Our guests’ holidays

Last week we welcomed guests on our Discoverer – Lakes, Ridges and Cirques walking holiday. We were delighted too that some of the hotel’s guests joined us for a day or two’s walking.

As well as our regular Lakes, Ridges and Cirques holiday, we asked if anyone would like the opportunity to do a cheeky refuge trek. Our game guests said yes, and so with a bit of trepidation and a lot of excitement, they headed off the mountain…to return just over 36 hours later, tired but very very happy. Spending a night in the beautiful Neouvielle Nature Reserve with its lakes and peaks is inspiring and knowing that you have got there under your own steam, with no opt-out opportunity (the refuge is restocked by donkeys) is very satisfying.

This week we welcome a group of Australians, who have already spent a week cycling and are now enjoying some mountain scenery by foot. They will also get to enjoy the atmosphere of Tour de France on Wednesday and were here on Saturday in time for Barege’s Bastille Day fireworks.

Our hardy cyclists are making their way to join us for some fun slogging up cols and whizzing back down them. Yesterday they tackled the Col Ardiden, as a little warm up to today where they headed off early to drive part of the way then cycle in to Pau to see the Tour de France Stage 15 finish later today.

Tomorrow they head out for the relatively gentle ascent up to Hautacam, getting in the mood to view the Tour from whichever spot they please on Wednesday. We recommend cycling or hiking up the Col du Tourmalet and positioning yourself so you can see the Tour heading up the mountain and then powering right down the other side.

Thursday is a bit trickier for our cycling group…they have to keep ahead of the Tour all day. They will leave Bareges at 7.30am and drive out ahead of the Tour, then cycle the Tour route for that day, keeping ahead of the road closures. If all goes to plan, they will arrive in Peyragudes before the pros, ready to cheer them over the finish line…we will keep you posted!