There is plenty to do if you like the outdoors: skiing, walking, cycling, paragliding, climbing, canyoning, rafting, canoeing, golf, tennis, horse riding. There are also many local places of interest, including the pilgrimage site in Lourdes. It is just a 10 minute drive to the grotto from Volets Verts, where you can stay peacefully away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Or if you prefer why not spend some time relaxing at the newly renovated Thermes in Argeles.
Situated in the grounds of the resident English owner's property - they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction with their local knowledge. The accommodation sleeps 4-6 people, has an open plan ground floor, including a fully equipped kitchenette, sitting / dining area with a separate laundry room. The first floor has two good sized bedrooms. Bedroom one has a double bed and an en suite shower and wc. Bedroom two has two single beds but can accommodate a third and is served by a separate shower room and wc. All rooms are heated by electric radiators.
Situated in the heart of south-west France, it is one of the largest regions in the country with a landscape of ancient towns, villages, castles, Romanesque churches and inexhaustible history.
The Pyrenees is an excellent all year round destination, so when you visit depends on what you would like to do. With four clearly defined seasons, the Midi-Pyrenees enjoys temperatures of 15-35 degrees from April to October. September and October often enjoy an Indian summer climate conducive to walking and cycling, whilst profiting from the more peaceful low to mid season. With a good snow cover usually by the beginning of December we enjoy a ski season up until April.
The Valley des Gaves is one of the largest valleys running through the Parc National des Pyrenees and is certainly an unspoilt part of the world. It is a gateway to many world renowned heritage sites such as Lourdes, Gavarnie, Pont d'Espagne and Pic du Midi de Bigorre - an observatory where at 2,886m in altitude you have 360 degree views all year round - day and night.
The Pyrenees National Park offers stupendous landscapes and its exceptional biodiversity with species who only live in our mountains. The Pibeste nature reserve - the largest in France at over 2,600 hectares - is home to 25 of the 31 known species of birds of prey in mainland France.
Whether you come for: the cycling - this area is a 'Mecca' for both road and mountain bike enthusiasts. Many of the famous climbs of the Tour de France, including Hautacam, Ardiden, Soulor, Aubisque and Tourmalet are within easy striking distance and there are up to 1150km covering 73 marked off-road routes for the mountain biker. If you find the mountains a bit fierce you can roll back out of the valley, beyond Lourdes, and enjoy the flatter countryside. With walking, possibilities are endless. There is something for all levels of fitness. Explore this spectacular mountain area on well marked paths, which could transport you on a nice gentle stroll or to the summit of the Vignemal at over 3,000 metres. Or for really serious mountain trekking there are expert guides.
With the stations Domaine du Tourmalet, Cauterets and Luz-Ardiden within 30 minutes and the family-friendly station - Hautacam - on the doorstep, this is a great base for all your skiing requirements - piste (downhill), ski-de-fond (cross country), or rackets (snow shoes) - there is something for everyone. Season - December - April.
Flights from Stanstead to Lourdes every Saturday and Tuesday during the year. Lourdes airport is less than 1/2 hours drive from Volets Vert. There are also flights from Stanstead into Biarritz (2 hours drive) and Gatwick to Toulouse (2 hours drive).
Other outdoor activities include rafting, canoeing, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, golf, tennis, horse riding and swimming. For the younger members of the family there is an outdoor adventure park, a wild animal park, a wild bird reserve, and an aquarium all within 3km.
Why not browse round the weekly market at Argeles or completely relax at one of the many spa / thermes in the area? Or spend some time visiting the many local Artisans and sample some of the excellent regional produce - foix gras, pur brebis (local cheese), and the very palatable Jurancon and Madiran wines.
| Start date | End date | Weekly rate | Week night rate | Week end night | Minimum stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2012 | 25 Feb 2012 | £505 | n/a | n/a | 7 nights |
| 26 Feb 2012 | 10 Mar 2012 | £605 | n/a | n/a | 7 nights |
| 11 Mar 2012 | 30 Jun 2012 | £505 | n/a | n/a | 7 nights |
| 01 Jul 2012 | 01 Sep 2012 | £605 | n/a | n/a | 7 nights |
| 02 Sep 2012 | 22 Dec 2012 | £505 | n/a | n/a | 7 nights |
| 23 Dec 2012 | 05 Jan 2013 | £605 | n/a | n/a | 7 nights |
* prices may be subject to change at the advertisers discretion
* rates are per property
NOTE: Welcome pack provided on arrival
Garden shared with owners
English speaking owners on site to answer any questions
Sports massage available by qualified sports massage therapist
No smoking inside the property
25% deposit required to secure booking. Balance payable 6 weeks prior to arrival.
Refundable breakages cheque of £200. Returned within 7 days of departure, (subject to satisfactory property inspection)
We can accept payment by sterling or euro cheque (exchange rate confirmed on day of booking) or cash in euros.
Receipt of 25% deposit cheque secures booking
Refundable damages cheque of £200
Electricity chargeable at 10cents/kw between 15th October and 15th April.
| Property type | Gite |
|---|---|
| Numer of units | single |
| Holiday theme | Activity, Beach Holiday, Spa, Skiing Holiday, Sight-seeing |
| Suitable for | Children, Families, Couples, Groups |
| Bedrooms |
2 bedroom(s), sleeps 6 max.
It is possible to have a 3rd single bed in bedroom 2 instead of the cot. |
|---|---|
| Bathrooms |
2 bathroom(s)
Hair dryer |
| Kitchen |
Fully equipped kitchen. Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Clothes dryer, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Washing machine Clothes dryer, Fridge, Grill, Hob, Microwave, Oven, Washing machine, Outside cooking, Utensils |
| Meals |
Not included |
| Dining room |
Seats 6 |
| Living room |
Seats 6 DVD, CD player, Sofa bed, TV |
| Onsite facilities |
The sympathetic renovation was completed in March 2010, so the decor and contents are completely new. We hope we have created a pleasant and comfortable space for an ideal holiday base. BBQ, Car parking, Garden, Treatments available, Terrace, Outdoor furniture 2 car parking spaces |
|---|---|
| Other facilities |
Wireless internet access, Linen and towels provided, Central heating |
| Other notes |
| Location type |
Mountain |
|---|---|
| Car required? |
necessary |
| Local leisure activities |
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Cycling, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Mountaineering, Fishing, Paragliding, Swimming pool, Golf, Tennis, Horse riding, Walking, Beach |
| Nearest points of interest |
|
'Volets Verts' is easy to find - just a few minutes from the pretty town of Argeles-Gazost, about 10 minutes from Lourdes. We will of course forward exact directions on confirmation of your booking.
By Air: Lourdes (30 minutes drive) from Stanstead - Tuesday and Saturday flights. Regular flights from Stanstead to Biarritz and Gatwick to Toulouse (both 2 hours drive)
Train: TGV links directly into Tarbes (30 minutes) or Lourdes (just 10 minutes) takes approximately 8 hours from Paris from which you can get the Eurostar from London Waterloo. If you are already in France our nearest SNCF station is Lourdes.
By Ferry: If you want to bring your own car without driving the entire distance Brittany Ferries sails from Plymouth to Santander or P&O Ferries sails between Portsmouth and Bilbao, but please note the drive from Northern Spain can take 3-4 hours.
Bike Bus: For the serious cyclist the 'European Bike Express' has many pick-up points throughout the UK and our nearest drop-off point is Lourdes (around 20 minutes cycle from us).
Tracey Simmons
View additional contact details
Daytime: +33 (0)5 62 90 13 74
Language(s) spoken:
English, French
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