LOCATION
most cases) and many resorts here now link to neighbouring towns to give extensive ski areas, while retaining a quieter, friendlier and more relaxed atmosphere than you fi nd at the huge Alpine resorts. The majority of the ski
resorts that nestle in the mountains of the Pyrénées were thermal spa towns before expanding into skiing. However, over the past few years, there has been huge investment in the skiing infrastructure and the summer activities on off er – as well as upgrades to the spa facilities – in order to attract visitors all the year round. Moreover, many people,
priced out of the Alpine resorts have realised that the Pyrénées off er a better-value alternative; ski passes and ski hire here are much cheaper, as are accommodation and food. In the mountain villages of
the Pyrénées, the restaurants and shops are mostly small family-run enterprises, whose primary aim is simply to make a living. This is not an area where commercial savvy is widespread and most of the small businesses you’ll come across have been here for generations. They also tend to operate year-round as part of the local community, as they have done for centuries, as opposed to charging the tourists as much as possible during the few short months of the winter season. It is the same with lift
“On days when it is bad weather in the mountains, you can still be sitting by your pool”
passes, which cost around half the price you’ll pay in the Alps.
CLIMATE DIFFERENCES Having a home an hour or so away from the mountains has many advantages in terms of weather because the climate varies greatly between the valleys and the higher mountains. You can, for example, have double-digit temperatures and sunshine in the middle of winter on your terrace down in the valley and yet, within 40 minutes of heading into the mountains – say, above 900 metres – you could reach the snow and minus temperatures. This is
great for skiing in winter, of course, but equally lovely in the summer when you can head into the mountains for some cooler air and a dip in one of the many mountain rivers or lakes. And on days when it is bad weather in the mountains, you can still be sitting by your pool or enjoying walking and cycling locally while watching the storms in the distance over the high peaks.
YEAR-ROUND FUN The Pyrénées also off er the best for walking, in both winter and summer: fantastic scenery, good temperatures, beautiful views and, above all, variety.
St-Lizier in Ariège is a Plus Beaux Village de France
Serious hikers will relish the chance to seek out the unexplored valleys of the high mountains, while those who prefer an easier pace can stay on fl atter ground, following the numerous mountain streams. In winter, there are lots of snow-shoe trails and cross-country skiing, as well as dog-sledding and plenty of hiking below the snow-line. Even on gentle walks there
are some staggeringly beautiful ascents and descents, which reward with magnifi cent views and, if you are lucky, sightings of birds of prey. This part of the Pyrénées is an important migration route for millions of raptors and other birds as they fl y north in spring for the northern summer and south in autumn for the winter. The Pyrénées are a sanctuary
for many animal and plant species that are now very rare
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Blanche, a 6km red run that descends down a hidden valley and through tree-lined farmland. The 1,000m vertical, wide variety of terrain and feeling of remoteness make this one of the most enjoyable runs in the French Pyrénées. If you have had enough of sliding down the white stuff , Peyragudes
also off ers cross-country skiing, snowshoe treks and even husky rides to make the most of its abundant snow cover. In 2020, the new Skyvall Gondola opened, which means that it is now possible to easily access the pretty village of Loudenvielle, known for its cobbled streets and ancient farmhouses set in the Louron valley with spectacular mountain views. In this valley, you will also fi nd the very popular spa of Balnea, which has a number of themed pools where you can swim from inside to outside and sit in deliciously warm water admiring the snow-capped peaks that seem almost within touching distance.
CAUTERETS A pretty town in the heart of the Pyrénées, Cauterets is immensely popular with both skiers and non-skiers, and draws visitors in winter and summer. There are two big ski areas to explore, lots of lovely long runs and the location, which is both high and north-east facing, makes it one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Pyrénées. Cirque du Lys is the main
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 202569
ski area and is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. They can also enjoy the spa facilities at the famous thermal baths, Les Bains du Rocher, regarded as one of France’s best spas. All sorts of sports are on off er year-round and the town is a mecca for foodies, with a great covered market and lots of local delicacies including a huge range of cheeses. It is a very popular resort, but rarely gets crowded.
Cauterets is popular with skiiers and non-skiiers
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© SHUTTERSTOCK
© NADIA JORDAN
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