Pyrenees self-catering attractions
This beautiful and unspoiled region of France, which has recently been accredited with National Park status, will delight cottage holiday makers who are seeking fresh mountain air, stunning scenery and many opportunities for outdoor sport and activities.Outdoor activities
The region is unusual in that although it is a mountain area, you are never far from the coast.Hiking trails wind their way over the mountains and through the river valleys of Gave d’Ossau and Gave d’ Aspe. Horse trekking through the foothills of the Pyrenees is also extremely popular. The mountain streams are well stocked with fresh water fish such as trout and salmon and there are numerous white water rafting and canyoning centres as well as opportunities for climbing, abseiling and parascending.
For those who enjoy a gentler pace, there is wine tasting in the Jurancon Vineyards south of Pau or alternatively a cable car trip which takes you to the 2877 metere summit to the Pic du Midi Conservatory for fantastic views. In winter, the main ski stations are at Canterets, Gourette and La Mongie. These resorts are less busy than the Alpine resorts but just as lively.
Food and drinkThe cuisine enjoyed in the Pyrenees is typified by hearty, country fare such as poule au pot (chicken stew) and their mutton, lamb and beef are all of high quality. River trout, ham and strong chees are all regional specialities. The area is famous fro its Jurancon and béarnaise red wines. Les Ramparts at Mirepoix serves trout cooked in white wine and hearty regional dishes as well as a children’s menu.
Chez Albert, a popular restaurant overlooking the harbour at Biarritz is renowned for its fine seafood, which includes bream, sole and lobster. Popular with the locals, La Planche de Boeuf in Pau, serves locally reared beef and lamb and has a good wine list. Costes at Monsegur, an inexpensive café/restaurant, which is part of a hotel, has a variety of local dishes prepared on an open wood fire and offers game, duck and cassoulet.
History and CultureThe town of Pau was the birthplace of Henry IV, who united France in 1593 and the oldest inhabitants of this mountainous region are the Basques who are fiercely proud of their own language and culture. The wedding of Louis XIV and the Infanta, Maria Teresa of Spain took place here in St Jean de Luz in 1660 which sealed the alliance between France and Spain.
Lourdes is one of the great pilgrimage sites in Europe and 4million people annually visit the Grotte Massabielle, the cave where 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous saw a vision of the Virgin in 1858. (Open February to March, Monday to Friday pms and March to October daily) The Chateau de Laas, where Napoleon is said to have slept after his defeat at Waterloo is 9kms from Sauveterre-de- Bearn and has a collection of 18th century furniture. Open April to October from Wednesday to Monday, April pm only and July and August daily.
