About Our Surroundings

<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="#FF3399" TEXT="#080000"> <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="366669e0.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> </td> <td valign="top" height=340 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <I><B>More About Our Home and Our Surroundings</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#555555 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 380 ><NOBR><div> <B> </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF99" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Outline of Topics on This Page</U></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#location_maps" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Location Maps</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#directions_and_modes_of_travel" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Directions & Modes of Transportation</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#movie" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Introductory Movie on the Area</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#things_to_do_and_see" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Things to Do and See</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#flowers" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Flora </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#outdoor_markets" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Open Markets</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#madiran_wineries" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Wine Tasting</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#pool" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pool</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#hikes" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Hikin</B></U></A><A HREF="#hikes" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>g and Biking Trails</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#esparros" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Esparros Valley</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#esparros_cascade_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Esparros Cascade</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#esparros_mountain_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Esparros Mountains</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#labastide" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Labastide</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#esparros_movie_film_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Movie Film Hike</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tournay_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tournay Lake</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_gorge_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Gorge</B></I></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#wildlife" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Wildlife</B></I></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="400"><bR> <div> <IMG SRC="35175180.jpg" border=0 width="373" height="280" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The front entrance to La Savonnière - The walkway is lined with Lavender and  is finished  in Brazilian Rose Stone.</div> <div> There is a rose garden to the left and a petite grass lawn and flower garden to the right.  You can drive up to the front </div> <div> door walkway and park your car there.   <B>Scroll Down For More!</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="location_maps"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <iframe width="550" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113291436984853506945.0004703b41b641a69c1aa&ll=43.064122,0.32547&spn=0.100331,0.188828&z=12&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113291436984853506945.0004703b41b641a69c1aa&ll=43.064122,0.32547&spn=0.100331,0.188828&z=12&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">La Savonniere, Esparros</a> in a larger map</small>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Other Location Maps</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="714" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="702"><div> <B>Click below to see a different location maps of La Savonnière:</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="702"><div> <A HREF="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/9378000" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/9378000"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Panaramio</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="702"><div> <A HREF="http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&t=l&map=43.155,0.33|11|4&loc=FR:43.188:0.316:11#t=l&map=43.0327,0.31763|11|32&loc=FR:43.0327:0.31763:14|esparros|Esparros,%20Hautes-Pyr%C3%83%C2%A9n%C3%83%C2%A9es" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&t=l&map=4"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">MultiMap</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="directions_and_modes_of_travel"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Directions and Modes of Travel</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="289" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 49 WIDTH="277"><div> If you need driving directions to La Savonnière or airline flight, train, Auto Train or rental car information, Click Below!</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="277"><div> <B>Directions</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Below is a small sampling of pictures and information about various </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>aspects of </B></I><I><B>La Savonnière's </B></I><I><B>surrounding</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="movie"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="336" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFCC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 161 WIDTH="324"><div> <B>View a 3 minute introductory film on the</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> <a href="HTMLobj-375/HautesPyrenees.wmv" target="_blank"><u>Hautes-Pyrénées</u></a>  </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Please Note:  </B>Depending upon your connection speed, this may take a bit of time to download (as much as a minute or so) but we think you might like it!</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>   </B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="things_to_do_and_see"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> There are many things to do and see.  This page and the next webpage attempts to provide a brief glimpse into some of the major sights and activities in this area. <B> </B>By no means is it inclusive.  We have put together a Guest Welcoming Document that more fully describes the house, the area and the activities. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#66FFCC" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>(Click on any item in the Table above to go to that item)</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="floweres"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="606" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 259 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="3785ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Spring pansies in our living room window box</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="225"><div> Esparros has its own Boules courts and a nationally recognized rugby team that won the national rugby championships only a few years ago.  </div> <bR> <div> Esparros is home to the famous Gouffre d'Esparros with its beautiful crystalline caverns.