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Cycling route in the Louron Valley ©Maison de Peyragudes

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Maison de Peyragudes

Destination Louron Valley

The breath of the Pyrenees
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The Louron Valley is the high valley that separates the Aure Valley from the Haute Garonne. It is the epicentre of the Pyrenees, where the mountains open up into a delicate, unspoilt valley where the villages have retained their charm and character, living in harmony with nature. The healing properties of the thermal waters of the Pyrenees are revealed at the Balnéa centre, which invites you on a world tour of well-being. In the heart of the Louron Valley, the diversity of natural sites offers the most precious panoramas and the chance to take part in activities on land, in the water and in the air, all year round. An all-in-one destination, chic without ostentation, to enjoy with the family or as a couple, between serenity and sensations.

paths

On the hiking trails

for every step

The Louron valley offers a wide range of trails to suit all abilities.

Family outing:

  • From the Romanesque church of Mont to that of Saint Calixte, an easy 4.85 km loop (1h55, +191 m ascent). The well-marked, shady path offers magnificent views over the Louron valley and Lake Génos-Loudenvielle.

For experienced walkers :

  • Gorges de la Clarabide and refuge de la Soula (1,690 m): challenging but safe routes. Allow 3 to 5 hours depending on the starting point.

For high-mountain enthusiasts:

  • To the south, the “three-thousanders” such as Pic Schrader (3,177 m), Pic de Gourgs Blancs (3,129 m) or Pic de Clarabide (3,020 m) for experienced hikers ready to take on the challenge over 1 or 2 days.
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Lake Bordères

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J. Tardos

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Lake Bareilles, Louron

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Entre2poles

    • Did you know?

      The famous Lac d’Oô, in neighbouring Haute-Garonne, is an easy 2? to 3-hour walk from the valley ridges.

    Balnéa

    Suspended moments at Balnéa

    life-size well-being

    On the shores of Lake Génos-Loudenvielle, Balnéa invites you on a sensory journey to the summits. The largest balneotherapy centre in the French Pyrenees, it combines relaxation, escape and an exceptional panorama.

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    Balnéa

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    Nathan Birrien

    Its spacious indoor and outdoor pools reflect the traditions of the world: Roman, Japanese, Tibetan, Amerindian baths… Here, everything invites you to let go: the warm, enveloping water, the immense views, the relaxing scents and the new-found calm.

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    Balnea en Duo

      Everything is designed for relaxation: swimming pool, panoramic terraces, bubble beds, heated benches, saunas, essential oil treatments and gourmet-inspired massages. And to extend the experience, there’s tai chi, yoga, a terrace restaurant and swimming in Balnéa’s newest pool: the Bains Olympiens.

      A soothing, rejuvenating break. Booking recommended in high season.

      Loudenvielle

      Around Lake Génos-Loudenvielle

      a life in the fresh air

      The beating heart of the valley

      Lake Loudenvielle is the perfect setting for outdoor activities:

      • Aquaparc, canoeing, paddle, pedalo, fishing
      • Walks, cycle rides, pony trekking or quad biking
      • Picnic areas, children’s games
      • Pumptracks and accrobranche for fans of sliding and agility

      The panorama changes according to the time of day and the season, always framed by the mountain. Whether you’re in a dynamic or dreamy mood, everything here is in tune with the gentle rhythm of the place.

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      Lake Genos Loudenvielle N. Birrien

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      ©N. Birrien

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        A romantic paddle on Lake Génos-Loudenvielle, with a view of the Pyrenees ©Focus Vision

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        Focus Vision

          Art and History

          A Land of Art and History

          Romanesque heritage and listed villages

          Together with the Aure valley, the Louron valley has been awarded the “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” label, revealing a precious heritage: Romanesque churches, perched chapels, stone houses and cobbled streets tell the story of an ancestral mountain way of life.

          Don’t miss the churches of Jézeau, Mont, Vielle-Louron and Loudenvielle, with their medieval frescoes and touching simplicity. Guided tours are offered throughout the year, led by enthusiastic guides.

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          Jézeau Church, Louron

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          Pierre Meyer

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          Jézeau church

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          Pah P. Meyer

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          Paintings in the church of Saint Barthélémy de Mont

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          Eric Martin

            MOUNTAIN BIKE

            Skyvall and mountain biking

            gaining height... and speed

            You won’t want to miss the Skyvall cable car, which links Loudenvielle to Peyragudes in just a few minutes. With its breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, it opens the door to a veritable natural playground at altitude.

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            Mountain biking in the Louron Valley

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            Office du Tourisme de la Haute vallée du Louron - Jean-Noel Herranz

            Up there, thrill-seekers can hurtle down mountain bike trails in a picture-postcard setting, between mountain pastures and Pyrenean peaks. The more adventurous can also try their hand at downhill scooters or enjoy a cani-rando, pulled by dogs as enthusiastic as they are hardy.

