The ancient villages of Bareges and Luz St Sauveur are situated 30kms south of Lourdes and nestled amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The local countryside inspired many famous writers including Victor Hugo and George Sand. And it was here that the golden age of Pyrenean exploration started. Discover a landscape of high peaks, rushing streams and azure mountain lakes, with lots to do and explore …

Enjoy these villages at their best during the lively weekly markets where you can savour the products of the local producers, shown below at Luz.

                    Relax in the Spas baths of Luz and Bareges, and enjoy the open-air heated swimming pools.

Discover the history of the Pays Toy with its fortified churches, isolated mountain settlements, watchtowers and Napoleonic influences. Stroll through the 17 picturesque villages of the Pays Toy, often clinging to the sides of the mountain. The many footpaths will lead you through a world where the sheep farming traditions are very much alive.

Lots to do …

We help you organise any of the following activites-

White-water rafting along our local river, the Gave de Pau, from seven years of age, whole or half-day trips.

Visit the Pic du Midi by cable car for the best view in France — most of the Pyrenees and a fifth of the land area of France! The Pic du Midi is a working stellar observatory. It was from the Pic that the Americans mapped the moon — the on-site museum will explain all.

Treetop Adventure Parks in Luz and Argeles

Horseriding at the Plateau du Lienz in Bareges

Via Ferrata at Pont Napoleon in Luz

Donjon des Aigles Raptors and falconry at Beaucens

Lourdes The pilgrimage town of Lourdes is just 30 minutes away

Pau Visit the Chateau of Henry IV, stroll along the Promenade des Pyrenees

Jazz in Marciac One of Europe's biggest jazz festivals in a lovely bastide village, first two weeks of August

Paragliding Tandem flights or week long courses with Air Aventure Pyrenees, one of the oldest established schools in France

Swimming pools Bareges, Luz and Gedre all have heated open-air swimming pools

Mountain Luge at Hautacam — recreating the thrills of a toboggan descent, but in summer!

Canyoning Descents of any number of local rivers, daily excursions from the Bureau des Guides in Luz

Pau Visit the Chateau, stroll along the Promenade des Pyrenees, Pau website