Activities

There are many activities available in the region. A selection are listed below

  • 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. For the bird-lovers amongst you, Arcachon is a place not to be missed, especially for migratory birds.

Even in my garden, I regularly see buzzards, jays, and green woodpeckers. Flocks of thousands of tiny sparrows and field-fares sweep over the newly cut maize fields and, a special treat at the beginning and end of each year, long messy v’s of storks honking their way across the sky at enormous height. The liquid call of the golden oriole is heard on woodland walks and just occasionallywe catch a glimpse of a sparrow hawk.

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.

Fishermen are well served with a fine choice of Class I salmon and trout fishing rivers, and the cost of a licence well within the budget of everyone. There are also many stocked lakes.

As regards spectator sports, rugby is the most closely followed sport in the region, followed by pelote, handball and, of course, football.


Share

For further information:

Telephone: 0033 559 38 1991
info@landes-pyreneesproperties.com

Email: