discovery garden and exhibitions.
Tel: + 33 (0)562 399775
Opening times: 10 Dec – 30 Oct; Tues – Sun: 14:00 – 18:00
Price: Adult/ 5.50€, Children under 15 yrs & students/3.50€

The town of Lourdes
One cannot come to the Pyrenees without visiting Lourdes. Whatever your denomination, or not, this spiritual capital of Europe has to be a must.
Located in the “Vallee des Gaves” (Valley of rivers) the town of Lourdes is surrounded by high mountain peaks in a wide valley that was formed thousands of years ago by a glacier that hung above the summits of the “Vignemale” mountains and carved its way through the earth creating this amazing valley.

Up until the mid-19th century, Lourdes was just a small and charming Pyrenean market town whose most prominent feature at the time was the fortified castle that rises up from a rocky escarpment at its centre.

All this was to change on the 11th February in 1858 when a local peasant girl by the name of Bernadette Soubourious is said to have witnessed several Marian apparitions (a supernatural appearance by the Blessed Virgin Mary) in a grotto on an outcrop of rock called Massabielle near to the town. After authentication of these appearances by the Catholic Church, Lourdes became a place of Catholic Pilgrimage and healing.

Today, Lourdes is one of the most visited places in Catholic Christendom. It is home to some 15,000 inhabitants, but it is able to take in some 5,000,000 pilgrims and tourists every season. One of the world’s leading Catholic Marian shrines, it has such an important place within the Roman Catholic Church, that Pope John Paul II visited the shrine twice: on 15 August 1983, and 14–15 August 2004. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI authorized special indulgences to mark the 150th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Since 1860, it is estimated that 200 million people have visited the shrine whose spring water from the grotto is believed by some to possess healing properties. The Roman Catholic Church has officially recognized 69 healings considered to be miraculous based on Church criteria for authenticity and authentic miracle healing with no physical or psychological basis other than the healing power of the water.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is something which still divides opinion. Many believe the site to be nothing more than a Catholic Disneyland (which probably has much to do with the appearance of the Rosary Basilica) and a commercial venture by the Church. For many of the millions of dedicated pilgrims that travel to Lourdes it is a place of hope and great spirituality. However, the best way to make up your mind is to visit Lourdes, which remains a place of renowned interest – even to those who are spiritually inclined.

Getting to Lourdes

Car: Lourdes is approx. 92km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services to Lourdes between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Natural Wonders & Wildlife in Saint Lary

Néouvielle Nature Reserve
http://www.reserves-naturelles.org/neouvielle
Located beside the Pyrenees National Park, the covers an area of 2,300 hectares and is a sanctuary for the Pyrenean flora and fauna.
Its glacier-sculpted scenery is filled with dramatic ridges, meadows, pine forests, crystal-clear waters and high moors, all combining to form a kind of vast terrace suspended at an altitude of 2,000 metres at the foot of the Pic de Néouvielle. This granite mountain is home to the highest mountain pine forests in Europe and is surrounded by some 80 lakes of colours ranging from jade green to steely blue – all packed with fish. The largest of these lakes are Lac d’Orédon, the Lac de l’Oule, Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Omar.
The mountain pine is the iconic tree of Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Here, this conifer breaks all records for its longevity, with some specimens reaching the ripe old age of 400, 500 or even 600. Bright pink wild rhododendrons, growing in vast groves, add to the Reserve's incredible plethora of colours. The fauna too is highly distinctive, including the midwife toad, which remains a tadpole for almost its entire life, and the legendary desman, a strange little semi-aquatic mammal found only in the Pyrenees and northern Spain.

The reserve is criss-crossed by well-marked footpaths making it accessible even to those with little experience of mountain walking. Mountain refuges are ideal for overnighting.

The Néouvielle National Nature Reserve is open from June to September, when it is free of winter snow. During the summer, access to the Park is strictly regulated. Visitors are required to park in the Orédon car park, from where they can head out on the various footpaths or take the shuttle bus to the lakes of Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Aumar.

