Sightseeing

"Allons-y" is ideally situated for visiting the complete range of tourist attractions and excursions.

The Pyrenees, of course, with their famous Cols and ski stations, national parks and lakes. The Pic de Midi, reachable by cable car, or for the more adventurous (summer only) on foot, dominates the sky line, with the sun glistening on its observatory. It’s now possible to stay the night, under the stars, and breakfast watching the sunrise.

There are several caves to visit locally, along with the Chateau de Mauvezan, abbeys and churches.

Locally, there area myriad of small towns, which offer markets, restaurants, street cafes, wine "caves" and music festivals (notably the 10day long international " Jazz in Marciac" in August). The annual national equine festival takes place at Tarbes.

The historic pilgrimage town of Lourdes is only 35 minutes away, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

If you would like further info on the events in Lourdes please contact us.

Further afield, Auch (50 mins) Toulouse (1.30 mins) Biarritz (1.40 mins), Tarbes, and Pau, are all worth a visit, depending on whether your interests are shopping, history, surfing or architecture.

One and a half hours on the A64 (the local motorway – wonderfully quiet!) will take you to the Atlantic coast at Biarritz and the surfing beaches of Les Landes, or the picturesque resort of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the Basque Country. There are many international surfing competitions held around Biarritz during the summer months that are well worth visiting.

Slightly nearer, you can cross into Spain through the mountain tunnel and visit the amazing town of Ainsa, to enjoy spectacular scenery or just do some cheap shopping.

Sports

The area offers a wealth of sporting activities for the serious and not so serious participants. Cycling, mountain-biking, golf, canoeing, canyoning, climbing, tennis, swimming, running, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, fishing, horse-riding are all available. For more information see the Allons-y Active section.

Walks

There are numerous, marked walks to be enjoyed without having to get into the car: the beautiful River Arros is nearby, where, if you go quietly, you will see kingfishers and herons. The local lanes and woods abound with wildflowers, and kites and buzzards will be your companions.

Slightly further afield, there are lakes, and, of course, the mountains, which are equally beautiful in summer as in winter. Suggested routes are available in the information centre.

Relaxation

The centre is in one of the most peaceful, beautiful areas of France, so just sitting and enjoying the views is guaranteed to reduce stress levels. If you tire of the pool and sunshine, or perhaps after a day of rigorous exercise, there are many spas and thermal baths to be experienced. The nearest, and largest is Aquensis in Bagneres-de-Bigorre – check out their website on http://www.aquensis-bagneres.com

Art

An obvious pastime in such a beautiful place would be painting/drawing. A pack of materials is available, free of charge, for anyone who fancies having a go.

A selection of books, magazines, DVD’s and board games are available to borrow for the duration of your stay. Details available in each house

Wine-tasting

Visits to nearby vineyards, perhaps as part of a wine-festival, or to sample the local Armagnac are a must for those who wish to experience the essential French culture.

Shopping

Large supermarkets are approximately 15 km away, in Tarbes, Lannemezan and Tries sur Baise, with smaller stores nearby for your bread (also delivered on some days) and essentials.

Welcome packs are provided in each house on arrival, and longer shopping lists can be purchased by arrangement.

Tarbes (16km) will provide for the more serious shopper, as will the historic city of Pau with its spectacular mountain backdrop (40 minutes on the motorway)

Markets abound: almost all of the local small towns have their own, selling everything from onions to underwear, in an atmosphere of relaxed conviviality. In the summer months, many of the markets take place at night (it’s cooler) and take on a carnival feel. In December, Christmas markets, often with skating rinks, are popular, where you can search for unusual gifts whilst enjoying a cup of warm red wine and grilled chestnuts.

Eating out

There are plenty of restaurants in the area, ranging from take-away pizza to award-winning, gourmet establishments. Details and customers comments are posted in the information area. Transport can usually be arranged at a small cost.