Driving distance from Calais:
693 miles (Approx. 10hrs 30mins)
Situated near the Pyrenees National Park, not far from the Spanish border, the ski resort of Peyragudes straddles the peaked mountains whose slopes roll down into the valleys of Louron and Larboust. Located in the departments of Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne, in the Midi-Pyrénées, the Louron valley is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Louron Valley is equally remarkable for its stunning landscape as it is for its architectural treasures. The unspoilt, verdant valley encompasses numerous picture perfect villages such as Avajan, Bareilles and Vielle-Louron, constructed from stone, wood and the local valley slate. Romaneque churches perch precariously on mountainsides and further enhance the valley's rich architectural heritage; many displaying frescos dating back to the 16th century.
Watch towers dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries pepper the landscape - a lasting reminder of conflicts past and when the valley was plundered by the Saracens. Further towers were built to protect the valley inhabitants from Moors who would cross from the nearby border with Spain.
Gastronomy is of significant importance to the valley locals. A wide range of restaurants and farmers' markets using and selling local fair allows you to sample the delights of the region. The hearty Garbure soup is a must, along with the succulent slow roasted lamb all washed down with a refreshing local cider. If you still have room for desert then you should try the Gateau a la Broche - a layered cake cooked on a skewer!
At the heart of the valley is Loudenvielle; the main village situated on the upper valley. A short walk from the village, surrounded by high mountain peaks, lays the Génos-Loudenvielle Lake; a vast expanse of water offering up various leisure activities including paddle boats and walks around the scenic footpath that encircles it.
Loudenvielle is as renowned for its sporting culture as it is for is cultural heritage. Situated at the foot of the Col d'Azet and the Col de Peyresourde, the village has hosted three stage finishes in the Tour de France. The village offers a wide range of other sporting activities ranging from hiking and handgliding to paintball and paragliding. The village of Loudenvielle also promotes several concerts and festivals during the summer season.
The surrounding mountain peaks and cols make this a walkers and cyclists paradise. During the summer the ski slopes of the winter become a hiking playground whilst the nearby cols of Tour De France fame (Col De Peyresourde and the Col d’Azet) are just a stone’s throw away.
Loudenvielle village (in the Louron Valley)
For those who prefer a traditional village feel to their stay, the pretty village of Loudenvielle is a perfect location. It is a real haven of peace and is situated close to the famed “Balnea” Spa and Wellness Centre and the pretty Génos Lake. It has everything you need for your holiday from its own Tourist Office and shops to a pharmacy, newsagents, bakery and a handful of restaurants and bars.
The village of Avajan (in the Louron Valley)
For those who prefer a real “Getaway” destination, this small village with its old narrow streets and small lake is picture perfect. The small church of Saint Blaise with its 16th century clock tower and the chapel of Saint Christau are all reminiscent of the history of this ancient village. It is just 6 km from Loudenvielle. This small hamlet has a couple of restaurants and a bar and is in the heart of the Louron Valley in an idyllic location.
The Louron valley has plenty of activities throughout the summer season and the Cazaux Fréchet village festival which is normally celebrated in October includes meals, shows, a ball and traditional mass at the church.
Tourist Information in Loudenvielle is open every day during the season from 09:00 – 18:00 and their comprehensive website is full of useful information, tips and suggestions:
Office de Tourisme Loudenvielle
Chemin de Cazalis,
65510 Loudenvielle,
Tel: +33562999200/+33562999535
Website: http://www.vallee-du-louron.com/
Louron Valley opening dates: 01 June – 31 October 2015.
The Louron valley offer many outdoor and cultural activities, for adults and children alike and has a rich rural heritage. From the Largest thermal spa in the Pyrenees (the “Balnea” Spa and Well-being Centre) and the water sports on Lake Génos to antique frescos in small Romanesque churches – the Louron valley is a cutesy destination with something for everyone.
