Activities
There are many activities available in the region. A selection are listed below:
- Rugby
- Fishing
- Handball
- Pelote
- Skiing
- Kayaking/White water rafting
- Surfing
- Walking
- Golf
- Fishing
Our corner of France really does cater for all activities! For the mountain lover, the Pyrenees offer a wide range of climbing and walking activities whilst on the coast, there are mile after mile of coastal rambles to be enjoyed. Information on walks can be obtained at the Mairie of each town - this is in leaflet form and shows the walk and points of interest. Ski stations such as La Gourette offer gradients for the beginner and the experienced and families can obtain a discount day ticket. A network of numbered trails crosses the National Park of the Pyrenees. Each is well signposted and shows the length of time needed. En route are mountain huts offering a meal and a bed for the night.
The Pyrenees are home to many rare and unusual species of flora and fauna. The ibex, a member of the antelope family is still numerous in the valleys of Ossau and Cauterets. Birds of prey such as the Egyptian, griffon and bearded vultures patrol the skies whilst on the ground are found lynx, civet, pine marten and stoat. Many plants which flower in English gardens are to be found growing wild in the high mountain meadows e.g. turks cap lilies and fritillaries.
On the coast, the beaches are of fine golden sand. The surf is huge at Biarritz and attracts surfers from all over Europe. The beach shelves more gently at St Jean de Luz and is more frequented by families. For those who love fishing, there are broad slow moving rivers, such as the Adour and the Gaves d'Oloron and Pau, as well as many fresh water lakes and the sea itself.
As regards spectator sports, rugby is the most closely followed sport in the region, followed by pelote, basketball and, of course, football.
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