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Don't forget your 'Louron pass'
The Louron Pass is a card that saves you money on your activities whilst you are in the Louron Valley. You can take advantage of cheaper prices for many activities and sites. There are over 30 different plans and discounts available on over 20 activities as well as reductions at restaurants, and shops.
It is available at the tourist office in Loudenvielle.
Prices for 8 days: Adult/18€; Family (2 adults & 2 children (under 18 yrs.)/50€

Sporting & Leisure Activities in the Louron Valley

Balnea Spa and Well-being Centre
http://www.balnea.fr/
Thermal spas are typical of most of the Pyrenean ski resorts and are one of the must try experiences. Open all year, the “Balnea” Spa and Well-being Centre, with its famed natural spa water which is rich in minerals, also offers a range of beauty treatments and massage from ayurvedic to hot stones and Tibetan bowls. The themed baths are a sensory delight – from the American Indian baths with its totems, bubble beds and geysers to the Japanese baths with their onson-like heated outdoor relaxing areas and zen gardens. Finally the Roman baths with their Greco-Roman pool, saunas, hammams and Jacuzzis as well as a musical bath! A great place to unwind after a hard day on the slopes!

There is a free ski bus from Peyragudes to “Balnéa” during the French school holidays of December and February (see Ski area section below).
Opening times: Mon – Fri: 14:00 – 19:30; Weekends & Easter school holidays: 10:30 – 20:00; Christmas, New Year and French February school holidays: 10:00 – 21:00
Prices: 2 hour Adult entry/14.50- 17€ (2€ discount with Louron pass); 2 hour Child (3 – 11 yrs.)/8 - 9€; 2 hour Child (9 – 14 yrs.)/9 – 11.50€; 2 hour Family entry/38-46.50€ (3€ discount with Louron pass)

Road Cycling
The Pyrenean mountains around the Louron Valley are a road cyclist's heaven. For the keen road cyclist, the Louron Valley 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 Louron Valley. There are the HC climbs of the Port de Bales and Pla d'Adet (which featured in the Tour as recenlty as 2014). Right on your doorstep are the Cat1 climbs of the Col de Peyresourde and the Col d'Azet with its stunning summit panorama.

Further afield, but still within a capable riding distance you have the legendary HC climb of the Col du Tourmalet. Tackled from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, the climb is 17.2km long with a height gain of 1268m at an average gradient of 7.4% and a maximum of 12%! Also nearby are the Cat1 climbs of the Col d'Aspin and the Hourquette d'Ancizan along with the summit finish in the ski resort of Superbagneres. 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!

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. Amateur riders can sample the suffering of the ascents and enjoy the thrill of the high speed descents on the very same roads used by the professionals. It's a bit like a football fan having personal access to the hallowed turf at Wembley! Combined with the gentle rolling terrain to spin out the legs and the virtually traffic-free and easy to navigate roads, this is an experience not to be missed!

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!

Mountain Biking
There is a good selection of MTB trails from gladed downhill singletrack to long mountain descents suitable for a wide range of abilities. In total there are 110 kms of marked trails for mountain biking in the valley. The Louron Luchon Cyclisme club has put together 20 MTB itineraries that are free to access at the local Tourist Offices. For advanced mountain bikers there are a number of long fast descents from the top of Superbagneres, accessed via the gondola lift from the centre of Luchon (approx. 30 minutes drive away) and there is a mountain bike park at the ski resort of Peyragudes (approx. 15 minutes drive away).

Hiking and walking in the Louron valley
There are plenty of walks in the Louron valley taking in the stunning nature and scenery. From high altitude walks on the surrounding mountains and cols to the gentler walks around the Lake, there is something for everyone.
See our activities nearby section for more info in the surrounding area.
Below are a couple of local walks

The 20 paths in the Louron valley are colour coded and sign posted for ease and usability. Colour coded from Blue, Green, Red and black in ascending difficulty they are the same as the ski runs categorisation in winter. All these routes offer excellent views and some have view points and picnic areas.

