60km from Tarbes, close to the Spanish border, Val Louron is a pedestrianized ski-in ski-out resort located in the heart of he central Pyrenean area, in a valley bearing the same name with several small villages built around their romanesque churches and atchtowers.
CHILDREN Children: (BCG and healthcare records required) "Le Lustou" nursery for kids between aged up to 3s. ESF snow kindergarten with ski lessons for 4-6years (Tel.0033.562.99.66.41).
OTHER ACTIVITIES Skiing in Val Louron: 22km of ski runs served by 11 lifts. 6-day lift-pass (08/09 prices): Adult: 93 euros Junior (6-12s): 79 euros Children under 6: free.
THE AREA Apres-ski in Val Louron: Snowshoeing (from the Lapad valley to the Crete d'Azet, with a breathtaking panorama over the Luron Valley).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION Useful Information: Val Louron has all the required facilities for you to spend a great winter holiday: > mini-market/bakery. > sports shop. > bars/restaurants. > health centre. In Loudenvielle (7km): > cashpoints. > pharmacy. s. > cash points. > launderette. > doctors. > pharmacy. This information is intended for guidance only and holds no contractual value. For further information, please contact the Tourist Office on 0033.05.62.99.92.00 or email info@lelouron.com
Creating a natural border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees stretch from Biarritz to Perpignan and consists of hugely varying landscapes making it the ideal location for skiers wishing to get away from the Alpine crowds. With sharp and contrasted reliefs, the Pyrenees offers an enormous range of ski runs from beginner to advanced levels. Cross-country skiers will be pleased to discover the many 1000km of off piste skiing through the regions forests. After an energetic day on the slopes, visitors to the Pyrenees should indulge their inner gormet and sample popular local dishes such as Boles de Picoulis and Garbure, as well as being spoilt for choice by the vast aray of regional cheeses and fine wines on offer. The Pyrenees are also known for their spa resorts, which offer visitors the perfect way to relax and soothe any aches and pains after a day spent skiing. Train stations: Lannemezan, Pau, Lourdes, Font-Romeu, Ax-les-Thermes. Airports: Toulouse.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate. Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe. France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.