Get cheaper activity prices with 'The 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€
Sports & Leisure
Balnea Spa and Well-being Centre
Road Cycling
Mountain Biking
Hiking and walking in the Louron valley
Peyragudes Privilege ski lift
Val Louron Myrtilles ski lift
Cinema
Fun Park
Treetop "Aero Branche"
Badalans Mini Golf
Horse Riding
Dog sledding without snow "Cani-Rando"
Mountain Scooter (Quad)
Archery
Paragliding
Ludeo Nautical Area
Yoga on the Lake
Hire of Canoes or Pedalos
Flying over the Valley (by plane)
Go to the Sports & Leisure Page >
Culture and Heritage
The Arixo museum
The Heritage room
Mountain and Nature exhibition
The Romanesque churches of the Louron Valley
Saoussas Mill
The town of Lourdes
Go to the Culture & Heritage Page >
Natural Wonders & Wildlife
Cirque of Gavarnie
Cirque of Troumouse
Cirque of Estaubé
Gavarnie Village (gateway to the Cirques)
Sights in Gavarnie
Pont d’Espagne
Pic Du Midi
A Night at the Pic du Midi
The Pyrenees National Park (UNESCO SITE)
Néouvielle Nature Reserve
Esparros Caves
The Gargas Caves & Nestplori visitor centre
Médous Caves
Les Grottes de Bétharram (Caves of Bétharram)
The Pyrenees Animal Park
Donjon des Aigles
Jardin Massey in Tarbes
Go to the Natural Wonders & Wildlife Page >
Child Specific
Fun Park
Treetop "Aero Branche"
Badalans Mini Golf
Horse Riding
Dog sledding without snow "Cani-Rando"
Mountain Scooter (Quad)
Archery
Ludeo Nautical Area
Hire of Canoes or Pedalos
Nurseries
Games Room
The Pyrenees Animal Park
Donjon des Aigles
Restaurants in Peyragudes
Located in the ski resort of Peyragudes, at the base of the lift or in the resort village.
Le Tylito
Residence Serias, 65240 Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)562 405128. Mail: letylito@orange.fr
Creperie sandwich bar
Chez Manu
Residence Serias, 65240 Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)562 405126. Mail: abadie-chris@wanadoo.fr
Pizzeria
Le Hourgade
Résidence Le Louron, 65240 Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)562 996671.
Bar restaurant
El Feston
Résidence Le Hameau de Balestas, 65240 Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)562 392785. Mail: alain.glandis@gmail.com
Tapas bar
L'Estancot
Residence les Hauts de Peyragudes, 65240, Peyragudes, Tel +33 (0)672 924239. Mail: jeffsallenave@hotmail.fr
Tapas bar
Le Schuss
Galerie Commerciale, 31110, Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)615 125048. Mail: daniellejampoc@hotmail.fr
Fast food and salads
Chez Gino
Résidence Royal Peyragudes, 65240 Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)562 491284. Mail: florencegh@hotmail.fr
Restaurants in Loudenvielle & Louron valley
Located in the small village of Loudenvielle or nearby in the Louron valley.
Restaurant Les Cimes
Estarvielle, Tel: +33 (0)562 996721
Family run friendly restaurant with great food and atmosphere and views across the Louron Valley.
Balnea restauant
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 491919. www.balnea.fr
Bar and restaurant (with healthy meals and snack) and tea room
La Table de Saoussas
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 999640. www.latabledesaoussas.com
Bar - Restaurant
Chante Coq
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 398664 http://chantecoq.e-monsite.com
Bar – Restaurant
L’Oustaou
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 390824.
Bar – Restaurant -Snack
Chez Rogé
Loudenvielle, Tel: +33 (0)562 996804.
Café - Bar
Auberge du Chateau
Génos. Tel: +33 (0)562 409202.
Bar – Restaurant
L’Olivette
Génos. Tel: +33 (0)562 996409.
Bar – Snack – Pizzas
Les Relais d’Avajan
Avajan. Tel: +33 (0)562 996708.
Bar – Restaurant
Le Moulin d’Avajan
Avajan. Tel: +33 (0)562 996754. www.le-moulin-d-avajan.com
Restaurant
Le Peyresourde
Borderes Louron. Tel: +33 (0)562 986287. www.hotel-du-peyresourde.com
Bar – Restaurant
Chez Mémé
Borderes Louron. Tel: +33 (0)630 754369.