In addition, thanks to the Myrtilles chairlift at Val Louron some walking itineraries can be cut down by nearly two hours.
5 green paths: less than 2 hours. Ideal family outing with small
5 blue trails: less than 3 hours. Family hikes
5 red trails: less than 4 hours. For hikers accustomed to walking including fairly challenging passages or steep terrain
5 black trails: 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 Guides of Louron. 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33(0)562 996131.
5% discount with Louron pass.

View walking map here.

Note: The Tourist Office has walking guides of the area that include the following itineraries.

La Tour de Moulor (The Moulor Tower): 1 hour 45mins, 180m height gain.
Les Granges de Nabias (The old sheep barns of Nabias): 2 hours 30mins, 310 height gain
Les Gorges De Clarabide (The Clarabide Gorge): 3 hours 30mins, 500m height gain.
Le lac De Borderes (Borderes Lake): 4 hours 30mins, 665 height gain.

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!

Peyragudes Privilege ski lift
Peyragudes lift services. 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 996999.www.peyragudes.com
Opening dates & times: Open for a half day each week from 09:00 – 12:00 on Wednesdays. Mountain bike and animals not allowed. Last lift at 11:30.

Val Louron Myrtilles ski lift
Val Louron lift services, Val louron. Tel: +33 (0)562 999900.www.val-louron-ski.com
This ski lift takes you up to the beautiful upper regions on the mountains on what are the slopes of Peyragudes ski area in the winter. From here you can access many of the walks in the area and take advantage of the spectacular views. Recommended walks include the Sarrouyes Lake, the Tuc d’Ardounes and le Belvedere des Cimes.
Opening dates & times: from 7 July – 28 August from Monday to Thursday and a half day each week from 09:00 – 12:00 on Wednesdays. Mountain bike and animals not allowed.
Price: Free of charge with a Louron pass

Cinema
Cinema Arixo, Rue des Gourgs Blancs, 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 999535
A high-tech cinema, Arixo (3D), is open all year round in Loudenvielle. Films are advertised on the boards outside and range from mainstream blockbusters to art house films. Many of the films are subtitled. Ticket office opens 30 min before the film starts. Evening showings on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6 or 9pm.
For listings please check: http://www.premiere.fr/horaire/cine/10147

Fun Park
Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos. Tel: +33 (0)562 999525 or (0)623 927524. Email: cathyforgue@tele2.fr or cathyforgue@wanadoo.fr
Pony rides, inflatables, trampoline, quad bikes for adults.
Prices: 1 hour park entry/8€ (7€ with Louron pass); 20 minute pony ride/10€ (9€ with Louron pass)

Treetop "Aero Branche" 
Next door to Balnea. Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos. Tel: +33 (0)647 642975. www.partcours-aventure-louron.com.
The park welcomes you with an acrobatic walk amongst the treetops by way of zip cords, monkey bridges, Nepalese bridges and Tarzan swings. The activity is open to children as young as 4 years old.
15 circuits for kids, 20 for adults
Prices: Adult/17€ (15€ with Louron pass); Child/15€ (13€ with Louron pass)

Badalans Mini Golf
Opposite Carrefour Montagne, 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 999923
18 hole course. Open daily from 10:00 – 21:00.
Prices: Entrance/3€ (2.80€ with Louron pass)

Horse Riding
Prom’ a Chibaoua Mont. 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33(0)631 683299.
Prices: 2 hour ride/38€ (33€ with Louron pass); ½ day ride/55€ (50€ with Louron pass)

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.

Dog sledding without snow "Cani-Rando"
65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33(0)562 393308. www.sherpa-chien-traineau.fr
Prices: 2 hour ride/38€ (33€ with Louron pass); ½ day ride/55€ (50€ with Louron pass)
Dog sledding without the snow.
10% individual or family discount with Louron pass.

Mountain Scooter (Quad)
Next door to Balnea. Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos. Tel: +33 (0)647 642975. www.parcours-aventure-louron.com.
Mountain downhill descent on a scooter (basically alike a mountain bike but without pedals). This adventurous sport is a great way to discover the mountains on a bicycle but on the downhill section only. So, no pedalling needed!!
Price: Adult/17€ (15€ with Louron pass)

Archery
Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos. Tel: +33 (0)687 284480
Beginners from 6 years old welcome. Traditional or fun format.
10% individual or family discount with Louron pass.

