Pyrenean Group Holidays
Single Centre Guided
Hostellerie d'Asté
The hotel, which we have been using since 1996, is a traditional 2 star hotel with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, 21 bedrooms and an excellent restaurant. Set in spacious grounds by the river Adour it is on the edge of Asté, a small village in the main Adour valley, 3 kilometres south of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The owners, Albert & Monique Olaïzola, and their staff always look after our groups with special care. The hotel restaurant has a good reputation locally and the evening meals always provide the perfect end to a day's walking in the mountains. All bedrooms have a WC and a shower or small bath. There is a small bar area and very small lounge. The hotel's website at www.hotel-aste.com.
The area around Bagnères-de-Bigorre is where the high mountains of the Pyrénées meet the foothills. Consequently there is a delightful mix of walking to be done. The area is dominated by the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m) where there is a world famous astronomical observatory and visitor centre accessible nearly all year round. Between the village of Asté, at an altitude of 600m, and the high peaks, there are forests of beech and silver fir, enchanting side valleys, crystal clear lakes and streams, secluded villages and hamlets and also plenty of accessible mountain tops with breathtaking views. A complex network of footpaths, ancient mule tracks and more recent forest tracks provide easy access to this magnificent area.
Le Soleil Levant, Argelès-Gazost
The hotel Soleil Levant is a family run 2 star hotel with 35 rooms in the pretty town of Argelès-Gazost. The hotel’s website is down at the moment whilst it is being updated. You can some see some photos and some general information at www.booking.com/hotel/fr/soleil-levant-argeles-gazost.en.html. We have been working together since 2008 as we extend our range of holidays. There is a small bar and a lounge with a pleasant garden area in front of the hotel and a small Jacuzzi round the back. All bedrooms have a WC and a shower or bath. It is only a few minutes walk into the town centre.
Argelès-Gazost is nestled in the foothills of the Pyrénées a few kilometres south of Lourdes. The pretty spa town has plenty of shops, cafés & bars as well as elegant public gardens and several easy local walks. Their website can be viewed at www.argeles-gazost.com.
As at Asté, there is a good mix of walking to be done in the area from valley strolls to high mountain adventures. Because of the proximity of the major sites of Lourdes, Gavarnie and Pont d’Espagne it is busier here than around Asté. However, Lourdes does make for an interesting day off and a visit to Gavarnie unforgettable.
It is a good base for groups with members who do not want to walk every day as there are some easy local walks, good access into town and a public bus service down to Lourdes (where there is a main line train station useful for days out to Pau or maybe Biarritz) and up the valley to Luz St Sauveur (for Gavarnie), Barèges and Cauterets.
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