Traditional Restaurant and Tapas
Bars
Peyragudes and the Louron Valley has nightlife to suit all tastes. Whether you like to enjoy a quiet drink with friends and loved ones or you enjoy the party atmosphere, the resort is full of friendly bar restaurants. So, if it’s an aperitif before dinner, a few drinks with friends listening to live music, or staying up late to dance the night away with flowing cocktails, Peyragudes has all the bases covered.
La Table de Saoussas
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 999640. www.latabledesaoussas.com
Bar - Restaurant
Chante Coq
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 398664 http://chantecoq.e-monsite.com
Bar – Restaurant
El Feston
Résidence Le Hameau de Balestas, 65240 Peyragudes, Tel: +33 (0)562 392785. Mail: alain.glandis@gmail.com
Tapas bar
L'Estancot
Residence les Hauts de Peyragudes, 65240, Peyragudes, Tel +33 (0)672 924239. Mail: jeffsallenave@hotmail.fr
Tapas bar
L’Oustaou
Loudenvielle. Tel: +33 (0)562 390824.
Bar – Restaurant -Snack
Chez Rogé
Loudenvielle, Tel: +33 (0)562 996804.
Café - Bar
Auberge du Chateau
Génos. Tel: +33 (0)562 409202.
Bar – Restaurant
L’Olivette
Génos. Tel: +33 (0)562 996409.
Bar – Snack – Pizzas
Les Relais d’Avajan
Avajan. Tel: +33 (0)562 996708.
Bar – Restaurant
Le Peyresourde
Borderes Louron. Tel: +33 (0)562 986287. www.hotel-du-peyresourde.com
Bar – Restaurant
Auberge de Germ
Germ. Tel: +33 (0)562 400397. www.auberge-de-germ.fr
Bar- Restaurant
Road
Driving distance from Calais1: 1,115km / 693 miles, 10hrs 30mins
Driving distance from Le Harve: 1,1005km / 625 miles, 8hrs 55mins
Driving distance from Caen: 925km / 575 miles, 8hrs 15mins
Driving distance from Cherbourg: 1013km, / 629 miles, 9hrs 10mins
Driving distance from Saint Malo: 853km / 521 miles, 8hrs 0mins
Driving distance from Bilbao: 370km /230 miles, 3hrs 44mins
Driving distance from Santander: 466km / 289 miles, 4hrs 45mins
Air
International Airport Tarbes – Lourdes
Tel: +33(0)562 329222. Website: http://www.tlp.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Peyragudes: 85km / 54 miles, 1hr 15mins
Air France operates flights from Paris-Orly. 3 flights daily from Monday to Friday, 2 flights on weekends.
Ryanair operate 2 weekly flights from London Stansted on Monday and Friday.
Tarbes Lourdes Airport shuttle Bus transfer
Shuttle buses run from Tarbes-Lourdes Airport to Peyragudes direct. If you are travelling from Stansted airport or Paris Orly on the Ryanair flight to Tarbes-Lourdes Airport on Friday or Tuesday. From 5 December to 17 April you can reserve your ticket for a single or return journey or purchase at the information desk at the airport at arrivals level. In resort, payments can be made on the bus to the driver in cash. Be aware though that places are limited so a reservation is advisable. If no reservations are made for the shuttle – it may not run.
Reservations: Email: bus-shuttle@tlp.aeroport.fr. Tel +33(0)562 329222
Pick up /Drop off point: Tourist Office
Price: Single/15€; Return/30€.
Departures days: Mondays and Fridays (Ryanair) Daily (Paris Orly)
Departure Tarbes-Lourdes Airport: TBA – Arrival Peyragudes: TBA
Depart Peyragudes: TBA- Arrival Airport: TBA
International Airport Pau – Pyrenees
Tel: +33(0)559 333300. Website: http://www.pau.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Peyragudes: 128km / 80 miles, approx. 1hr 35mins
Air France operates flights from Paris-Orly. 10 daily flights from Sunday – Friday, 2 flights on Saturday.
Air France operates flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. 10 daily flights from Sunday – Friday, 3 flights on Saturday.
