Local Info

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=140 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <IMG SRC="5440e840.jpg" border=0 width="1294" height="132" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=180 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <IMG SRC="4f5669e0.gif" border=0 width="102" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Our Virgin Vine Window</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to La Savonnière!"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="accommodations.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Accommodations"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Accommodations</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="rates.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Booking"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Booking</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="surroundings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">About Our Surroundings</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="information.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Local Info"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Local Info</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="directionsandtravel.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Directions and Travel Modes"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Directions</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="reviews.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reviews"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reviews</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="pictures.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Picture Album"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dcffffff00.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Picture Album</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=340 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <I><B> </B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#99FFCC" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#99FFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Local Info</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="798" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 522 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4bf59cd0.jpg" border=0 width="345" height="461" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Esparros & the Baronnies Valley with </B></div> <div> <B>Pic du Midi in the background</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="414"><div>    </div> <div> <IMG SRC="4e9c88c0.jpg" border=0 width="200" height="140" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>The Baronnies offers a relaxed pace of life, beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. </B></div> <div> offers a relaxed pace of life, beautiful scenery and breathtaking views</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="365" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="353"><div> <B>Local Weather Information</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <A HREF="http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:8583339" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages."><U><B>here </B></U></A>to see the Average Monthly Weather</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <A HREF="http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocations=wc:8565929" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealoc"><U><B>here </B></U></A>to see the Current Weather Conditions</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <A HREF="http://weather.msn.com/localmaps.aspx?&wealocations=wc%3a8565929&map=14" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://weather.msn.com/localmaps.aspx?&w"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> </B>to see the Precipitation Forecast</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>A</B>t La Savonnière we have put together an in-depth Welcoming Document for our guests.  Inside this document we  provide information on the history of La Savonnière and Esparros (It is quite a colorful story), the building, grounds and appliance usage (TV, oven, etc.) and copious information about the surrounding areas (Restaurants, sites to visit, activities, driving tours, etc.) and also important contact information in the hopes of making your stay as pleasant and rewarding as possible.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="3" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="702" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 81 ><NOBR><div> <B>About our location in France</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><B>France</B>--><B>Midi-Pyrénées </B>--><B>Hautes-Pyrénées</B>--><B>Les Baronnies</B>--><B>Esparros</B>--><B>La Savonnière</B></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Please note:</U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Below is a small smattering of what is available in our area.   In the Summer there are numerous festivals and concerts.  Contained in the La Savonnière's Welcoming Document are details on local resources such as restaurants, car-based tours, biking and hiking trails, ski resorts, golf, water sports, points of interest, shopping and open market locations and activity centers.  We want you to enjoy your stay at La Savonnière and we have tried to collect and organize enough information to ensure that your stay is both enjoyable and informative. </B></FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="3" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="604" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1023 WIDTH="590"><div> <B>A Great Way to See the Baronnies!!!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>From the Ground:</B></div> <bR> <div> We have made special arrangements for Jean-Pierre of AYRO Esparros to pick up our guests at the front door of La Savonnière for a horse drawn carriage ride of Les Baronnies.  You can arrange the time and date for Jean-Pierre to meet you with his beautiful horses at La Savonnière.  The riding tour of the Baronnies can also be customized if there is something special you have in mind, or you can leave that up to Jean-Pierre. Jean-Pierre speaks very good English and he can give you wonderful insights to this area.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="506902c0.gif" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>From the Air:</B></div> <bR> <div> Sammy is our local flight tour operator who can take you for an airplane tour of the area in his MicroLite.  