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BAREGES A traditional mountain village at 1250m altitude

All Mountainbug holidays are based at our newly-renovated 300 yr old house in the heart of the high mountain village of Bareges. Bareges is a traditional mountain village; nestling in an impressive, steep-sided valley and surrounded by towering 3000m peaks. The village is part of the Tourmalet ski resort - a perfect base for idyllic Winter skiing, and wonderful in Summer for walking, cycling and multi activity holidays.

At 1250m altitude, Bareges is officially the highest thermal spa village in France. In fact, the very existence of Bareges can be attributed to the discovery of its thermal waters in the 15th century. The curative properties of the spa waters were well known to the local farmers, who bathed their animals in a large covered pool. In 1675 a royal cortege first visited the village and benefited from the spa. Spa holidays became fashionable, and in Napoleon III ordered construction of the present-day thermal baths military hospital in 1860.

Traditional village house - Mountainbug chalet in Winter	Bareges surrounded by towering peaks	Bareges in Winter	Typical local village

Bareges is now known principally as a Winter ski destination, as part of the Tourmalet ski area - the largest ski resort in the French Pyrenees. In Summer Bareges is a perfect base for mountain activity holidays; walking, cycling and mountain biking, paragliding, pony trekking, caving and watersports (or everything combined in a multi activity holiday!). The thermal baths are still a popular destination, visited by "curistes" in Spring and Autumn, and appreciative holiday-makers year-round for a wonderfully relaxing dip after a day out in the mountains.

Skiing home to Bareges	Bareges thermal baths in Winter	Bareges spa atrium	Le Richelieu bar, Bareges - our local!

Bareges is surrounded by beautiful meadows and woodland, and guarded by towering snow-capped mountains. Despite the idyllic rural setting, Bareges has good road access year-round and the village has plenty of shops and facilities. There are several ski and sports shops for convenient ski and snowshoe equipment hire, two bakeries, a cash point, post office and small supermarket. For families, there is an outdoor swimming pool in Summer, and childcare facilities during the school holidays. The local ski school is particularly good with children. Bareges has plenty of hotels and restaurants offering good local cuisine, and some lively bars. Our local "Le Richelieu" is owned by our neighbour, and is a very handy 50m walk away! The village is lively in the Winter, but is not a rowdy ski resort. Many people ski here to get away from the crowded Alpine resorts and experience the ambience of a traditional mountain village. The local people are very friendly and welcoming, and the prices are fair.

Bareges village square	A Winter evening in Bareges	Bareges in Winter	Bareges through the Spring flowers

Bareges is part of the Tourmalet ski area and has plans for a new fast lift direct from the village within the next few years. In the meantime, the village is well-served by a free ski bus service - running up to the ski resort every 10-15 minutes. The main lift departure area is only 2km ride - five minutes on the ski bus, and most weeks of the season you can ski right back to the village on a lovely green run beside the river, or a blue piste which zig-zags down through the woods above the village.

Bareges is also known as a destination for walkers. The GR10 long distance walking trail (traversing the Pyrenees from Atlantic to Mediterranean) passes right through the village, and we are right on the edge of the Neouvielle Nature reserve (the Pyrenean Lake District) and the Pyrenees National Park. There are numberous lovely walks direct from the village, and the famous Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the lovely walks above Pont d'Espagne in the neighbouring valley of Cauterets, are just a short drive away. Mountainbug specialises in guided walking holidays, led by ourselves - Rob and Emma - both qualified International Mountain Leaders.

Cyclists flock to Bareges in Summer to attempt the legendary ascent of the Col du Tourmalet. The Tour de France passes through Bareges virtually every year, and the challenging climb is always a highlight of the route.

Please visit our holiday pages to discover more about our Summer and Winter holidays, or our chalet page for more information and pictures of our accommodation.

If you have any questions about Bareges, or any of our holidays, please feel free to contact us by email or telephone.

Tel France: 0033 562921639 (land) or 0033 0670815291 or 0033 0670817284 (Mobile)