Gourgue d'Asque, Baronnies
At the end of a wooded valley, l’Escaladieu Abbey surprises visitors with its majestic simplicity and hushed atmosphere. Founded in the 12th century, this historic monument illustrates the refined elegance of Cistercian art.
Stroll between the cloister, chapter house and former dormitories, explore themuseum area or simply enjoy the shady gardens. All year round, exhibitions, concerts and cultural events bring these walls steeped in history back to life.
At the summit of history
Standing on a panoramic mound, Mauvezin castle proudly watches over the Baronnies. Restored by Gaston Fébus in the 14th century, it plunges you into the world of knights and battles. From its keep, you can look out over the plains of Tarbes. Period costumes, summer events, historical re-enactments… a visit as entertaining as it is captivating.
Open from April to November.
The Château de Mauvezin and its breathtaking view of the Pyrenees
At the heart of the Baronnies lies one of the most beautiful chasms in France. Listed as a natural site, the Gouffre d’Esparros reveals a mineral world of rare beauty.
Esparros chasm in the Baronnies
|
Discover the Gouffre d'Esparros, in the heart of the Baronnies region
|
Descend into the depths to discover vast galleries adorned with aragonite flowers, gypsum crystals and stalactites of striking finesse. The play of light reveals every detail, sublimating the stone walls bathed in turquoise water.
The tour (45 minutes), which is silent and respectful of this fragile jewel, is accompanied by a guide and an innovative lighting system that has no impact on the conservation of the site.
Discover prehistory with your children at the Espace Préhistoire in Labastide ©Office de Tourisme Cœur des Pyrénées
|
Cloth in hand, natural pigments, propellant slung over your shoulder… get ready for a total immersion in the life of our ancestors! In Labastide, the Espace Préhistoire offers a fun outdoor adventure, punctuated by participatory workshops.
Learn how to make a fire without a lighter, throw an assegai like a prehistoric hunter, try out the tools of the time or make your own parietal engravings. The trail, designed for children and adults alike, turns each activity into a sensory discovery.
The highlight of the visit is the faithful reproduction of the Labastide decorated cave, where bison, felines, horses and human figures come to life before your very eyes. A fascinating leap into prehistoric life for all the family.
An oasis of greenery
In a secret valley in the Baronnies, this wet and mysterious corner of nature surprises with every step. The path winds between moss-covered beech trees, spreading ferns and silky lichens, guided by the murmur of the Arros stream. The water splashes, the foliage rustles and a light mist gives the place an almost fairytale-like aura.
Even on a rainy day, the magic works. The atmosphere becomes even more enchanting, as if the landscape were inviting you to slow down, listen and feel. A timeless escapade, ideal for a gentle getaway.
(A 2 km return loop for a quick immersion, a second easy loop of 12 km)
La Gourgue d'Asque, Baronnies
Hiking at Gourgue d'Asque, in the heart of the Baronnies
|
La Gourgue d'Asque
|
Hiking on the Sentier du Pacte des Loups in the Baronnies
|
From the Moula meadow, the path rises gently between thick undergrowth and silent clearings. This is where the film Le Pacte des Loups, inspired by the legend of the Beast of Gévaudan, was shot.
Guided by the yellow wolf’s head on a blue background, the route reveals a mysterious atmosphere, conducive to the imagination. Gnarled roots, twisted trees, guaranteed thrills: all that’s missing is the breath of the Beast at your back.
(7 km loop, 560 m ascent, 2h30 to 3h depending on your pace)
Nestling on the banks of a stream in the heart of the Baronnies, the Moulin de la Ribère perpetuates ancestral know-how. This working watermill passionately transforms local cereals into traditional stone-ground flours. Wheat, rye, small spelt… each flour reveals theauthenticity of the land and respect for natural rhythms.
During your visit, discover the secrets of milling and the miller’s techniques, and leave with some exceptional products, prized by bakers and gourmets alike. Lastly, one-day courses introduce you to old-fashioned bread-making, with your hands in the dough and your heart set to the rhythm of the mill…
Visit to the Moulin de la Ribère © Anthony Bonal
|
Visit to the Ribère mill in Mauvezin
|
