Stage town for the 4th time
Hautes-Pyrénées (65) tourist resort linked to the communes of Germ and Loudervielle
Population : 40 (Germois and Germoises), 50 (Louderviellois and Loudervielloises), 229,000 in Hautes-Pyrénées
Personalities : Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Antoine Mégret d'Étigny
Specialities : frênette (a drink made from ash), cheese, honey. Local specialities: garbure, black pork of Bigorre (AOC), Barèges-Gavarnie mutton, Tarbais beans, Trébons onions, spit-roasted cake, wine (Madiran, Pacherenc)
Sport : Balnéaman Triathlon, Défi cycliste Grand 8 de Pyrénées, Trail du Louron
Festivals : Pyrenean traditions fair in Génos-Loudenvielle, 25th anniversary of the filming of the prelude to Tomorrow Never Dies at the altiport
Economy : tourism (3rd ski resort in the Pyrenees), Balnéa spa centre in the Louron valley
Labels : Famille Plus label / Louron Valley, a land of cycling excellence
Websites / FB / Twitter / Insta : www.peyragudes.com / www.pyrenees-trip.com / www.vallee-du-louron.com / www.pyrenees2vallees.com / www.tourisme-occitanie.com / Facebook Peyragudes / Facebook Hautes-Pyrénées / Twitter Hautacam65 / Instagram Hautacam / Instagram Vallées de Gavarnie / Instagram Hautes-Pyrénées / Facebook Tourisme Occitanie / Twitter Occitanie / Instagram Tourisme Occitanie
PEYRAGUDES AND CYCLING
In 2022, Tadej Pogacar won a consolation stage in Peyragudes with a sprint victory ahead of Jonas Vingegaard. It was his third stage win of that edition, but it made no difference to the overall classification, which had already been decided in favour of the Dane since the Alps.
In 2017, for the second finish in the Pyrenean resort, it was Romain Bardet who surged up the final ramp leading to the line to take one of his four stage victories in the Grande Boucle, ahead of all the kick specialists, including Chris Froome, who stalled on that final steep climb. The Frenchman won ahead of Rigoberto Uran and Italian Fabio Aru, who took a short-lived Yellow Jersey. The Tour passed through Peyragudes again the following year on its way to Saint-Lary-Soulan, with Tanel Kangert leading the way.
For the first finish of the Tour in 2012, Alejandro Valverde had his day with a solitary, winning attack 35 kilometres from the finish. His victory was helped by the wait-and-see attitude of Chris Froome, who was still devoted to his leader Bradley Wiggins at the time. The following year, another Alexandre, Geniez, followed in his footsteps on a stage of... the Vuelta. In 2010, the organisers of Route du Sud had placed the finish line of an uphill time trial there, on which David Moncoutié set the fastest time. He also won the GC.
SIGHTS
Loudenvielle
Loudenvielle, a charming village full of character, old stones and lively lanes, offers a deep, soothing atmosphere. Backing onto the Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle, it's a favourite spot for sharing special moments with family and friends. Its exceptional, well-preserved natural environment, the generous flavours and aromas of its terroir, and the multitude of activities on offer provide the perfect backdrop for convivial mountain experiences.
www.loudenvielle.fr
Balnéa
On the shores of Lake Génos-Loudenvielle, the Balnéa centre is a benchmark in spa tourism. It is the largest thermal water relaxation complex in the French Pyrenees. With its five relaxation areas totalling 4,000m², Balnéa is an invitation to get away from it all. The centre is aimed at a wide audience who like to combine lifestyle with well-being, healthy eating with fitness.
www.balnea.fr
The James Bond piste
25 years ago, Peyragudes was chosen by the producers of James Bond to be the setting for the opening scene of the 18th instalment of the series, Tomorrow Never Dies, with Pierce Brosnan in the role of Agent 007. The Pyrenees resort was transformed into an Afghan camp. To mark this anniversary, Peyragudes has decided to create a new 2,760 m panoramic ski run named after 007.
Romanesque church of Saint-Aventin
Foundation : 11th and 12th centuries
Style : Romanesque
Characteristics : the church, with two bell towers, has a porch adorned with sculptures and historiated capitals depicting scenes from the life and martyrdom of Saint Adventine. Inside, there are monumental paintings, a baptismal font and a wrought-iron altar rail. The church is one of a number of remarkable Romanesque churches in the Larboust and Louron valleys.
Special features : the outer walls bear numerous remains of pagan stelae and altars dedicated to Pyrenean gods, including Abellio and Aherbelst
Listed as : historical monument since 1840
Church of Sainte-Anne
Foundation : 12th century
Style : Romanesque
Characteristics : Sainte-Anne church is a small building built around a 12th-century chapel comprising a nave and a cul-de-four vaulted apse. A side aisle was added later, followed by a bell tower and spire. The whole building is in the Lombard style, a variant of the Romanesque style so widespread in this part of the Pyrenees.
Special features : it is decorated with listed 15th-century frescoes by two painters, one local and the other Catalan. They were painted over in 1790 and rediscovered in 1893 by Luchon painter and decorator Bertrand Bernard. The frescoes in the apse depict the Assumption of the Virgin. The three frescoes on the right wall depict the birth of Eve, original sin and Adam and Eve being expelled from paradise. The frescoes on the left wall depict the Coronation of the Virgin, St John the Baptist preaching and the Last Judgement.
Listed as : historical monument since 1921
Passes, lakes and panoramas
The Louron valley is an idyllic setting in the Pyrenees for indulging your desire for sport and relaxation. It reveals its wonders on walks, hikes, mountain bike descents, scooter outings, lakeside strolls, plane rides...
www.louronbikeandtrail.com