Getting to Néouvielle Nature Reserve

Car: Néouvielle Nature Reserve is approx. 24km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 35 minutes to reach

Esparros Caves
Gouffre d’Esparros, 65130 Esparros.Tél: +33 (0)562 391180
At the heart of the unspoilt Baronnies valley, in the Pyrenees, is one of the most beautiful caves, a classified site, listed as a site of outstanding natural heritage. It is unique in the world due to its aragonite formations. The delicate environmental conditions in these caverns are what allow the many crystals to form.
The caves include a stunning array of natural geomorphic formations such as the delicate aragonite stone, (known as the true "stone flower") gypsum or Calcite crystals that defy weightlessness, large caverns decorated with natural draperies and long stalactites bathing in ponds and calm blue water. The caverns are like an underground garden waiting to be discovered. Visits to the caves last one hour and include a Sound and Light show and are guided.
Opening dates and times: 01 June – 30 September: 10:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 17:00
Price: Adult/€8; Children (13-17 yrs.)/ €6.50; Children (4-12 yrs.)/ €5.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€23.50
Getting there
Car: They are approx. 34km from Saint Lary and take approx. 45 minutes to reach.

The Gargas Caves & Nestplori visitor centre
RD 261, 65660 Aventignan. Tel: +33 (0)562 988150. www.nestploria.fr
Located 40 km from Saint Lary, these authentic prehistoric caves are a sight to behold and are known for their cave art from the Upper Palaeolithic period - about 27,000 years old. The two chambers of the caves began to be scientifically explored and documented at the end of the 19th century by Émile Cartailhac and Abbé Henri Breuil, but it was Felix Regnault who discovered the hand-print images in 1906. Inside there are many figurative drawings depicting animals made using crushed iron oxide and manganese.
The cave is open to the public but only upon reservation due to limited space. The nearby Nestplori Digital visitor centre is open daily except Monday: 10:30 – 17:30
Price: Adult/ 10.50€, Child/6€; Family/27.50€

Getting there
Car: They are approx. 44km from Saint Lary and take approx. 55 minutes to reach.

Médous Caves
Asté, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33 (0)562 917846. www.grottes-medous.com
Located 49km from Saint Lary, these extraordinary caves are located in Asté and are great for seeing prime examples of Stalactites and stalagmites.
Getting there
Car: They are approx. 57km from Saint Lary and take approx. 1 hour 20 minutes to reach.

Les Grottes de Bétharram (Caves of Bétharram)
Chemin Léon Ross, 65270 Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre. Tél. +33(0)562 418004. http://www.betharram.com/
The Bétharram caves were originally discovered in 1819 by a soldier and from 1836 began to attract the attention of naturalists through exploration by Professor Mermet. The first great explorers are three members of the Alpine Club of Pau: Larry, Campan and Ritter. In 1888, they discovered a number of wells connecting the first floor of the caves on the lower floors.
The caves were first opened in 1903 and have been a visitors attraction ever since. The beautiful main entrance building of the caves was built in 1924 and inside there is a gift shop selling minerals, fossils and postcards.
On arrival at the caves, tourists are taken on a small shuttle ride that brings them to the entrance to the caves 2 km above.

The Caves of Bétharram are Europe's most beautiful and certainly most curious caves. The viewable caves extend over an area of 2.8 kilometres with an impressive 80 metre drop. There is an underground river that runs for 3.5 kilometres. The visit of the caves takes 1 hour 20 minutes and visits sights such as the Naiades basin, the Chandelier hall, Jeannne d’arc, the giant column, the cavern, the bell, the forming column, the elephant and the underwater lake and boat.

Opening times:
10 Feb – 24 Mar: Mon – Thurs: 14.30 visit and 16:00 Tour; Fri: 14.30 visit.
25 Mar – 30 Oct: Daily from 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 17:30.
July & August: Daily from 09:00 – 18:00.
Price: Adult/ 13.50€, Child (4-12yrs/ 8€; - 4yrs free of charge

Getting there
Car: The caves are approx. 105km from Saint Lary and take approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to reach.

The Pyrenees National Park
http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/
The Pyrénées National Park (Le Parc national des Pyrénées) is a national park located within the French Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments. Located at the foothills of the Aspe Valley, on the border between France and Spain, it stretches for 100km from east to west, from the Aure Valley to the Aspe Valley. The park is made up of six valleys: Vallée d'Aspe (the Aspe valley), Vallée d'Ossau (the Ossau Valley), Val d'Azun (the Azun valley), Vallée de Cauterets (Cauterets valley), Vallée de Luz (Luz valley) and Vallée d'Aure (the Aure valley).