He speaks English and can provide customized service to focus in on your areas of interest</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="50881200.gif" border=0 width="385" height="288" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Details on the carriage and scenic plane rides can be found in our </B><A HREF="reviews_the_guest_information_booklet.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reviews"><U><B>Guest Documentation Book</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Village of Esparros Fêtes</B></div> <div> <B>(There are numerous, almost constant Fetes in the area, the Fetes listed below are specifically held in Esparros)</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="416" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="COLS" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>February</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sheep / Ram Festival & Competition</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>April / May:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="320"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pentecost Fete</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 36 WIDTH="79"><div> <B>May:</B></div> <div> <B>May:</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Marché Artisanal (Art Fair)</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">MARCHÉ DE PRINTEMPS</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="79"><div> <B>June: </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="320"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Concours de belote</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 37 ><NOBR><div> <B>August: </B></div> <div> <B>October:   </B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="320"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fête du village</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fête du </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="WarnockPro-SemiboldItCapt" ><B>chataigne</B></FONT></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>November:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pyrenean Singers Festival</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>December:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="320"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Gouffre Fete</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>December:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="320"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">New Year's Eve Fete</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Some of the local areas, towns and villages near us. All are within an easy drive:</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="751" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#000000 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 5628 ><NOBR><bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="678" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 220 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.pyreneesguide.com/articles.asp?cID=18&sID=217&aID=315" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.pyreneesguide.com/articles.as"><U><B>Abbaye de L'Escaladieu </B></U></A><B>  </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4b148c60.gif" border=0 width="328" height="198" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div>  Not far from La Savonnière and in the Les Baronnies, is the Cistercian Abbaye de L'Escaladieu which is open to the public and hosts music, films & art exhibitions. One can take <A HREF="#paragliding___parapente___hot_air" TITLE="Local Info"><U>hot-air balloon</U></A> trips from here.  The hot-air balloons can provide breath taking views of the Baronnies.</div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 283 WIDTH="344"><div> <A HREF="http://www.swfrance.com/armagnac/arm10producers.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.swfrance.com/armagnac/arm10pr"><U><B>Armagnac</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4ec65e70.gif" border=0 width="101" height="231" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Armagnac is considered to be a digestive and is traditionally sipped after a dinner meal.  Just North and a bit west of PAU, The region of Armagnac is a little more than 70 KM away from La Savonnière. This delightful spirit predates cognac by 150 years.  There are plenty of places to visit and to sample Armagnac such as:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc201f2300.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Domaine Boingnères</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc201f2300.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Châteaude Ravignan</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc201f2300.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Château de Briat</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc201f2300.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Château de Neguebouc</div> <bR> <div> The most famous citizen of this region was Charles de Batz; known to the world as D'Artagnan, one of the Musketeers</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 373 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.aquensis.fr/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.aquensis.fr/"><U><B>Bagnères-de-Bigorre</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4cbf75b0.gif" border=0 width="247" height="347" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Hot Springs:  About a 20 minute drive. Bagneres-de-Bigorre is one of the oldest spa towns in France and is known for its medicinal / healing waters.  Featured in the<A HREF="surroundings_movie.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U> 3 minute movie </U></A>on our previous web page,  Aquensis, is a beautiful spa with all sorts of amenities including a solarium, hammam, beauty salon and a state-of-the-art thermal swimming pool.</div> <bR> <div> In Bagneres-de-Bigorre you will find many traditional outdoor cafes, restaurants, shops, a covered market and its own Casino. Bagneres is the gateway to the mountains of the High Pyrénées (Hautes-Pyrénées) with easy access to the Col de Tourmalet, the mountain pass which is now a famous part of the Tour de France bike race.  Tourmalet is also the name of a cheese made from sheep milk produced in these mountains. If you are in to golfing, Bagneres-de-Bigorre has a great 18 hole golf course.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 309 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar%C3%A8ges" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar%C3%A8ge"><U><B>BARÈGES</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4d7311e0.gif" border=0 width="305" height="286" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> BARÈGES is about 59 KM from La Savonnière..  