International Airport Toulouse - Blagnac
Tel: +33(0)561 424441. Website: http://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Peyragudes: 161km/ 100 miles, 1hrs 55mins.
Easyjet operates flights from London Gatwick. 2 flights (Sunday, Monday, Thursday Friday) 1 flight (Wednesday, Tuesday, Saturday)
Easyjet operates 3 weekly flights from Bristol on Sunday, Monday & Friday and daily flights during holiday periods.
British Airways operates flights from London Heathrow. 2 flights (Wednesday – Friday), 3 flights (Sunday – Tuesday), 1 flight (Saturdays).
International Airport Carcassonne
Tel: +33(0)468 719646. Website: www.aeroport-carcassonne.com .
Distance to Peyragudes: 242km / 150 miles, 2hr 35mins
Ryanair operates 3 weekly flights from London Stansted on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
Ryanair operates 2 weekly flights from Liverpool John Lennon airport on Tuesday & Saturday.
International Airport Biarritz
Tel: +33(0)559 438383. Website: http://www.biarritz.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Peyragudes: 232km/144 miles, approx. 2hr 25mins
Ryanair operates 3 weekly flights from London Stansted on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
Transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports to Loudenvielle are pre-bookable via Pyrenees Collection.
Rail
Nearest Rail stations: Luchon, 16km, 25 mins. Lannemezan, 58km, 1hr 5mins
Access: Then bus to Peyragudes approx. 25km / 15 miles.
Toulouse Matabiau– Direct or via Montrejeau- Luchon: 2hrs 547mins
Paris Montparnasse – Direct or via Montrejeau – Luchon: 10hrs 10mins
Toulouse Matabiau– Direct or via Montrejeau- Lannemezan: 2hr 31mins
Paris Austerlitz or Montparnasse – Direct or via Toulouse or Tarbes – Lannemezan: 8hrs 29mins
Carcassonne - via Toulouse - Lannemezan: 3hrs 52mins
Reservation number:
0844 848 5848
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday 09:00- 19:00 and Saturday 09:00-18:00
Car Hire
Pyrenees Collection can arrange very competitive car hire at all airports, train stations and other town locations. Seven day rental ranges from?? (Any other duration possible). See our car hire pages for more information.
Local Bus transfers to Peyragudes, Loudenvielle, Avajan and Bordères-Louron
Leave your car in the valley during your stay and take the local bus that operated during the weeks of Christmas and New Year and the French school holidays.
The Bus starts in Arreau and finishes in Peyragudes at the foot of the ski slopes (and vice versa) and the price is for any length of journey take. It stops at the following locations (not an extensive list).
Single journey price: Adult/2€; Child (4 – 12)/1€; Book of 10 tickets/15€
Journey time: (Loudenvielle – Peyragudes): 35 minutes
Location |
Daily |
Daily except Wednesday |
Wednesday |
Bordères-Louron (La Grave) |
09:40 |
12:10 |
13:25 |
Avajan Town Hall |
09:44 |
12:14 |
13:29 |
“Balnea” thermal spa at Loudenviellee |
09:49 |
12:19 |
13:34 |
Loudenvielle centre (Jardins de Balnea Residence) |
09:50 |
12.2 |
13:35 |
Loudervielle village |
09:58 |
12:28 |
13:43 |
Peyragudes Tourist Office |
10:09 |
12:39 |
13:44 |
Peyragudes ski slopes |
10:10 |
12:40 |
13:45 |
Location |
Daily except Wednesday |
Wednesday |
Daily |
Peyragudes ski slopes |
11:05 |
12:15 |
17:15 |
Peyragudes Tourist Office |
11:06 |
12:16 |
17:16 |
Loudervielle village |
11:19 |
12:29 |
17:29 |
Loudenvielle centre (Jardins de Balnea Residence) |
11:25 |
12:35 |
17:35 |
“Balnea” thermal spa at Loudenviellee |
11:26 |
12:36 |
17:36 |
Avajan Town Hall |
11:31 |
12:41 |
17:41 |
Bordères-Louron (La Grave) |
11:36 |
12:46 |
17:46 |