Bike ride in the Pyrenees with the children

Before jumping on your bikes, take a quick look at this charming village! Then cycle the short distance to the Donjon des Aigles (open from April to September). Here’s your chance to see close-up some impressive birds of prey in the medieval setting of a 12th-century keep at the foot of the Pyrenees. History and nature come together to create a memorable experience. This visit will appeal to the whole family.

For lunch, head for the Gaves Lake for a bucolic family picnic.

Make the most of the afternoon to enjoy a gentle walk around the lake, taking the time to appreciate the peace and quiet, as well as the panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

At the end of the day, stop at the Lodge du Hautacam where you can stay for the night. This 19th-century barn conversion provides cosy accommodation for up to 8 people. The property looks down over the Gaves Valley and offers a stunning view of the Pyrenees. The icing on the cake is a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the valley, where you can unwind and enjoy the majestic scenery. 

After a good night’s sleep, cycle for about half an hour towards Argelès Gazost. 

Here you’ll find the Pyrénées Animal Park (open from late March to early November) for a fascinating experience amid the local wildlife. The park is home to a whole diversity of wild animals living in conditions created to imitate their natural habitats. This informative and enriching visit, for adults and children alike, offers insight into the Pyrenean wildlife, to help you fully appreciate its sheer diversity. 

After your ‘nature’ immersion,  go and have lunch at  ‘Les petits pois sont rouges’. This family-run restaurant at the Hôtel Miremont has become a local institution.  The menu places the focus on local products in a mix of traditional dishes and modern cuisine. 

Spend the afternoon cycling off your meal on the way to your next overnight stopover in Lourdes, just a few kilometres away. You can unwind for a night (or more if you feel like it) at the refuge and spa  ‘Les 7 montagnes’.  The whole family with love the somewhat original experience of sleeping in a tree house deep in the Pyrenean forest. 

For the last day of your family cycle tour along the Gaves Greenway, spend the morning visiting Lourdes. Besides the miraculous cave for which it is famous, this town has much more to offer! For a culinary experience with an authentic feel, stroll in the market aisles at Les Halles de Lourdes to find out what ‘good food’ really means in the Pyrenees. 

Oh and you simply cannot leave the department of Hautes-Pyrénées without having tasted the famous ‘garbure béarnaise’ for lunch. This typical soup made with cabbage and duck confit is one of the region’s iconic specialities. To try it, we recommend  ‘L’ami toulousain’, a restaurant that serves traditional local dishes. 

You’ll feel very full after that delicious meal, so it’s time for a little culture. Visit Lourdes Castle! Besides the castle tour, you can also visit the museum of arts and folklore, as well as the botanical garden. To keep the children happy and make sure they don’t lose interest, fun tours are organised for different age groups, with activities based on the museum’s current events and exhibitions. 

Round off your cycling adventure with one last effort, mountain biking at the Pic du Jer . A cable car takes you to the top of this mountain, nearly 1,000 metres above sea level. It is a very well-known MTB spot for downhillers, with 3 different routes ranging from a fun trail for beginners to a technically challenging descent for expert mountain bikers. There’s something to suit every taste and for all levels. 

After 3 days of physical exercise, you deserve a sweet treat! Time to try the famous spit cake from a family institution in Lourdes, ‘Les gourmandises de Sia’. 

Visit Les Pyrénées.


 

Further reading : 

Pyrénées : randonnée de village en village entre amis / Itinéraires