It is the oldest ski area in France and now that it is linked up with La Mongie, it is the largest ski area in the French Pyrénées. </div> <bR> <div> BAREGES is situated at an altitude of 4040 ft. It is celebrated for its warm sulfurous springs (71 to 111 F.), which first became generally known in 1675.  The waters are used for drinking and baths.</div> <bR> <div> Napoleon III built a hospital in Barèges so his wounded soldiers could benefit from the thermal spring water</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 223 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.capvern-tourisme.com/pages/thermalisme/photos.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.capvern-tourisme.com/pages/th"><U><B>Capvern les Bains</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4b23fc90.gif" border=0 width="319" height="201" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> The spa town of Capvern-les-Bains is a 10 - 15 minute drive through a  picturesque countryside. There are cafes, chocalatiers, bulanderies and even a pizzeria.  There is an outdoor swimming pool and a small cinema.  Every Tuesday there is an outdoor market and the local mountain choral group can be heard there from time-to-time, singing songs unique to this Hautes-Pyrénées.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 280 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.carcassonne.org/carcassonne_en.nsf/vueTitre/docpgeIntroVisiter" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.carcassonne.org/carcassonne_e"><U><B>Carcassonne</B></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4c956010.gif" border=0 width="342" height="257" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne is an old, restored bastide town with tons of history.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4bd91940.gif" border=0 width="145" height="148" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><B><IMG SRC="4c7a4940.jpg" border=0 width="164" height="148" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Public domain artwork of the Cathars being expelled from Carcassonne in 1209. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 232 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.casteland.com/pfr/chateau/midipyr/hpyr/mauvezin/mauvezin.htm&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=4&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2BChateau%2Bde%2BMauvezin%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3Desz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl"><U><B> Chateau de Mauvezin</B></U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="4b36ed20.gif" border=0 width="366" height="210" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> This site, a short drive from La Savonnière, has been occupied since protohistory and was transformed into  a castle after the Middle Ages. The castle was built by Gaston Fébus (also Phoebus) around 1380. Following the merging of Bigorre into the Kingdom of France in 1607, it fell into disuse and was dismantled piece by piece, its stones being used for other buildings.</div> <bR> <div> Today, the castle is being restored. It is listed as a monument historic by the French Ministry of Culture. (Excerpt taken from Wikipedia)</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 369 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.grottes-medous.com/eng/entree.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.grottes-medous.com/eng/entree"><U><B>Crottes de Medous</B></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4b959f80.gif" border=0 width="345" height="248" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.google.com/earth/download-earth.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.google.com/earth/download-ear"><U><I><B><IMG SRC="182a0300.gif" border=0 width="160" height="48" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></U></A><I><B> </B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> A well known cave not far from La Savonnière.  It was discovered in 1948 and it has beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.</div> <bR> <div> The <B>"Maison des Baronnies" </B> Tourist Office </div> <div> Open from 06/15 to 09/31</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Agricultural products</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">local arts and crafts exhibitions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Bar and games area</div> <div> Phone: 05.62.39.05.14 </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#00BF00" FACE="Arial" ><B>Fun Stuff:</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF9966" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B> Take a </B><A HREF="Resource-280//Les Baronnies Route2.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Les Baronnies Route2.kmz"><U><B>Magic Carpet Ride </B></U></A><B>through the Les Baronnies from La Savonnière to Aste, where the Grottes de Medous are located. </B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#3300CC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Instructions:</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT>When Google Earth is loaded, click on Play Tour under the menu item "Tools."  (You may have to click on "Tools/Play Tour" twice.) <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B>Note:</B></FONT> You will need to have Google Earth installed on your machine.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 216 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="gouffre_de_esparros"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="http://www.ot-neste-baronnies.com/gouffre/visitfr.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ot-neste-baronnies.com/gouffr"><U><B>Gouffre de Esparros</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4ce24c20.gif" border=0 width="292" height="194" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Within an easy 5 minute walk from our front door, Gouffre de Esparros is one of the best known caves in the area.  It was discovered in 1938. With beautiful crystal formations, it has attracted visitors from the world over. <A HREF="reviews_a_charming_spot_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reviews"><U> </U></A><A HREF="reviews_a_charming_spot_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reviews"><U><B>See what our Guests had to say about the Gouffre</B></U></A><B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> Joint tickets for Gouffre de Esparros and Gouffre de Labastide can be purchased.