The Argelès-Gazost Valley & its must-sees

1. The Thermes d'Argelès-Gazost to relax  

With its reputation as a spa town, its history is closely linked to the development of hydrotherapy in the Pyrenees. As you stroll through the spa district, notice the sublime mansions that hosted high society including the Empress of Austria. The spa of Argelès-Gazost was formerly reserved for cures, dedicated to medical care thanks to its sodium chloro-sulphurous waters and in particular specializing in phlebology (diseases of the veins) and in the treatment of the respiratory tract.

The thermal establishment of Argelès-Gazost, built between 1880 and 1885, is today a place open to all which perfectly embodies the virtues of well-being, relaxation and pleasure, in addition to its offer of cures thermal baths. On the program: fitness but also à la carte treatments to relax after a good hike in the mountains: a bath with hydromassage, a whirlpool bath, an underwater massage, a wrap with thermal water compresses. Packages and different formulas are available to satisfy all tastes.










2. The Gave de Pau to cool off  

At the heart of unspoiled nature, with the Pyrenees mountains as a backdrop, strolling on the banks of the Gave de Pau at the entrance to the city is an ideal walk to warm up and cool off! Along the water, discover the soothing landscapes of the river which flows through the Argelès-Gazost valley, at the confluence of the waters of the Gave de Cauterets, the Gave d'Isaby, the Gave d'Azun, from the Gave du Bergons and the Nès. At the bridge that connects the Silhen and Sailhet roads, park your car along the banks and walk the trails to discover unusual and shady little corners with direct access to the river. An ideal place for a picnic or to bask in a bucolic setting to the sound of the lapping of the water.







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3. The authentic Argelès-Gazost market to feast on  

A real meeting place for traders and producers from the Argelès-Gazost valley, the market becomes the nerve center of the village every Tuesday morning between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Gathered in the city center, around a hundred stands are organized around the church to offer excellent local products: seasonal fruits and vegetables, traditional meats and cold cuts, cheeses from the Pyrenees and other regional specialties. Frequented by regulars, passing hikers and visitors from all walks of life, this historic market which has lasted for more than 700 years is a lively place, inseparable from the life of the village where all generations come together in conviviality.





  
  




4. The Thermal Park to enjoy the peace and the greenery

An ideal idea for a walk for families, lovers and lovers of the great outdoors, the Thermal Park is a magical and relaxing place in the city center. Born from hydrotherapy, which experienced a real boom in the 1850s, this magnificent historic 5 hectare park, imbued with romanticism, was created by Legrand, gardener of the city of Paris. Typical of late 19th century parks, it combines nearly 377 trees of 47 different varieties: maple, lime, cedar, spruce, plane, pine and hornbeam. During a walk in this true haven of peace, do not miss to observe the remarkable trees like the Himalayan cedar of 1m60 in diameter and the silver lime tree wide of 1m50. When the park was created, a therapeutic institute with hot and cold water pools was erected to practice rehabilitation, massages and electrotherapy. This building still exists today: it is the current casino.











5. The Casino d'Argelès Gazost to try your luck

If you want to try your luck at games of chance during your stay or simply have a good evening with your partner or friends, this temple of fun will satisfy your desires! Characterized by Belle Époque architecture, ideally located in the heart of the city adjacent to the Thermal Park, the Casino of the Tranchant group is an establishment with contemporary interiors and a very pleasant, cozy and intimate atmosphere... On site, a restaurant and a cinema complete the entertainment offer within the same building. Ready for a roulette , poker and blackjack night? You have all the cards in hand to have a good time.










6. The Pyrenees Animal Park meets endangered species

What magic to see the gaze of children land on curious and majestic animals evolving in semi-freedom in the heart of lush nature! Located on a 14 hectare forest estate on the heights of Argelès-Gazost, the Animal Park of the Pyrenees allows beautiful encounters with local fauna, difficult to observe in the wild: marmots, ibex, chamois, deer, bear deer. Pyrenees, otters, nutria, raptors and European gray wolves. The park also has other exotic species well adapted to the recreated environment, which comes as close as possible to their natural habitat: prairie dogs, lemurs, lynx etc... By following the pedestrian route equipped with educational panels, visitors will discover large green spaces where species can be seen very closely!





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7. The Bee Garden to marvel  

Located on the site of an old rose garden at the foot of the Vieuzac tower, the Jardin des Abeilles invites you to discover these funny insects which play an essential role in maintaining our biodiversity. In the heart of Argelès-Gazost, this garden adorned with information panels reveals all the secrets of bees through a route intended to better understand their fascinating universe. Filled with honey plants, equipped with an insect hotel, classic beehives and a glazed beehive to observe the life of the colony, the garden is ideal for strolling and promises a pleasant moment of relaxation.







Photo © Chloro'Fil  

8. Chloro'Fil, to live great adventures  

Nature and sensations on the program for a fun getaway! As soon as the sunny days return, the team of Chloro'Fil enthusiasts offers young and old alike original sporting activities practiced in the forest that combine the joys of climbing and tree-to-tree adventures. The tree climbing park has 18 different secure and progressive courses. From 2 years old, toddlers can venture into the Bois des Pirates, an aerial ride on a net course. 4 small treetop adventure courses are accessible to children from 4 years old to learn to move through the trees using ropes. For older children in search of thrills, 14 courses allow you to test your balance and your agility by linking monkey bridges, zip lines, tightrope cables, Tarzan jumps or vine bridges!  

For a good dose of adrenaline, Chloro'Fil also organizes whitewater trips, rafting and mini-raft on the Gave de Pau. During a discovery or sporting descent, take full advantage of the spectacular landscapes of the river during an unforgettable day with family or friends!










9. To the "Trout of the Pyrenees" for a good fishing trip  

For seasoned fishermen, it is possible to fish Rainbow and Fario trout in the wild rivers of the Argeles valley, subject to holding a fishing license and respecting the authorization periods and regulations. However, trout enthusiasts and novices alike can indulge in this passion on a fishing course made available by the " Truite des Pyrénées " aquaculture farm without the need for a fishing license.  

To have a pleasant time with the family, and be guaranteed to come home with beautiful specimens to taste, the farm provides all the equipment to tease the trout in the large pools where they grow, permanently supplied by the living waters of a branch. from the Gave de Pau. It will of course be necessary to arm yourself with patience for this fun family activity in the heart of nature, but what a pleasure to bring home fresh fish, raised in conditions that are as close as possible to wild life.








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10. The Dungeon of the Eagles to observe the largest collection of birds of prey in the world

A few kilometers from Argelès-Gazost, on the heights of Beaucens stand the imposing ruins of an 11th century feudal castle which houses one of the most prestigious collections of day and night raptors in the world: 47 species of raptors and 13 species of parrots. Perched at an altitude of 500 meters, the Donjon des Aigles is a sanctuary managed by enthusiasts of nature and falconry, who offer daily beautiful encounters with birds. First, a stroll through the remains of the castle allows you to admire these remarkable species from very close and then during a commented flight show, to see them evolve in the air. Guaranteed wonder!





We wish you an excellent stay in Argelès-Gazost!





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Report and photos produced by Lesley Williamson for the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide

 

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