Attractions

Visit the delightful medieval hill-top village of St-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Best described as a land locked Mont St Michel, the village is dwarfed beneath the imposing Sainte-Marie Cathedral and has many old houses, sloping alleyways, museum and craft shops that add to its charm. There are a number of bars and restaurants offering excellent local cuisine. At the foot of the village, lie the remains of the Roman town, Lugdunum Convenarum, founded by Pompey in 72BC.

A short distance from St-Bertrand-de-Comminges lies the beautiful Romanesque church of Saint-Just. The church contains numerous fragments of architecture and sculptures emanating from Lugdunum Convenarum within its walls. It is the re-use of these materials that provides the basilica with its undeniable originality.

A few kilometres from the Barousse Valley, you will find the prehistoric caves of Gargas, dating back 27,000 years. The walls of the caves have numerous paintings and carvings of many animals as well as more than two hundred paintings of mutilated hands, the meaning of which is still being researched by historians today. Were the hands mutilated because of a ritual, or perhaps the result of severe frost bite?

The Gouffre d’Esparros is a protected site rich in aragonite concretions situated in the Baronnies. Visit halls containing gypsum needles, calcite lined walls and aragonite concretions creating a unique mineral garden which has developed over thousands of years through the movement of water against limestone rock.

Take the cable car from La Mongie to the summit of Pic du Midi (2,877m altitude) for a spectacular 360 degree view of the Pyrenees mountain chain and the south west plains to the foothills of the Massif Central. Discover the Museum of the Stars which houses a 2 metre long telescope. Special star gazing evenings are available and include a guided observation of the night sky with astronomers.

Luchon is the largest and most fashionable Pyrenean spa resort, known as the “Queen of the Pyrenees”. Frequented by royalty and the wealthy to take the waters of the spa, by the mid 19th century, Luchon was also attracting serious mountaineers. Today, Luchon still retains its air of sophistication and gentility, with its long central avenue of lime trees, the Allees d’Etigny and the beautiful architecture of wealthy villas, together with immaculately kept gardens. During July and August, the cable car runs daily from Luchon to Superbagneres. From here, there are many walking possibilities as well as numerous sign-posted mountain bike routes back to Luchon.

If that sounds too strenuous, why not pamper yourself at the Thermal Spa. In addition to spa treatments, it is home to the unique Vaporarium, a natural steam bath in a 160m underground gallery. Filtering through rock walls, the thermal water creates a natural soft and wet heat with an average temperature of 37 degrees that helps to:

• lose weight;
• cleanses the skin;
• eliminates toxins;
• relaxes muscles and
• improves the respiratory tract.

There is also a relaxing pool, heated to 32 degrees and loungers.

Afterwards, why not take a drink in one of the many cafes lining the central avenue and watch the world go by.

Consider crossing the border to Spain, 25km from us, to visit the beautiful green and wooded Vall d'Aran and experience the culture of the Aranese people. If you are seeking solitude, it is possible to escape to wilder and more remote areas on the many way-marked walking and mountain bike tracks. For a little self-indulgence, visit the Thermes at Les, about 5km from the border crossing. The thermal springs have been used since Roman times and were visited by Pompey. The sulphurous waters are rich in silica and have therapeutic powers for the following conditions: arthritis, rheumatism, circulatory system, respiratory tract and skin problems. Indulge in the vaporarium, sauna, ice cabin, jacuzzi and warm marble room. Other beauty treatments and manual therapy are available.

One of the most significant religious shrines in Europe, Lourdes attracts five million visitors each year. Pilgrims seek miracle cures for ailments and disabilities. Lourdes was once a small market town until 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous saw a number of apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the Grotte de Massabielle. Bernadette dug in the grotto, releasing a gush of water from a spot where no spring had flowed before. Since then, pilgrims have thronged to the Massabielle rock to take the healing waters.

Toulouse, the capital of the Midi-Pyrenees and the fourth largest city in France has been dubbed “la ville en rose” because of its pink brick buildings. Toulouse is a lively city where there is a wealth of rich architecture, museums and art galleries displaying rare and prestigious collections of art. Explore the historic centre, stroll along the banks of the Garonne or Canal du Midi, enjoy the tranquility of the numerous gardens and open spaces or simply watch the world go by at one of the many cafes whose terraces spill out onto the streets. For retail therapy, all the major fashion houses can be found in Toulouse, alongside small, chic boutiques. For those hunting for bargains, try one of the daily open-air and covered markets.

Cite de l’Espace, three miles from Toulouse, is an impressive celebration of the city’s position at the centre of the European Space Programme.

Toulouse is also the home of Airbus. You can take a tour of the enormous Airbus assembly floor.