</div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 173 WIDTH="344"><div> <A HREF="http://www.emd-net.com/voir.php?post=2007/03/30/Paques-aux-Grottes-de-Labastide-:-Championat-dEurope-de-tir-aux-armes-prehistoriques" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.emd-net.com/voir.php?post=200"><U><B>Gouffre de Labastide</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="55dc4960.gif" border=0 width="196" height="150" ALT="PBrush" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> A sister cave to the Gouffre de Esparros, this cave is within a short drive from our home in Esparros. Labastide is composed of 3 different caves.  One of which, The Cave of the Loss, goes subterranean and reappears at its next door neighbor, Esparros.  </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 284 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.justtourfrance.com/midi-pyrenees/town.asp?town=Lourdes&area=Hautes-Pyrenees&county=Midi-Pyrenees" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.justtourfrance.com/midi-pyren"><U><B>Lourdes</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="55734cf0.gif" border=0 width="308" height="207" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> In ancient times, a Roman settlement was founded on a road linking Toulouse and Bordeaux. This was the settlement that became known as Lourdes several centuries later.</div> <bR> <div> Lourdes is approximately a half hour drive from La Savonnière.  Visited  by over 5 million tourists a year, Lourdes is a well known pilgrimage spot for Christians who want to visit the site of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the young girl Bernadette Soubirous  in the 19th century.  There are many other things to see in Lourdes including the  Chateau de Lourdes which is set high up on a rocky promontory guarding the surrounding valleys and passes of the central Pyrénées.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 650 WIDTH="344"><div> <A HREF="http://www.terroir-france.com/region/southwest_madiran.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.terroir-france.com/region/sou"><U><B>Madiran Wines / Vineyards</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4efb9f80.gif" border=0 width="185" height="504" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> <B>Madiran</B> is the main wine region in this locale of France.  Tons of vineyards to visit, wines recommended in Hachette (The definitive book on French wines), good restaurants and terrific views.  We have lots of documentation and suggestions for our guests in our guides at La Savonnière.  Madiran has a reputation of being a rough wine when young. After a few years in a cellar, it turns into a sensual and tannic wine. With that said, many AOC Madiran vineyards have developed very smooth variations of this wine, winning many medals.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4eecb030.gif" border=0 width="203" height="259" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>There are 7 major wines in SW France:</B></div> <div> <B>Red wine:</B> Bergerac, Buzet, Cahors, Gaillac, Madiran</div> <bR> <div> <B>Dry white wine</B>: Bergerac - Jurançon</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sweet white wine</B>: Gaillac - Jurançon - Monbazillac </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 321 WIDTH="344"><div> <A HREF="http://www.picdumidi.com/web/3-pic-du-midi-site-officiel-pyrenees-france-tourisme-observatoire-astronomie-vacances-soirees-restaurant-hebergement-montagne-panorama-sud-ouest.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.picdumidi.com/web/3-pic-du-mi"><U><B>Pic du Midi</B></U></A><B>    -     </B><A HREF="http://bagn.obs-mip.fr/webcam/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://bagn.obs-mip.fr/webcam/"><U><B>Live Web Cam</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="4de52f20.jpg" border=0 width="338" height="242" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Observatory can be visited at the top of Pic du Midi</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Pic du Midi is one of the highest points in the French Pyrénées and is 10 kilometers from La Savonnière.  At the Col de Tourmalet you can take a cable car to the top of Pic du Midi where there is an observatory, museum, cafe, and of course, outstanding 360 degree views of the surrounding Pyrénées.</div> <bR> <div> (See also:  Bagnères-de-Bigorre above.)</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4dfb2860.gif" border=0 width="178" height="134" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 288 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://france-for-visitors.com/pyrenees/pau.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://france-for-visitors.com/pyrenees/"><U><B>Pau</B></U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="4b5540a0.gif" border=0 width="340" height="266" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Definitely worth a visit while staying at La Savonnière. It is famous for the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a walk of three-quarters of a kilometer from the Château de Pau to the Parc du Beaumont and the royal Beaumont Park with magnificent views of the mountains in the Pyrénées mountain range. Along the elevated path the iron handrails have plaques explaining which mountain is directly in front of you and how high it is. Plenty of shops and good restaurants.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 230 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.lespyrenees.net/en/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.lespyrenees.net/en/"><U><B>Pyrénées</B></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4be6ccb0.jpg" border=0 width="364" height="203" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> The mountain chain is Southwest France that extends from the Atlantic to the Med.   The Pyrénées are a product of collision of the Iberia with Europe, while the Alps were formed at roughly the same time by the collision of the Italy with Europe. Since the Pyrénées are a young mountain chain, numerous thermal springs can be found here and this has been exploited in many of the "Baths" towns for the water's healing and medicinal value.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://photosrandosmontagne.blogspot.com/2007/10/lacs-de-batcrabre-val-dazun-17.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2BVal%2Bd%25C3%2581zun%2Bwikipedia%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DBDB%26sa%3DG" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl"><U>Read about the flora of the Pyrénées (includes about 4500 species)</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 444 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.123voyage.com/realsw/areas/cumming.