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="flowers"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Flora</B></I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#33FFFF" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>:</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="527" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 356 WIDTH="259"><div> <I><B>W</B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF99" FACE="Arial" >ild and domesticated flowers abound in the in this region of the Pyrénées. The pastures and mountainsides are carpeted with Alpine daises, yellow and orange poppies, purple Pyrenean irises, wild blue aquilegia, indigo gentians, silver thistles,  yellow gentians, maroon fritillaries, pink orchids, white asphodels, white Pyrenean buttercups and scented narcissi, ramonda, clusters of Pyrenean white and pink saxifrage and of course, lavender, thyme rosemary and jasmine. La Savonnière's walkways are lined with Lavender and its fragrant scent can be enjoyed each time you walk up and down our paths.  </FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="376e95e0.jpg" border=0 width="233" height="350" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></I></div> <bR> <div> Tree species are numerous,  Beeches, fir trees, oaks, chestnuts, ashes and boxwoods are prolific.  At La Savonnière we have both Hazel nut and Walnut trees.  In the Fall, chestnuts are so numerous that a walk just about anywhere will land you with a bounty of chestnuts to enjoy with that days meal.</div> <bR> <div> Edible plants grow wild and are easily harvested.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Flora of La Savonnière & the Baronnies</B></div> <div>  <img src="HTMLobj-406/aniGif.gif" alt="La Savonniére Flowers" border="0" align="bottom" width="300" height="300">  </div> <div> <IMG SRC="33b57010.gif" border=0 width="343" height="257" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">   <IMG SRC="33e50fc0.gif" border=0 width="336" height="252" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="33d57fd0.jpg" border=0 width="343" height="253" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="33c44fc0.jpg" border=0 width="324" height="252" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <div>   </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="pool"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b70140ccff6600.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pool</B></I></div> <bR> <div> We have made arrangements for our guests to use a private pool which is about a 3 to 5 minute walk from the front door of La Savonniere.  The in-ground pool is approximately 60x30 feet in size and is in a park-like setting. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="3f35ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="hikes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Hikes</B></I></div> <bR> <div> There are many hiking and biking trails very close to La Savonnière, some as close as our front door.  Below we provide a small sample of a few of those hikes to give you a feel for the area.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Examples of Some of the Hikes Near La Savonnière (Shown in Google Earth)</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1508a080.jpg" border=0 width="650" height="520" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="554" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFBF0 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ff00ff00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">See the Valley Hike                </B><A HREF="#esparros" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="175" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000ff0000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">See the Mountain Hike          </B><A HREF="#esparros_mountain_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="175" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000ffff00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">See the Labastide Hike         </B><A HREF="#labastide" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="175" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ff990000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">See the Movie Film Hike        </B><A HREF="#esparros_movie_film_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ff990000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Special Feature</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000ff00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">See the Cascade Hike           </B><A HREF="#esparros_cascade_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="175" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Gorge Hike                       </B><A HREF="#the_gorge_hike" TITLE="About Our Surroundings"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Not Shown Above</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 132 WIDTH="360"><div> <I><B><U>Please Note: </U></B></I><I><B> </B></I>We have created a fun way (using animated graphics) to see the hikes from the comfort of your home computer.  Unfortunately, you will need to be a little proficient with Google Earth (Not for the Computer Chalenged!) if you want to utilize this feature. We have provided minimalist instructions below to activate this feature in Google Earth.  If further instructions are necessary, please refer to the <B>Help Instruction</B> in GE under <B>Touring</B>.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> <I>If you don't have GE on your computer, you can download it here.</I></div> <bR> <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> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Valley Hike:</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="091586e0.jpg" border=0 width="600" height="366" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The hike GR 58 is shown in yellow highlight.  </B></I><I><B>An alternative is to take the purple leg if one likes.</B></I></div> <div> (The photo shown in Panaramio is prior to the extensive landscaping to our front lawn.)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> This hike, officially labeled the <I><B>GR58</B></I> (Marked with one Red and one White Stripe), starts immediately outside our home and circumscribes the valley around  Esparros.  The hike is rated very easy and is entirely on Chemins (local lanes).  It is likely that you can do the entire hike in about 1 hour without ever seeing a motorized vehicle.  The hike takes one past the Marie's Office, the local ceramicist, the restaurant & bar (good for a refresher) and all the beautiful views of the Baronnies valley in the vicinity of Esparros.  One can expect to see owls (Hiboux) and birds of many species, horses (Cheveaux), cows (Vasches), sheep (Mouton), fox (Renard), deer (Venaison), and wild boar (Sanglier.)  When we came across the sangliers, they were in a small group of about 6-7 and they were as surprised to see us as we were them.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>der the Tools / Options menu</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 2:</B></I></FONT><I><B>  </B></I><I>Take the </I><I><B>Magic Carpet Ride</B></I><I> - In GE, Click on Tools/Take Tour twice</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Pictures Taken from the Hike</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07740d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07140d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07240d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07340d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07440d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07540d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros_cascade_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Cascade Hike:</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>Ponthil Cascade in Esparros</B></I></div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="14677f40.gif" border=0 width="375" height="500" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>Cascade Ponthil d'Esparros</B></div> <div> <B>in Esparros, Hautes-Pyrénées (France)</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>This hike takes approximately 25 minutes to do starting out from La Savonnière.  