News and Events

Had a visit up the the Pic du Jer to watch the guys training for the Coupe du Monde Mountain Bike Championships here in Lourdes 8 – 10th April.

We arrived via the Funicular and were amazed at the views.  We were 1,000 metres above sea-level looking out over Lourdes and the Gaves Valleys.

It was great fun watching the guys riding down the Pic du Jer like bullets and have just discovered that Les Hauts Pâturages is within 10 minutes ride of loads of mountain bike routes.  I’ll be visiting the local tourist information office to get copies of routes for our guests.

For those inspired by the mad mountain bikers its possible to hire bikes and descend the trail yourself – we’ll in in the lovely bar-restaurant enjoying a cool beer before a leisurely walk around the botanical trail and enjoying the views.  The paths are tarmac and there were babies in pushchairs, children scrabbling about and of course mum.  So we are confident to recommend its suitable for everyone.

Spent a great day on the slopes of Cauterets with the boys whilst mum enjoyed the sunshine (its always sunny here) and watching the crazy skiers/boarders jump from the top of  the bowl, offpiste section, then joining the runs further down.  Cauterets offers  an incredible 1100 metres (3610 feet) of vertical descent wth about 25 pistes. We felt that is best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders but there is some terrain for beginners and advanced skiers.  I thought that some of the blues were fairly steep but were wide which makes it easier to get down.  There are 36 kilometers (22 miles) of cross country ski trails at Cauterets. For snowboarders, there is a terrain park although Louis said he preferres La Mongie (its bigger – says our 12 year old).

My perfect day in Cauterets would be the morning on the slopes, back down in the  express lift, lazy french lunch sitting outside in one of the many restaurants then an afternoon in the spa!

5 ton of gravel arrived from today to start rebuilding and widening the drive ways at Hauts Paturages.  The plan is to make the paths wide enough for guests to be able to drive up to their gites, unload their bags, then drive around the back to a new car park ares.  This means that the space around the houses are car free and safe for the children to play.  Access to the car park is a short walk around the back of the property.  Doug has been working hard planning ‘turning circles’ etc for 5 cars.  We have left trees for shade as it get mighty hot during the summer.

If you love ‘Strictly’ why not live the dance and learn to Tango! For one week every year Tarbes becomes the capital of ‘The Tango’. From 20 – 28 August 2016 every single day there will be free and paid for dance classes from beginner to professional (and they will find a partner for you), every cinema will be showing films inspired by the Tango and there will be world famous exhibition dancers performing daily.  Check out www.tarbesentango.fr (english version top right).

Les Hauts Pâturage is 35 minutes from Tarbes and the perfect place to enjoy a Tango holiday.   After a day dancing return to a glass or two of Argentina Red whilst relaxing on terrace before dinner.  A splash in the pool and dinner with friends reliving your dancing day.  We’ll do the driving and leave you to concentrate on the steps.  Great week to share with friends…. fully catered and totally spoilt!  Spa trips can be arranged.  Email for details.

The Tour de France will be passing through the Pyrenees on:

Stage 8: 9th July, Pau to Bagneres-de-Luchon, 183km

Extract from Cycling News:  “The mountain stages in the Pyrenees will be brief but intense with a finish in Lac de Payolle and then an up and down 183km stage to Bagnères-de-Luchon. The stage starts with the Col de la Tourmalet and ends with the Col de Peyresourde and a rapid descent to the finish. It seems perfect for a long breakaway.”