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.123voyage.com/realsw/areas/cu"><U><B>St. Bertrand de Comminges</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4c6f72c0.gif" border=0 width="247" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> The town is listed as one of the prettiest in France. Unlike Lourdes where most of the Roman history has been buried under successive developments,  St. Bertrand de Comminges has been successfully excavated. Originally founded by Pompeii in 72 BC to defend the Val d'Aran passage to the Iberian Peninsula, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges became a thriving town of over 30,000 people.  Ransacked by the Vandals it remained unoccupied for over 500 years. The Cathedral, built from the ruins of the ancient Roman settlement, contains three distinct styles of architecture, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance, each reflecting the periods when the additions / improvements were made.  This church has a very ornate, hand carved inner sanctuary.  It is also co-located with the Olivetian Order's founding location.  It is now a main tourist attraction in the area and has a museum with statues and artifacts from the Roman settlement.  The remains of several baths and the central market square are wonderfully preserved. </div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 275 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.saintlary.com/default-a.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.saintlary.com/default-a.htm"><U><B>Saint Lary</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="4cd4afc0.gif" border=0 width="330" height="252" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Cute walking town with many shops, restaurants and views of the surrounding mountains.  Local ski resort or in the Summer, a center for businesses catering to walking, mountain biking & other outdoor pursuits.</div> <bR> <div> Location of the Saturday open air market.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 295 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.pyrenees-online.fr/stations/val-dazun.php&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=10&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2BVal%2Bd%25C3%2581zun%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DlUg" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl"><U><B> Val dÁzun</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4b721110.gif" border=0 width="289" height="273" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="315"><div> Downhill skiing, X-country skiing, snow shoeing, toboggan runs, sledding and more: A great skiing area not far from La Savonnière featuring very nice beginner and intermediate slopes (Yes, it has more difficult slopes too.)  Locals claim that this is their favorite of all the ski resorts.</div> <bR> <div> For more ski resorts check out the<A HREF="#ski_snowboard" TITLE="Local Info"><U> table below</U></A>.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6"><div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 4905 ><NOBR><bR> <bR> <div> <B>Cultural and Sporting Activities</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="918" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 642 ><NOBR><div> <B>Biking (VTT)  </B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="715" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 598 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="50e8f0a0.gif" border=0 width="399" height="266" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>The 2008 Tour de France</B></div> <div> Cyclist heading towards Col d'Aspen near La Savonnière</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="5a6ce100.jpg" border=0 width="462" height="272" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="297"><div> Biking and hiking trails abound in this area.  One can go tour  independently or enlist a guide from a variety of nearby sources.  This is a cyclist paradise with all levels of difficulties including the famous Tour de France mountain passes</div> <bR> <div> Of course, the <I><B>Tour de France </B></I>passes right through the Pyrénées.  La Savonnière is close to several of the highest peaks in the race: Col du Peyresourde and Col d'Aspen,  Col du Tourmalet and lastly on the difficult mountain climb of Lourdes-Hautacam. The Tour stops overnight in the area in the middle of July.  <A HREF="http://www.sportingtours.co.uk/letour/3_pyrenees.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.sportingtours.co.uk/letour/3_"><U>Click here for details of the 2008 route.</U></A>   2008 saw one of the starts in Lannemezan and the Tour passed within 6 minutes of La Savonnière.  Lannemezan hosted a Night Fete with Open Markets, several bands, streer-side cafes and restaurants, all put </div> <div> together especially for the Tour de France.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Lance Armstrong leading the Peloton in the 2009 Tour de France</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 521 ><NOBR><div> <B> Le Tour de France</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>      </B></FONT></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="55cd0b70.gif" border=0 width="720" height="439" ALT="PBrush" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Our village of Esparros is centrally located to see the Tour de France in the Pyrenees.  </B></div> <div> <B>Above is the 2009 Stage 9 course. We are very close to Col d'Aspen and Col du Tourmalet!</B></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 311 ><NOBR><div> <B>Concerts and other Cultural Events:</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="633" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 196 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4d6adb70.gif" border=0 width="429" height="183" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="212"><div> There are numerous festivals  and concerts held all around La Savonnière, ranging from classical and operatic to popular music and of course, there are live performances of dance groups and historic reenactments.  Since the schedule varies from year-to-year, we provide an updated list at La Savonnière for our clients.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Esparros has its own Chorale group which specializes in Traditional Pyrenean Folk singing.  