It is a scenic and mountainous landscape offering a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, mountain climbing and wildlife watching.
The park was created in 1967 as a natural heritage site and is one of the oldest and richest parks in France in terms of the diversity of its flora and fauna – there are over 70 different animal species here. It is home to some 6,000 Izards (the Pyrenean name for the chamois and the Park's symbol), many marmots and a host of birds of prey such as the bearded vulture, the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon. There are also lynxes and the last brown bears of the Pyrenean line. When it comes to flora, there is a profusion of Pyrenean squill, rare lilies, the delicate Ramonda pyrenaica and a host of other little wonders that together make up the 4,500 species that thrive in this haven unrivalled anywhere in Europe.

Mont Perdu World Heritage Site (UNESCO) that straddles the border between France and Spain, is comprised of the eastern portion of the French Pyrenees National park and the whole of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park in Spain. French highlights in this area that are listed as UNESCO world heritage sights include the three cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé.

Sights within the park include the impressive cirques at Gavarnie and Troumouse, the impressive Vignemale massif and the Pic de Néouvielle as well as the Pont d’Espagne which stands like a gateway to the Park and is easily accessible from the spa town of Cauterets. Furthermore, the Cirque de Gavarnie and Pont d’Espagne are two of the Great Tourist Sites in Midi-Pyrénées.

The best way to start exploring the Pyrenees National Park is to head for one of the visitor centres in Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Arrens-Marsous. Here you can find out about all the activities and excursions available to visitors: hikes, excursions led by Park wardens, fishing, photography, discovering the fauna and flora, and much more.

Cirque of Gavarnie
Straddling the French-Spanish border and overlooking the Spanish canyons of Añisclo, Pineta and the mythical Ordesa, the territory of Gavarnie is part of the "Pyrénées-Mont Perdu, cirques and canyons" national park, and recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Comprising of three cirques, each very different from the other, these incredible natural bowls have been carved out by ancient glaciers in grey, ochre and pink limestone rock and thrust up to an altitude of 3000 metres by unimaginable geological forces.

The cirques offer fine examples of the 'nappe' (term stems from the French word for tablecloth in allusion to a crumpled tablecloth being pushed across a table) type of rock formation - a large sheet like body of rock that has been moved in excess of 2km above a thrust fault from its original position. They form when a mass of rock is forced over another rock mass, typically on a low angle fault plane. The resulting structure may include large-scale recumbent folds, shearing along the fault plane, imbricate thrust stacks, fensters and klippe.

Located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, which was established in 1967, the territory houses an extremely rich, fragile and well-preserved flora and fauna and offers one of the most spectacular landscapes that you will ever have the opportunity to see.

Of the three cirques, the Gavarnie Cirque is perhaps the most famous. With a diameter of 6.5km and an almost sheer rock wall of 1500m it is an impressive sight. At the heart of the cirque, falling from a height of 427m, is the largest waterfall in Europe. Gavarnie is the only one of the three cirques that is accessible all year round.

Cirque of Troumouse
The Troumouse Cirque is as equally impressive as the Gavarnie Cirque. It may not be as high and imposing as Gavarnie, but what it lacks it height it more than makes up for in diameter. At around 11km in diameter, it is almost double that of the neighbouring Gavarnie. The area around Troumouse is a popular pastoral site and during the summer months it’s not uncommon to see shepherds and their flocks of sheep. The ubiquitous marmot can be seen scampering over rocks and scree and the terrain is a paradise for the isard - the symbolic Pyrenean wild animal.

Cirque of Estaubé
Finally, the Estaubé Cirque is perhaps the most wild. Estaubé sits resolutely between Gavarnie and Troumouse, rising up from the still shores of the Gloriettes Lake. The lake was created when the single arch dam was built from 1948-52 and provides a stunning setting. For those keen on extended hikes, Estaubé also offers some of the most beautiful routes up the Mont Perdu. For those who enjoy a more leisurely walk, a short hike around the lake offers many rewarding vistas.

Gavarnie Village (gateway to the Cirques)
The village of Gavarnie is situated on what was once a major route through the Pyrenees near the Boucharo pass some 7.5km away. A visit to the church of Gavarnie was a must for travellers who asked for the protection of the Virgin of the Good Pass before taking the road to Spain.