It is a cool, refreshing hike.  Near the Cascade, the area is lined with heavy, green carpets of moss.  A delightful trip. Be careful if the path is wet as it can be slippery.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> </B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros_mountain_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Mountain Hike:</B></I></div> <bR> <div> rclockwise from our doorstep and return downhill on paved surfaces.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1543a060.jpg" border=0 width="570" height="518" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros_movie_film_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Movie Film Hike:</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>(The Movie Film:</B></I><I>  (Francais) </I><B>Le Pacte Les Loupes </B><I>or</I><B> </B><I>(English)</I><B> The Brotherhood of the Wolves)</B></div> <div> <I><B>W</B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#33FFFF" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>e are happy to say that we have been successful in obtaining an English and French version of this internationally recognized epic film and we are making it available to our guests to see. </B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF99" FACE="Arial" ><I> </I></FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><IMG SRC="3435ef50.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="245" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I><B>A Scene from Le Pacte Des Loupes, a film made in the Esparros</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>area in 2000 by Christophe GANS</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>This is a two part hike: (You may want to read a </B><I><B>review </B></I><B>of this hike written by one of our guests!)</B></div> <bR> <div> Part 1, shown below in blue, departs from our front door and makes a loop of approximately 4 KM up the valley from Esparros (Elevation approximately 350 M) to the Pla du Moula (Elevation approximately 800 M - labeled in the picture below as the Ponthil Valley Summit as it takes you directly past the Ponthil Cascade) where there is a pavilion commemorating the filming of "<B>Le Pacte Les Loupes</B>", an epic film that achieved considerable notoriety internationally (See the film shot below.)  The return trip from the Pla du Moula brings you through the Col de Coupe for a return downhill trip to La Savonnière.  Plan for this hike to take 3-4 hours on an easy surface.</div> <bR> <div> Part 2, not shown here but described in our Welcoming Documentation, starts from the Pla du Moula and circumscribes the filming area, taking you through the Col de l'Escala, Col des Estrets, Col de Oeil Luzent (1237 M), down to the Col de Couradabat and back to the Pla du Moula.  This is the most ambitious of the hikes shown here and it is approximately 9.5 KM long through the woods and one should plan about 3-4 hours to do the hike.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="156fb140.jpg" border=0 width="507" height="532" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>FYI, </B><I>the yellow line shown in the top of this snapshot is the border with Spain.  The Ponthil </I></div> <div> <I>Valley Summit shown here is officially referred to as the Pla de Moula.  The blue line shown is the Part 1</I></div> <div> <I>hike and the light white line going through the Ponthil Valley Summit label is the beginning and end of the Part 2 </I></div> <div> <I>hike.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="labastide"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Labastide Hike:</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="097bc480.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="328" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> The hike around Labastide takes you through the valley and into some elevation. </div> <div> Note that Esparros and La Savonnière can be seen on the right hand side of the Google Earth (GE) Map.  The thumbnail picture</div> <div> shown inside the yellow loop in the middle left of the map is the picture we took of Labastide shown below:</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="14514c60.jpg" border=0 width="276" height="198" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The village of Labastide as shown in GE (Above)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> This hike (Marked with 2 Yellow Stripes - although the guide says 1 Yellow and one Orange, they both appear to be the same color) is rated as "Easy" and the 7 kilometers takes approximately 2.5 hours.  It is about a 5 minute drive from our home (Part of the hike comes so close to our home,  La Savonniere,  that one could easily walk from our front door to that point) and circumscribes the Baronnies village of Labastide.  One departs and arrives  in Labastide. It has some impressive views of Labastide, The Baronnies and the Pyrénées, including Pic Du Midi.  We did this hike in January on a cold morning.  In the shade it was cold, but in the sun, it was quite pleasant.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>Pictures Taken from the Hike</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07840d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07940d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07a40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07b40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 220 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07c40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="08440d60.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="214" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07e40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07f40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="08040d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="08140d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="the_gorge_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>The Gorge Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Named Gorgue d'Asque (La petite Amazonie), this hike is about 10 KM from La Savonnière. It runs alongside the Arros River into a lovely, cool canyon (the same river that feeds the trout farm.)  The hike is shaded by sycamore, ash, chestnut and birch trees, making for a pleasant protected hike in the heat of the Summer.  Maintained signage along the way points out highlights of the gorge, the flora and the fauna.  A small and pleasant picnic area with tables is located at the end of the hike where a snack or a picnic lunch may be enjoyed.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5a3188a0.gif" border=0 width="536" height="394" ALT="Microsoft Office Word Document" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>The </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#3399CC" FACE="Tahoma" ><B>Blue Route</B></FONT><B> will take you from La Savonnière to the beginning of the Gorge Hike.  The </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Tahoma" ><B>Red Route</B></FONT><B> is the trail which disappears behind the mountain in this picture.  Full details are in our Guest Documentation Booklet.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="tournay_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Tournay Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <div> This was a pleasant 2.5 hour hike around Lac Tournay.  Lac Tournay is a man made dam lake, and as such, it is not too exciting.  With that said, the most compelling thing about this hike are the views of the Pyrénées.  The lake, and the surrounding relatively flat farm land, provide a very panoramic view of the Pyrénées.  There is a new coffee / food shop at the dam.  