They provide free concerts</div> <div>  at our local church, Esparros' Sale de Fete and they often perform at the local open markets in the area. Often they </div> <div> can be heard practicing on Friday evenings at our local school<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 264 WIDTH="906"><div> <B>Craftsmen / Artisans and Traditional Farm Products Local to La Savonnière: </B></div> <bR> <div> Wood turner - Cyril Larrout  Tel.: 05 62 39 07 86</div> <bR> <div> Jeux de Terre - Pottery / Ceramist - Brigitte Fourty URL:  www.jeuxdeterre.com Tel: 05 62 40 90 12</div> <bR> <div> Tortes de Baronnies - Made in the old fashion manner, a specialty of the Baronnies - also Pâte; Monique 05 62 39 18 13</div> <bR> <div> Felt (feutre)  Artisanal (Locally fabricated hats, slippers, jewels, diverse products) Tel: 05 62 95 46 69</div> <bR> <div> Tissu des Pyrénées - Sweaters, knittings, woolen  article: Tel 05 62 98 91 09</div> <bR> <div> Fermes - One can also find fresh eggs, fruits & vegetables, lamb, cheese (fromage de chèvre, de vache and de brebis), jams, jellies, canned vegetables, traditional pork products, trout (See below) and liqueurs from a number of local farms in the Baronnies not far from our front door.  Our Guest Documentation provides guidance of where to go and what is available.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 229 ><NOBR><div> <B>Fishing:   </B><B>Trout Fishing Breeding on the river Arros</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="650" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 183 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="4cfc89b0.gif" border=0 width="200" height="155" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="190"><div> Trout fishing & tours - The trout farm is 4 KM from La Savonnière.</div> <div> Phone:  05.62.39.11.71</div> <div> <IMG SRC="551bd6d0.jpg" border=0 width="189" height="109" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="553339f0.gif" border=0 width="307" height="159" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Fishing is a short walk away.</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 201 WIDTH="906"><div> <B>Golfing:  </B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="502" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 154 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4d9ac860.gif" border=0 width="172" height="134" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="311"><div> Golf courses abound in this area and all are within a reasonable drive of La Savonnière.  There are courses at: <B> </B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Bagneres-de-Bigorre</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">LALOUBERE </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">LANNEMEZAN (Closest)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">LOURDES</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">POUZAC</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">TARBES</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 232 WIDTH="906"><div> <B>Hiking:                                                   </B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="548" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 188 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4d3f3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="282"><div>  We are fortunate to have a local English speaking hiking guide for easy to intermediate-level hikes around La Savonnière.  For those who want to get involved with higher elevation hiking adventures, it is possible to hire the services of a British International Mountain Leader for all or part of your stay, for any group size up to ten. He will help you enjoy the mountains safely. </div> <bR> <div> We have points of contact and phone numbers in our Visitors Documentation at La Savonnière.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>A View from Granges du Moudang.</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <B>Marciac Jazz Festival:</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="644" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 176 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="4ed52a80.gif" border=0 width="338" height="168" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="270"><bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >I</FONT>n the month of August:  Marciac, the Jazz Capital of France, hosts its annual Jazz Festival.  Ongoing since 1978, the village has free concerts,<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#231F20" FACE="AGaramond-Regular" > art exhibits and films.  </FONT>This is the summer home of Wynton Marsalis.  This event will inspire all jazz enthusiasts. A little over an hours drive from La Savonnière, Marciac is in easy driving distance.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 275 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="paragliding___parapente___hot_air"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Paragliding - Parapente</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><B>- Hot Air Ballooning</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="631" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 193 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4d4c3af0.gif" border=0 width="195" height="175" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="177"><div>  There are several local schools and shops that will provide a variety of air-related sports.  Our Guest Documentation Booklet provides a directory to these establishments<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="555adbb0.gif" border=0 width="173" height="187" ALT="Microsoft Office Word Document" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 106 ><NOBR><div> <B>River Running - Canoe, Kayak & Raft</B></div> <div> There are numerous rivers to run in the area and there are several rafting outfitters who can accommodate most </div> <div> any requirement for running rivers in the area.  The most local runnable river, about 4-5 KM away, offers continuous</div> <div>  class 3 rapids.  Great fun!</div> <bR> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 336 ><NOBR><div> <B>Spain</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="620" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 292 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4f95e070.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="263" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Renowned Opus Dei</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="256"><div> About an hours drive from La Savonnière is the tunnel into Spain.  From there,  there is another world to explore.  One can visit the Spanish side of the Pyrenees and see the many historic sites located there such as the bastide town of Ainsa and the cathedral of Opus Dei (Pictured on the left) which gained so much renown in the book / film The da Vinci Code.  It is also possible to visit Andorra.  </div> <bR> <div> In our web page,  <A HREF="pictures.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Picture Album"><U>Picture Album</U></A>,  we have some pictures of the beautiful Spanish scenery that can be seen along the way.