Why should summer necessarily rhyme with beach and palm trees? For a cool getaway this summer, the Toulouscope editorial team offers you a trip to the mountains, less than 2 hours from Toulouse… Head to the Lesponne valley, still little known to the people of Toulouse, for a nature experience in the heart of the Pyrenees.
A haven of peace, wild and preserved
At the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Lesponne valley has been patiently carved out over time by the Adour river. Located in the three communes of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Campan and Beaudéan, it has a pastoral charm that wins the hearts of visitors, whether they come with family or friends. When the scorching temperatures hit the city, it’s nice to take refuge in the Pyrenees, where the coolness of the peaks remains present all year round. Especially since the Lesponne Valley is easily accessible from Toulouse, just a two-hour drive.
Also read: Hiking around Toulouse: the best tours for a breath of fresh air
Donkey ride or adrenaline on a zip line
The must-see for a mountain holiday? Hiking, of course. The Lesponne Valley has many of them, accessible to all ages and all fitness levels. Among the must-sees, we will mention the splendid route leading to Lac Bleu, where you are sure to come across cows grazing, horses resting or marmots ferreting around... The Magenta waterfalls, Lake Ourrec and the Pic du Montaigu are also sure bets.
However, not everyone enjoys having to walk for long hours with a heavy bag on their back. This is why walks accompanied by a pack donkey are a definite success! Adour d’Ânes Pyrénées offers superb walks through forests and torrents, with an adorable sabotaged companion who takes care of carrying the group's belongings and picnic. By the hour, half-day or over several days; the itinerary is à la carte.
At the very end of the Lesponne valley, another activity that is both sporty and fun is exciting adults and children alike… The park acrobatic l’Aya – Accrobranche offers 12 courses and more than 100 aerial games in the heart of a centennial forest. Participants have a breathtaking view of the valley and fly like bearded vultures above the trees! Zip lines, jumps, pirate nets, suspension bridges, climbing poles… It’s impossible to get bored.
Picnic with local products, grocery store or restaurant
Let’s talk little, let’s talk well: and what are we eating?! For an improvised picnic before a walk, the ideal is to stock up at the Halles de Bagnères-de-Bigorre, where regional artisans and producers sell cheese, bread, charcuterie and other local products. It is also possible to take a detour to the old-fashioned grocery store and inn Chez Gabrielle, a canteen with gingham tablecloths that puts the Pyrenees in the spotlight with its gourmet and traditional cuisine.
After a tiring hike, it’s really nice to put your feet under the table… especially if it’s the one at the restaurant O’Chiroulet, which serves beautiful platters of local charcuterie, with products labeled as short circuit. At snack time, the (big) children will enjoy pancakes and waffles with blueberry jam. The evening will end wonderfully with a quick walk along the nearby Adour, before attending a jazz, rock or blues concert (every weekend at 7:30 p.m.).
Extending the weekend...
The end of the day is approaching, and it's hard to bring yourself to get back on the road. Why not extend the pleasure of being with your family a little longer? The Chez Gabrielle inn and the O'Chiroulet gîte / guest house are not only gourmet stops, they also welcome holidaymakers for the night.
In addition, the Ô Chiroulet restaurant, located opposite the gîte, is one of the 6 HaPy Saveurs certified restaurants in the destination, thanks to the choice of local products in its refined cuisine. The gîte also occupies the walls of the old structure of the Campana de Cloutou mountain refuge.
Couples will also take advantage of their trip to the Lesponne Valley to recharge their batteries at Aquensis thermal spa (saunas, hammams, jacuzzis, heated pools, wellness treatments and gym).
Enough to make you want to spend your whole summer exploring the Pyrenees!