In 1794, at the time of the war between the first Republic and the coalition of neighbouring monarchies, the Boucharo pass was subject to special supervision on the French side. The French army was sent to protect the territory from Spanish incursions. The mountain cabin that was used to house the soldiers can still be seen on the route to Boucharo.

Gavarnie is also the birthplace of Pyrenean Mountaineering - a combination of climbing and mountain culture and the romanticism of high places - and is the birthplace of some of the most well-known French mountaineers; including the Passet family and François Bernat-Salles.

Sights in Gavarnie

Millaris Museum
Place de la Bergère, 65120, Gèdre. Tel: +33(0)562923525. Email: millaris@gavarnie.com  
The museum offers a complete and unique insight into the land of the cirques using fun and interactive mediums. It demonstrates the culture of the area and highlights the importance of the water (mills, hydroelectric), agriculture, pastoralism and the UNESCO World Heritage award. There is also an audio visual show as well as disabled access.
Prices: Adult/5€; Child/ 2€; Group rate/3€

Gavarnie Church
65120, Gavarnie
The church of Notre-Dame du Bon Port was built by the monks of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. The present church dates mainly from the early 19th century with some remnants of the 14th. The church houses antiquities of the medieval era: from 15th century furniture to statues and relics of the famous Templar skulls. It is located on one of the routes to St Jacques de Compostela and is therefore classified as a St-Jacques World Heritage path.

Moulins de Gedre Dessus
65120, Gèdre, Tel: +33(0)562923525
These water mills provide a window to the past and demonstrate rural and rustic life from a bygone era. Situated on the Gave de Campbieil River, the villages of Gavarnie-Dessus and Moules Dera contain five mills, each belonging to different families of the village. They were still being used in the 70s - the final one stopped in 1985. Visitors can discover the delights of these mills using a small self-guided, interpretive trail equipped with panels that detail their workings and history. Guided tours on request.
Prices: Adult/1€; Child/0.50€

Getting there
Car: Gavarnie is approx. 92km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 2 hours 10 minutes to reach.
By bus:
Ma Ligne's network: Regular services from Lourdes to Gèdre and Gavarnie between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below (Tarbes-Lourdes-Gavarnie).
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf  

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/  

Pont d’Espagne
“Pont d’Espagne” also known as “little Canada of the Pyrenees” is a prestigious site in the very heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Not only is it one of the “Grand sites” of the Midi Pyrenees region but it is also an area of great natural beauty. During the summer months you will be mesmerised by its fairy-tale state and small walking paths leading amongst heavy pine forests. With its sublime panoramas and gushing waterfalls it is an exceptional setting for walking and hiking.
The “Lac de Gaube” lake is situated high in the Pont D’Espagne (1725m).and is a 15 minute walk/ski from “Belvedere” viewing point at the top of the “Gaube” chairlift.

Le Pont d’Espagne takes its name not only from the pretty stone bridge that crosses the magnificent central waterfall but also from history. This bridge and its surrounding area is so called because if its ancient links with Spain. For hundreds of years this was a crossing point between the two countries and an important trade route. Traders would make the long and arduous journey across the Pyrenees with their wares strapped to a donkeys or most often than not on their own backs.
The park is open from 17th May to the 29th September and throughout the park there is a chance to see marmots and chamois.
There is one gondola and chair lift to access the walks and waterfall. The many hiking trails start from the Pont d’Espagne and lead to the refuge of Oulettes, facing Vignemale, or the Walloon refuge near the Cayan and Marcadau valleys.

Link to walking map of Pont d’Espagne:
http://www.cauterets.com/en-ete/balades-randonnees/
There are three restaurants within the park.

Le Chalet du Clot
Le Pont D’Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, Tel: +33 (0)562 926127. Email: f.walton@chaletduclot.fr. www.chaletduclot.fr
Restaurant, bar and mountain refuge located a short walk (30mins) from the top of the “Puntas” cable car/bottom of the “Gaube” chair lift.

L’Hotellerie du Pont d’Espagne
Le Pont D’Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, Tel: +33 (0)562 925410. www.hotel-du-pont-despagne.fr
Located in the “Pont d’Espagne” section of the Pyrenees national park, the restaurant is located facing the main waterfalls. This is a brasserie/bar and also sells souvenirs. It is a good stop off as a break between one of the walking routes.