We stopped by and had some coffee and talked with the proprietress.  She told us about her cooking, which was very healthy - no frying, no vacuum packed food, no frozen food, etc.  She cooked everything herself.  While we were there, she was in the process of canning.  Oh, by the way, the coffee, made with a press and not a machine, was excellent.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>The Lake (Lac), just Northwest of Tournay</B></I></div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="0cf2ce10.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="225" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Pictures Taken from the Hike </B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>(January)</B></I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="716" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="11240d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10b40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10840d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10940d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>This is a very easy and pleasant hike around a man made lake near Tournay.  Perhaps the nicest thing about this hike, in addition to just being outdoors , is the view across the lake of the Pyrénées.  It is fantastic.  Also, a new cafe was opened at the hikes start/finish and a good repose can be had there.  The proprietor is very proud of the fact that she uses only the best products, nothing packaged, frozen of chemically treated.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="outdoor_markets"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Outdoor Markets</B></I></div> <bR> <div> There are many outdoor markets being held each day of the week in nearby towns all around Esparros.  The table below highlights provides a non-inclusive list of some of the markets for each day of the week.  Our Guest Information Book contains information on times and directions to the various village markets.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="722" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#444444 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 279 ><NOBR><div> <I><IMG SRC="54f8b0f0.jpg" border=0 width="395" height="271" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="303" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 39 ><NOBR><div> <B> Weekday</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="179"><div> <B>Village</B></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="105"><div> <B>Sunday</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B>La  Barthe de Neste </B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="105"><div> <B>Monday</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="179"><div> <B>Montréjeau</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="105"><div> <B>Tuesday</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="179"><div> <B>Tournay & Trie de Baise</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B>Wednesday</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="179"><div> <B>Lannemezan</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="105"><div> <B>Thursday</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="179"><div> <B>Tarbes</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="105"><div> <B>Friday</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="179"><div> <B>Arreau</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="105"><div> <B>Saturday</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B>Bagnêres-de- Bigorre</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>    </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="hikes_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="saint_bertrand"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="madiran_wineries"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Madiran Wineries </B></div> <bR> <div> Within an hour's drive of Esparros (and the next wine region south of Bordeaux) is the Madiran.  While driving through this region, there seems to be innumerable wineries peppered all over, some within a stones throw of one another.  The wine is robust.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="54532640.jpg" border=0 width="50" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> We were delighted with to visit this area with its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes.  Below are 2 of the vineyards that we visited (one large and one small).  In our Guest's Welcoming Document we have more thorough information on dining an touring the area. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>Chateau de Viella Winery</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Located on the site of a historic chateau that has undergone, extensive renovation, this vineyard has a formal tasting room and is easy to find.  The proprietress is very accommodating and is happy to share the history of the chateau and to provide background information on Madiran wines as well as detail information on their vignoble.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="16a5ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="16b5ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="16e5ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="16f5ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Domaine de Bassail Winery</B></I></div> <bR> <div> One Bassail, a little Mom and Pop vineyard where we were served in their kitchen (Notice the loaf of bread in the background behind Regina) was listed in Hachette as a two star vineyard.  We were pleased  to find that the wine was very smooth (Liss / Round in French.)  The medium range wine had received a silver medal and was being sold for 2.50 EU / bottle.  You could also buy the same wine in bulk.  Just bring your own jug (which we did) and the wine was yours for well under 2 EU per liter.</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="629" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="36c23e90.jpg" border=0 width="291" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="36e37e90.jpg" border=0 width="311" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>The tasting room at Bassail is their kitchen!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="rock_climbing"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="wildlife"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Wildlife</B></I></div> <bR> <div> There is considerable  wildlife in this area.  There also use to be a considerable bear population, which had been killed off by the local farmers because the bears were attacking their livestock.  In recent history, there has been an attempt to repopulate the mountains with bears.  Many farmers began protesting when their livestock (mostly sheep in this case) started to be killed again by the bears, so the bears were rounded up and deployed out of the Baronnies Valley.  Despite this issue with the bears, animal life here remains prolific.  We will not replicate the information here as we have some good documentation on the wildlife in our  Welcoming Document.  Suffice it for now to say that there are many species of small birds (peaks épeiches, bullfinches peony, titmouses of all kinds, goldfinches or geais oaks...) and in the small mammals and large animal domain, you can find: deer, cerfs (Large deer like animals with large antlers), fox, skunks, sanglier, genettes, falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, heron and lots more.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="2e901590.jpg" border=0 width="257" height="345" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Roses in our Rose Bed</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>See Also:  <IMG SRC="57798900.gif" border=0 width="152" height="144" ALT="PBrush" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <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> 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