Cultural Activities in the Pyrenees

Cultural Attractions

If history, architecture and stunning views are your passion then you are definitely in the right place!!

Just a 10 minute drive from here through the Barousse valley you will find 2000 years of history on display. The roman remains at the Lugdunum settlement date back to 72BC when it was one of the most thriving towns in Roman Aquitaine. Next door in the village of Valcabrere you will discover a stunning Romanesque church. St Just De Valcabrere was completed in the 12th century using stone from the Roman settlement of Lugdunum.

At the entrance to the next village of St Bertrand De Comminges you can find yet more roman ruins including thermal baths and a hillside amphi theatre. As you enter the village look up to see the imposing beauty of the Sainte Mairie Cathedral dating back to the 11th century. A must visit with Romanesque cloisters and a 16th century oak organ. Visit www.cathedrale-saint-bertrand.org

Just a 6km drive away towards Nistos you will find the prehistoric caves of Grottes De Gargas. A 45 minute guided tour reveals the wonders of  231 prehistoric painted handprints on the cave walls. As tour numbers are limited booking is advisable. Visit www.grottesdegargas.free.fr

Continuing your tour of Roman Aquataine you will find one of the largest gallo roman villas in France. About a 50 minute drive away to the town of Montmaurin you will be able to take a tour around this wonderful monument built around the middle of the 1st century.

You will discover something for everyone in the elegant metropolitain spa town of Bagneres De Luchon. Take a stroll down the tree lined Allees D’Etigny with its stunning views of the mountains and cafes, restaurants and shops a plenty. At the end of the street you will find the ancient thermal spas in which you may take the time to pamper yourself with a hydrobath, massage, facial, or just breath in the waters in the vapourium. Visit www.thermes-luchon.fr

You will find plenty of outdoor activities to suit all ages in Luchon. In the summer months you can find a large outdoor swimming pool, and paddling pool with shower and toilet facilities and a café. Completely enclosed by trees you have a 360 degree view of the Pyrennees. An 18 whole golf course is open to all , indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a mini golf circuit, and a childrens play area are all within walking distance of the town. You may prefer to relax and unwind in the Parc des Quinconces and watch the world and the river pass by.

In the evenings you will find bars and restaurants a plenty and there is also a casino. In February an international film festival is held here and the famous Fetes Des Fleurs has been held annually in August for the last 108 years.

PYRENEES ATTRACTIONS - SPORTING ACTIVITIES - PYRENEES AND BEYOND