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The Area
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The Area
The immediate countryside around Gerde is primarily devoted to agriculture (arable, dairy and sheep) against a backdrop of woodland (primarily deciduous) which is interlaced with footpaths and tracks leading into the mountain scenery. This unspoilt and varied environment is home to a wonderful range of fauna and flora.
Walking
The summer months in the Pyrénées make for the most idyllic walking imaginable. Rocky crags and mountain tops combine with sleepy villages and river valleys to make a terrain that is pure delight. The weather is excellent in the peak summer months and this, combined with a multitude of other attractions in the area, provides the perfect destination for a walking holiday. Depending on the age, capability and experience of your party you will find there is a broad scope of walks with different degrees of difficulty and distance. For further information visit our Useful Links pageWildlife
The birdlife reflects this variety and you can expect to see green woodpecker, goldfinch, chaffinch and greenfinch all year round in our orchard with interesting summer visitors such as spotted flycatcher, black redstart and the occasional nightingale whilst overhead there will always be swift, barn swallow and house martin (a pair nests regularly under our eaves). Raptors are usually seen daily all year round with regular fly pasts by buzzards and, intermittently red kite, with regular sightings of griffon vulture which are very prevalent only a few kilometres away. In the warmer months you are also sure to see honey buzzard, hobby and black kite. Tawny owls can be heard calling most evenings and it would be surprising if you do not see dipper and grey wagtail by the nearby River Adour.
Many French writers describe the Campan valley as a Pyrenean paradise – understandably so. A visit at any time of the year will be rewarded by sights and sounds which will live in the memory forever. The wild flowers and alpine meadows are spectacular and it is only a few miles to mountain terrain which can yield views of isard (mountain deer) and marmot with moufflon and Iberian ibex possible on the more remote mountain sides with sightings of capercaillie, golden eagle and the rare lammergeier (bearded vulture) if it really is your lucky day!
If you aren't lucky enough to spot wildlife in their natural habitat the next best thing is a visit to the La Falaise aux Vautours, go to the thing to do page for further details.Places to Visit
Lourdes
Five million people visit Lourdes each year, it is one of the most significant religious shrines in Europe. Pilgrims visit seeking miracle cures for ailments and disabilities. This year is the 150 anniversary of the apparitions.
The history of Lourdes is based on the story of a 14-year-old girl, Bernadette Soubirous, who in 1858 saw a series of visions of the Virgin Mary. If you would like to know more of the history of Lourdes visit:
The architecture around the area of the grotto is wonderful with churches and shrines of various ages. The original Basilica du Rosaire is too small for the number of visitors received, the addition of a massive underground church that holds 20,000 has solved the problem.
Pau
Pau is described as the gateway to the Pyrenees and is definitely worth a visit. On a clear day you can see a panoramic view of the mountain peaks from the Boulevard des Pyrénées. There is a long history of English-French relationships in this area, Pau has always been popular with Les Anglais. There are a collection of wonderful buildings in Pau, the best (in my opinion) is the Château de Pau, the birthplace of Henri IV. You can visit the state room of the château or wonder around the exterior admiring the architecture. For further information visit: www.pau.fr
Cirque de Gavarnie
The Cirque de Gavarnie is a majestic galacier amphitheatre rising to over 3000m at the back of which falls the 400m Grande Cascade waterfall. It is only accessible on foot from the village of Gavarnie. The round trip takes around 2 hours. See Wikipedia for more information about Gavarnie.
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