L’Hotellerie du Lac de Gaube
Lac de Gaube, Pont d’Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, Tel: +33 (0)6574 515628. http://gaube-seyres.fr/hotellerie.htm
Located in the “Pont d’Espagne” section of the Pyrenees national park, the restaurant is located facing the main waterfalls. This is a brasserie/bar and also sells souvenirs. It is a good stop off as a break between one of the walking routes.
Pass Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne:
Price: Adult/€12; Children (6-12 yrs.)/ €10; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€40
Pass Pic du Midi + Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne:
Price: Adult/€45; Children (5-12 yrs.)/ €31.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€126
Note: Special prices at the Tourist Office of with the Guest Cards

Getting to Pont d’Espagne Area
Car: Pont d’Espagne is approx. 96km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 2 hours to reach
There is a gated car park and you must take a ticket and pay for the day’s parking (free of charge if less than 15 mins).
Parking price: Per day/5.50€

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services from Lourdes to Gèdre and Gavarnie between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/  

Pic Du Midi
www.picdumidi.com
The Pic du Midi was classified as a national nature site in 2003 and now offers day, evening and night options to take your breath away at any time of day!

The most beautiful view of the Pyrenees is most definitely from the Pic Du midi station. Accessed by two cable car rides (an experience in itself) that take you from la Mongie at 1,800m to a grand height of 2,877 meters in just 15 minutes – this is a panorama not be missed. The magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees await you as you alight at an altitude where the air is just that little bit thinner and where birds fly below you. The panoramic terraces showcase the exceptional environment of high mountains whilst the museum (the highest museum in Europe) presents the history of the human endeavour to create this magical place ... A gift shop is also available for mementos and regional gifts.
There is also an onsite restaurant which is literally “above the clouds” and offers traditional cuisine made with local produce. The menus are prepared with quality ingredients and AOC labelled products are highlighted in all the dishes. There is also a good selection wines from the region!

Pass Pic du Midi (Round trip with cable car + Pic du Midi Entrance)
Price: Adult/€34; Children (6-12 yrs.)/ €22; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€88

Pass Pic du Midi + Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne:
Price: Adult/€45; Children (5-12 yrs.)/ €31.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€126
Note: Special prices at the Tourist Office with the Guest Cards

A Night at the Pic du Midi
This is an exceptional and unforgettable way to spend an evening. Spend a night up on the Pic du Midi and plunge yourself into the atmosphere of the pioneers of the Peak and stay in the (newly furnished) original old rooms of the Observatory. Experiencing the night as black as pitch as you wander around and explore the Observatory and museum (reminiscent of “A night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller!) There is a full program for the evening which involves talks by the onsite astrologer ranging from the history of the station to the history of the universe (in French but English translations are kindly given on request). Enjoying a traditional Bigorre meal (3 courses with wine) and visit the scientific areas. There is also the chance to view the stars, planets and moon using the high powered telescopes (weather permitting). Not to be missed is the breath-taking panorama of the whole of the Pyrenean mountain range as sun rises over this part of the world. I do not think there is a panorama to match that one! Astronomy enthusiasts will be in their element as will photographers who love a breath-taking sunrise in a mystical setting. !

Nights at the Summit are available throughout the year. The Starry Nights: Discover the stars as you've never seen! Sunset, animations, traditional meal ... Magic!

Every night is unique, but here are some details of the program that is offered:
Funicular up to 16.30 (17.00 June to September)Site visit (terraces and museum)Appetizer and Welcome chatSunsetTraditional dinner made from local produce – the Taster menuAnimation with astronomy discovery of the stars led by a professional facilitator, access to the Charvin dome equipped with a 400 mm telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain. This animation is achieved through a partnership between the Pic du Midi and Farm Star (Fleurance-Gers)Night in a double room on the summitSunrise over the PyreneesContinental breakfastVisit domes scientific areas, in partnership with the “Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées”, an exclusive "Summit Nights"!Return to La Mongie or Barèges in the morning by cable car.
Price: Please contact Pyrenees Collection for more details.

Note: Unlike a hotel, the rooms are those traditionally used by engineers and researchers. All rooms have small windows with stunning views of the Pyrenees! Bed linen, duvets and towels are provided. Corner sink in the room, showers and toilets are in the corridor.

