The Central Pyrenees
Breathe in the wonderful fresh air here in the majestic Central Pyrenees on the border with Spain, in southern Haute-Garonne.
The Central Pyrenees - a huge breath of fresh air !
The magnificent mountain scenery forms the backdrop for an immense summer or winter adventure playground in Comminges and around Bagnères-de-Luchon, Saint-Béat and Aspet.
In winter, the ski areas of Luchon-Superbagnères, Peyragudes, Mourtis and Bourg d’Oueil welcome experienced skiers and beginners with open arms.
In summer, however, the mountains revert back to summer pasture, grazed by cattle and sheep under the watchful eye of herdsmen. The origins of pastoralism here are lost in the mists of time.
The Pyrenees are home to many wild animals : emblematic izards gambol from rock to rock, friendly marmots pop up beside the footpath, large birds of prey like griffon vultures, golden eagles and bearded vultures circle in the sky overhead. You won’t see any brown bears or capercaillies as these rare, elusive creatures stay hidden in the depths of the forests, but the very fact of their presence proves that the natural habitats of the wild, high mountains are in excellent health !
The Pyrenees are mountains of great character, unspoilt and with a unique personality… and they are here in Haute-Garonne !
Bagnères de Luchon and the "Grandes Dames" !
Of all the Pyrenean resorts known as the « Grandes Dames (Great Ladies) » of the Belle Epoque, Bagnères-de-Luchon is definitely the Queen. The town has inherited thermal baths and heritage buildings featuring a mosaic of architectural styles: Haussmannian, Anglo-Norman, Russian, Second Empire, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Alpine chalets… Bagnères-de-Luchon first became known for the healing properties of its sulphurated hot springs during the 18th century. The spa town offers hydrotherapy treatment but also health and fitness at the Vaporarium, a natural steam bath hollowed out in the rock, the only one of its kind in Europe.
Luchon is also a winter sports destination with two big ski resorts at Superbagnères and Peyragudes and a fun mountain destination in summer. The GR10 hiking path, which links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, runs through the Luchonnais mountains from the village of Fos through Luchon itself to Val d’Esquiéry, offering breathtaking panoramic views of summits over 3,000m.
In summer the Pyrenees is a popular destination for walkers seeking unspoilt scenery, boundless panoramas, hidden mountain lakes and ones which are easy to reach with children. The walking possibilities are endless and can be tailored to meet your fancies, level of fitness and your family’s wishlist ! Follow signposted paths in total safety on a full-day or half-day walk or a trek lasting several days if you choose to stay overnight in a staffed mountain refuge for a complete high mountain experience. Here in the high Pyrenean mountains of Haute-Garonne there is an unprecedented concentration of peaks over 3,000 metres to admire, 18 summits in all !
The range of outdoor activities is huge and includes downhill mountain biking, cycle touring, paragliding, fishing, caving, rock climbing, equestrian sports, horse riding, rafting, white water sports…, and downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the ground is snow-covered. There’s something for everyone at any time of year !
« It’s September and I am on a mission ! I really want to hear the roaring of the rutting stag when the King of the Forest challenges his rivals to a battle for the favours of hinds. We wait for evening and, wrapped up warm and armed with torches, we move stealthily through the forest. We can’t see the stag but his bellow suddenly hits us as an unforgettable, raucous roar echoes through the night air… What an experience !!! »
Office de Tourisme – Allées d’Etigny – 31110 Bagnères-de-Luchon"
Our selection of accommodations
Guest house
Villa du Lys
in BAGNERES DE LUCHON - Haute-Garonne