            Holidays

            Your holidays in the Louron valley

            All-inclusive summer breaks

            The last chic in the Pyrenees
            A spa weekend for two in Peyragudes
            from420 €per person
            Weekend at the water's edge
            Spa weekend in the Louron valley
            from235 €per person
            Intense Pyrenees
            3-day Pyrenees road trip
            from401 €per person

            All-inclusive winter breaks

            The Enchanted Valley
            Weekend with the kids in Peyragudes and Val Louron
            from561 €per family
            Family is his domain
            Family ski and spa holidays in Val Louron
            from2097 €per family
            Pyrenees Central Park
            Family ski holidays in Peyragudes
            from5545 €per family
            Ludéo

            Ludéo with the family

            diving in good spirits

            Just a stone’s throw from the lake at Génos-Loudenvielle, Ludéo is much more than a swimming pool: it’s an outdoor play area designed for the enjoyment of young and old alike.

            Bathed in light and summer splashes, everyone finds their own rhythm: children laugh in the paddling pool or hurtle down the slopes of the 5-lane pentagliss, while teenagers try out the 50-metre slide. Older children can take advantage of the heated pool, relax in the spa or enjoy a cool drink in the snack area.

            And to prolong the pleasure on the water: pedal boats and water games complete this happy and refreshing setting. A real moment of active relaxation, to be enjoyed with the whole family in a natural setting bathed in sunshine.

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            Family activities at the Ludeo Aquatic Centre near Lake Génos-Loudenvielle

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            Anthony Bonal


              Ludik Parc

              The kingdom of children

              Just a stone’s throw from Lake Génos-Loudenvielle, Ludik Parc is an open-air leisure area entirely dedicated to children aged 2 to 14. In this safe and cheerful setting, youngsters can enjoy :

              • – colourful inflatable games,
                – trampolines and a waterslide,
                – an adapted suspended course

              It’s the perfect place for families to spend some quality time together, in a natural setting where imagination comes to life.

              Paragliding

              Paragliding flight

              soaring above the summits

              From Loudenvielle, the sky comes alive with colourful veils dancing above the mountains. Paragliding or hang-gliding: here, taking to the skies is not a challenge, but an infectious pleasure.

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              Tandem paragliding in the Pyrenees

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              Pascale Aguero

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              Paragliding activity near the Louron Valley ©Focus Vision

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              Focus Vision

              Thanks to its varied terrain and multiple orientations, the Louron is an ideal spot for hang-gliding. All you have to do is look up to see these enthusiasts twirling through the air, carried away by the updrafts, in an aerial silence populated by birds of prey.

              Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, our experienced instructors will take you on an unforgettable firstflight or a self-guided flight. A feeling of freedom, 360° views of the Pyrenees and guaranteed thrills… A moment suspended between heaven and earth.

                Thanks to its varied terrain and multiple orientations, the Louron is an ideal spot for hang-gliding. All you have to do is look up to see these enthusiasts twirling through the air, carried away by the updrafts, in an aerial silence populated by birds of prey.

                Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, our experienced instructors will take you on an unforgettable firstflight or a self-guided flight. A feeling of freedom, 360° views of the Pyrenees and guaranteed thrills… A moment suspended between heaven and earth.

                  Val Louron

                  The Val Louron passes

                  Azet and Peyresourde

                  In this Mecca of cycling in the Pyrenees, two legendary Tour de France passes frame the valley:

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                  Col de Peyresourde

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                  Swann Sagnol

                  Col de Peyresourde (1,568 m)towards Luchon
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                  Arrival by bike at the Col d'Azet

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                  Anthony Bonal

                  Col de Val Louron - Azet (1,580 m)towards Saint-Lary

                  Climb it on a conventional or electricbike(hire available in Loudenvielle).

                  Steady climbs, uninterrupted views and a mountain pasture atmosphere: every twist and turn offers a new window on the surrounding valleys.

                  Adventure

                  Nère Aventure

                  Soaring through the trees
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                  Family tree climbing activity in the Pyrenees

                    In the forest near Lake Génos-Loudenvielle, Nère Aventure offers seven tree-climbing courses for all ages: suspended nets, monkey bridges, zip-lines, lianas… Each workshop is designed to test your agility and challenge yourself in a safe cocoon in the shade of the fir trees.

                    And to extend the adventure, there’s an all-terrain scooter from the Col de Peyresourde for a fun, panoramic descent.

                    Saoussas

                    Le Moulin de Saoussas

                    immersion in the gestures of yesteryear

                    Around 1km upstream from Loudenvielle lake, the Moulin de Saoussas plunges you into the world of the old Pyrenean millers. Carefully restored, this 18th-century watermill, surrounded by greenery, combines authenticity and expertise. The lapping of the water drives the millstones, the saws work as they did in days gone by, and every nook and cranny tells the story of life in days gone by.

                    You’ll discover :

                    • old-fashioned milling and sawing demonstrations,
                    • millstones still in use
                    • a small museum combining stone, wood and memory,
                    • a farm with animals and a trout fishing pond,
                    • a shop selling local produce (cheeses, cured meats, wines, etc.),
                    • a cosy restaurant: La Table de Saoussas, where you can enjoy local cuisine.

                    An immersive visit, combining nature, tradition and shared emotions.

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                    Visit to the Saoussas mill in Loudenvielle

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                    Office de Tourisme de la Haute Vallée du Louron

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