Paragliding
Bureau des activities. 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 996131
A tandem paraglide ride with a qualified pilot can be experienced from the 'Cap de Pales'. A truly unique experience as you fly high above the snow covered resort on warm thermals that are usually the preserve of the mountain birds of prey surrounded by pointed Pyrenean peaks and deep valleys! Thrill-seekers might want to have the exhilaration of experiencing some tricks such as wing-overs and spirals while others can relax and enjoy the solitude of gentle flight. Paragliding is available to anyone from the age of 5 years old.
Prices: Tandem baptism/75€ (70€ with Louron pass)

Ludeo Nautical Area
Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos. Tel: 33(0)0562 491921
Open daily from 30 June to 2 September from 11:00 to 19:00 this open air swimming pool with jet pools, slides and a children’s area is great for the young ones. It has a 70m water slide, a 25 m pool, an outdoor spa, children water games, a picnic area, a snack bar with terrace.
Prices: Free of charge with Louron Pass

Yoga on the Lake
Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos.
One hour Discovery session (northern pontoon entrance)
10% individual or family discount with Louron pass.

Hire of Canoes or Pedalos
Génos -Loudenvielle Lake, 65240 Génos. Tel: +33 (0)608 164230. www.virevolte.net
Prices: 1 hour rent/12€ (10€ with Louron pass).

Culture and Heritage in the Louron Valley

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. 95km from Loudenvielle and takes approx. 1 hour 25 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€.

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/   

The Arixo museum
Rue des Gourgs Blancs, 65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 999535
The Arixo museum is located in the village of Loudenvielle. This modern day museum where history and technology come together is set within a cosy restored farmhouse made of stone, wood and slate.

It provides space for the innovative museum where you can discover the latest art novelties (in cooperation with cinema Parvis 65).
Interactive platforms allow you to discover the history of this small part of the world whilst presenting the heritage of the valley in an extensive yet fun way. There is a section devoted to the religious art of the valley that is housed in the Roman churches of the valley. This is something very dear to the locals’ hearts. Daily life is also represented in another area depicting the ancient rituals and way of doing things as well as how the houses were built and furnished.

You will also find temporary exhibitions, cultural games, storytelling evenings, debates, shows as well as a cinema, the heritage room and the Mountain and Nature exhibition. (See below)
The Museum is open three afternoons a week

The Heritage room
The Louron and Bareilles valleys have about 20 villages and a great number of churches which can be visited in these rooms thanks to Interactive terminals. There are also pictures and comments which can also be accessed at the touch of a button.

As well as models showing the landscape and topography of the valley and the villages, you will find reproductions of the statues and mural paintings that decorate churches. Example include “Adam and Eve” from the 16th century church in Anéran and “The final judgment” from a 16th century church in Vielle-Louron.

Mountain and Nature exhibition
The natural resources of the valley, working stone and wood, the tools, the knowledge and the beautifully functional houses are all shown here in homage to the craftsmen and artists of the valley.

The Romanesque churches of the Louron Valley
Valley Louron is very distinct from other valleys in the Pyrenees in so far as it has a wealth of Romanesque churches, and also in the fact that many of the sixteenth century paintings within them have been miraculously preserved. Perhaps this is due in part to the isolated nature of the valley which protected it from destruction which affected so many village in the Pyrenees during the religious and revolutionary wars. Below are some of the most noteworthy churches in the area.

The church of Saint Callistus de Cazaux Frechet (Eglise Saint Callistus of Cazaux Frechet)
Legend has it that the brave Aragonese knight Calisto and his cousin Mercurial came to the Louronnaise lands in the tenth century to fight the Moors. They arrived via the Col d'Azet, and crossed the valet to fight alongside the locals. After a fierce battle, Calisto was slain and his body placed on a flat stone, names Saint Calixte’s sepulchre. Despite his death, the battle was won and the grateful inhabitants of the valley built a church in memory of the brave knight.