Important: The rooms are heated of course, like all buildings, but please bring warm clothing: hat, gloves, sturdy shoes, fleece, windproof jacket ... to enjoy the entertainment outdoors in good conditions, and in all seasons. Even in summer, the temperature at night can be below freezing!

Reduced mobility: Access to both floors of the rooms is via a staircase, not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Parking plan is available for download (see below).

Getting to Pic Du Midi Area
Car: Pic Du Midi is approx. 50km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 1 hour 10 minutes to reach

The Pyrenees Animal Park
60, bis avenue des Pyrénées, 65400 Ayzac-Ost. Tel: +33(0)562 979107. http://www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com/
This amazing animal park is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, near to Argelès Gazost and just 10 minutes’ drive from Lourdes. It showcases the array of animals from this area in large open spaces where, bears, wolves, chamois, marmots, lynx, roe-deer, otters, foxes, squirrels live in semi-freedom.

Since it was created in 1999, the Park’s main goal was not to showcase as many animals as possible but rather to bring visitors as close as possible to seeing the animals behaving naturally in their own environment.
Throughout the years the park has thrived on these principles as has the collection of animals. Today more than a hundred species live in about 10 Hectares of park situated on a hill which affords a magnificent view of the mountains.

Whilst in the park, visitors are allowed direct access and sometimes physical contact with certain species. The pleasure and joy of being able to play and feed animals like the marmots is a joy for young and old alike.

Observation platforms are laid out in each enclosure where the animals are on view and on site staff give you all the explanations and necessary information to understand the animal and its lifestyle.

Information boards supply you with information on the species that you observe whilst a footprints path teaches you to track and understand wild animals. You can even mould the imprints of your preferred animals and take them home as a unique souvenir.
Opening dates & times: open daily, April, May, June & September: 09:30 – 18:00; July & August: 09:30 – 19:00: October: 13:30 – 18:00.
Price: Adult/16€, Child (3-11yrs/11€; - 3yrs free of charge

Getting there
Car: The Animal Park is approx. 104km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 1 hour 25 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services from Lourdes directly to the park (le parc) between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Donjon des Aigles
10, Rue du Chateau, 65400 Beaucens. Tel: +33 (0)562 971959. http://www.donjon-des-aigles.com/
This spectacular animal extravaganza is located in the beautiful medieval castle which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the pretty village of Beaucens. It houses one of the finest and most prestigious collections of birds of prey in the world. Kites, Vultures, Eagles, Eagles, Falcons and Hawks alongside Parrots are for the most part allowed to roam freely outside of cages, as is the traditional falconry way. This affords visitors amazing photo opportunities as you are allowed to get very close to the birds. During the afternoons, a spectacular show takes place set against this stunning backdrop and to inspiring background music. Viewing these wild and majestic birds is a beautiful and emotional sight and a great way to educate the children
Opening dates & times: open daily, April to September with shows at: 15:30 & 17:00; August: 15:00, 16:30 & 18:00.
Price: On request at their website or by phone

Getting there
Car: The Park is approx. 110km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services from Lourdes to nearby Adast between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Jardin Massey in Tarbes
Rue Massey, 65000 Tarbes. Tel: +33 (0)562513031
The serene and peaceful Jardin Massey is a public garden in Tarbes, which dates back to the 19th century and was designed by Placide Massey, horticulturist of the French King Louis Philippe I and former Chief of the Palace of Versailles' gardens.
The garden contains rare and interesting trees, flowers and animals and in 2004 it was placed on the list of the Remarkable Gardens of France by the French government in 2004.

City dwellers flock here to breathe the clean air and savor the lush gardens which feature an orangery, exhibition greenhouse, a cloister with forty arched bought from the Abbey of Saint-Sever-de-Rustan and a museum that features a 40m high Moorish-style tower to name but a few of the delights.

There is also a miniature railway which is great fun for children and adults alike. The Petit Train Jardin Massey offers a magical journey for children and runs daily during school holidays. Outside of the school holidays the train runs every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and cost 2 Euros.

Price: Entry is free of charge

Getting to the Tarbes area
Car: Tarbes is approx. 74km from Saint Lary and takes approx. 1 hour 05mins to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's network: Regular services from Lourdes to Tarbes between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below (Tarbes-Lourdes-Gavarnie).
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf
 
By Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Rail Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Children Specific