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 434 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="ski_snowboard"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Ski, snowboard, ski-parapent, cross-country ski, dog sleds, etc.</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="698" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 390 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4c053800.jpg" border=0 width="339" height="384" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="343"><div> As can e seen on the left, there are numerous ski resorts in the area to choose from, providing trails for the novice, intermediate and advanced skier<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="343" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFCC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 176 ><NOBR><div> 1      HAUTACAM www.argeles-azost.com</div> <div> 2      VAL dÁzun www.valdazun.com</div> <div> 3-4   DOMAINE DU TOURMALET www.tourmalet.fr</div> <div> 5      CAMPAN PAYOLLE www.campan-Pyrénées.com</div> <div> 6      NISTOS CAP NESTE www.neste-nistos.com/ski</div> <div> 7      LUZ ARDIDEN www.luz.org</div> <div> 8      SAINT-LARY www.saintlary.com</div> <div> 9      GAVARNIE www.gavarnie.com</div> <div> 10    VAL LOURON www.vallouron.com</div> <div> 11    PEYRAGUDES www.peyragudes.com</div> <div> 12    PIAU ENGALY www.piau-engaly.com</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 566 WIDTH="906"><div> <B>Lannemezan</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="557" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 500 WIDTH="353"><div> <IMG SRC="55630c80.gif" border=0 width="304" height="456" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Lannemezan is approximately 15 minutes from La Savonnière</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="193"><div> Lannemezan is the closest town to La Savonnière.  It is a bustling town and with  something going on all year long.  There are several grocery stores:  Champion, Leader Price, Aldi, InterMarche and Lidl.  There are numerous stores to shop, a local sports facility with tennis and swimming, golf is nearby and there is a tourism center that can provide you with up-to-date schedules of the concerts, lectures  sporting events and activities in the area.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="50adb920.gif" border=0 width="219" height="146" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One of the shopping streets in Lannemezan</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 336 ><NOBR><bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="713" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 231 WIDTH="298"><div> <B> </B><B>For Serious Rock and Ice Climbers Only!!!</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="56716bd0.gif" border=0 width="278" height="189" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="228"><div> There are both technical training and high adventure climbs local to La Savonnière.  Our Guest Documentation Booklet highlights 18 class 5 to class 6 climbs very near La Savonnière  There are also climbing schools where you can take lessons.  If you are looking for high mountaineering adventures, <A HREF="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=101261832563756712335.000435e9a82ce7745e3e7&t=p" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msi"><U>Click Here </U></A>to see the rock and ice climbing locations in the new Google Earth Terrain Interface for the Pyrenees.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="566abdf0.gif" border=0 width="171" height="223" ALT="Microsoft Office Word Document" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="568cf4d0.gif" border=0 width="719" height="77" ALT="Microsoft Office Word Document" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6"><bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="1037" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 542 WIDTH="1025"><div> <B>Biarritz</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="50b25550.gif" border=0 width="1061" height="85" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> You can combine the best of the mountain experience in the Pyrénées with the ocean at Biarritz.  Located on the Atlantic side of the Pyrénées, Biarritz's expansive beaches are between 1.5 and 2 hours away, depending upon how fast you drive.  Co-located with Biarritz and somewhat closer to La Savonnière, is St. Jean de Luz, another beach town with touristic shops, restaurants and a pleasant promenade.</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="899" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF80 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 298 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4fcb6240.gif" border=0 width="438" height="292" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="4fdb6240.gif" border=0 width="438" height="292" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="441"><div> <B>Beach Artwork at St. Jean de Luz</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="439"><div> <B>Biarritz Beach front</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>See Also:  <IMG SRC="57898900.gif" border=0 width="152" height="144" ALT="PBrush" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to La Savonnière!"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="accommodations.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Accommodations"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Accommodations</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="rates.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Booking"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Booking</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="surroundings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">About Our Surroundings</B></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Local Info</B></div> <div> <A HREF="directionsandtravel.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Directions and Travel Modes"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Directions and Travel Modes</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="reviews.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reviews"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reviews</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="pictures.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Picture Album"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140f0fbff00.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Picture Album</B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>