The Saint Calixte church has a single nave with a semi-circular apse. There is a chapel in the northern part of the church and a bell tower which contains a bell dating from 1577. The bell has been listed as an historical monument. Be sure to view the monumental paintings dating from the 12 to 16th century as well as the sculptures, painted ceiling (painted in 1720) and the altarpiece (18th century).

The church of Saint-Barthélémy de Mont (Eglise Saint Bartholomew of Mont)
This church is part of the parish of Saint-Calixte (Cazaux-Fréchet / Anéran-Camors). Based on the style of the south portal, it would seem that the church dates back to the 13th century. The building was rebuilt in the 16th century with the construction of the north chapel. The original bell tower was made larger and significant work took place decorating the interior and exterior decoration with murals. Be sure to view the Portal which was listed as an historical monument in 1910.

The church of Saint-Mercurial de Vielle Louron (Eglise Saint Mercurial of old Louron)
This church is part of the parish of Adervielle. The church houses the relics of St Mercurial, an Aragonese knight who died on the site of Vielle-Louron fighting the Saracens in the first quarter of the eleventh century. According to tradition, Mercurial was the German cousin of Calix, another local saint who gave his name to the Church of St. Calix Cazaux-Fréchet. Most of the church is Romanesque, especially the west front, the nave and the northern apse. The apse was separated from the northern aisle and made into a vestry in 1593, the date seen on its lintel. The southern windows of the nave were first opened in 1749. The church is a listed building.

The church of Saint-Félix d'Armenteule (Eglise Saint Felix of Armenteule)
This church is south facing with a Romanesque semi-circular apse decorated with "Lombardy" arches. The original building had only one nave to the south. It was consolidated in the 16th century by large buttresses and decorated with monumental paintings. It has a pavilion roof on the bell tower and a false-ribbed vault on the southern chapel.

The church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Bareilles (Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Bareilles)
The church was first mentioned in the charter of 1387. From 1847 onwards, the church was sporadically rebuilt and the architect J.J. Latour was to remove the semi-circular apse. Work continued with many interruptions until 1852 when the work resumed but the stability of the new tower was questioned. It was therefore rebuilt by the contractor in 1854. The new building was not finished and decorated until 1857 (date shown on the tympanum of the entrance porch) by sculptor Joseph Nelly.

This rectangular building built from granite blocks and shale, covered with slate tiles and a polygonal tower spire above the passage entrance. The three naves are divided into three bays and separated by arcades with carved capitals. The semi-circular apse has a cul-de-four and a nave and the church is decorated with many sculptures and paintings.

The church of the Invention de Saint-Etienne of Germ-Louron (Eglise de l’Invention-de-Saint-Etienne de Germ-Louron)
This church dates mainly from the sixteenth century. The north side chapel, under the patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary, was built in 1597 by Juan Monzon Forga, a native of Aragon. The sacristy probably dates back to the eighteenth century. Do not miss the remarkable portal and the altar of Our Lady of the Rosary dated XVI - XVII century.

The church of St. Mary Magdalene Church of Loudervielle (Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Loudervielle)
The original remaining sections of this Romanesque church are the west side with its curved narrow bay and part of the south wall decorated with “Lombardy” arches. It was originally the seat of the brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament and was erected by the Jesuit missionary, Jean Fourcaud in October 1637. The interior was re- painted in 1934-1935. Ashlar limestone has been used on the western elevation and the “Lombardy” arches.
Decor: sculptures

Saoussas Mill
65510 Loudenvielle. Tel: +33(0)0562 996417 or (0)562 999050
Just after the Revolution, this watermill was built close to the village of Loudenvielle to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the upper Louron valley. It remained in use until 1937 when the reservoir was destroyed due to flooding.
However, it was brought back to life recently on the original site in order to revive the traditional activity. The well-preserved millstones have been put back into action in the beautifully restored mill where the finely worked local stone and wood is the highlight. The latest reconstruction is an up to date is a saw mill currently open to the public.
There is also a leisure area where kids can see farm animals that roam freely and fish trout in the pond.
Prices: Adult/4.50€; Child (+ 10 yrs.)/2.50€. Free for under 10 yrs.

Natural Wonders & Wildlife in the Louron Valley