ETAPE05- LUCHON - CIERP GAUD - TOUR DE LA HAUTE-GARONNE A VELO

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In the heart of the Pyrenees, only 1h30 from Toulouse, at the foot of the highest peaks (13 peaks over 3000m) of this grandiose chain, a mountain town with a unique setting, Luchon presents an ideal environment for all sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Bagnères de Luchon, the aptly named "the baths of the country of Ilixo", god of springs, was already famous for its natural hot waters in Gallo-Roman times. It was really in the 18th century that the town developed around the " baigneries " and, frequented by rich and illustrious people, took off as Queen of the Pyrenees. In addition to the thermal baths and the vaporarium, unique in Europe, visitors can admire an architectural ensemble that is as refined as it is picturesque and eclectic.With several museums and two major events such as the International Festival of Television Creations in February, and the Flower Festival at the end of August, Luchon, classified as a Grand Site de Midi-Pyrénées, has always been a renowned place of culture and relaxation. From the city center of the "Queen of the Pyrenees", reach the resort of Luchon-Superbagnères in 8 minutes thanks to the gondola lift. At the arrival, you will discover a magnificent panorama and you will be able to practice skiing, snowshoeing or paragliding... Winter sports, white water, swimming pools, tennis, golf, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, gliding, motorized flight, without forgetting the thermal baths and balneotherapy at Luchon Forme et Bien-Être or many cultural events, it is all year round that Luchon is enjoyed without moderation! Labeled Green Resort for nature vacations!

Beautiful stone house at the crossroads of the Saint-Béat and Luchon valleys. Bonus: table d'hôtes and sauna.In the heart of the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees, halfway between the ski resorts of Le Mourtis and Luchon (16km), the Domaine des 3 Marmottes will win you over in summer and winter alike! In the village of Cierp-Gaud, this beautiful stone house opens its doors to you, whether you're an experienced sportsman, a hiker, a cyclist or a holidaymaker looking for peace and well-being. Let yourself be guided by Valérie, who will do everything she can to make your stay as enjoyable as possible! You're just 2km from the Pyrénées-Hô leisure park, 4km from Lac de Géry, a leisure centre offering a wide range of activities including fishing, fish farming, pony trekking, paddle-boarding, pedal-boating and pétanque, and 17km from Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one of the most beautiful villages in France! Spain 15km away. The house has 3 levels: - on the ground floor: the entrance hall leads to the breakfast room, which opens onto the south-facing terrace, a sitting room with fireplace and television, and a large living room where table d'hôtes meals are served. An indoor sauna is available for the well-being of guests. - On the first floor, two double bedrooms: "Le Burat" (1 160cm double bed with en-suite shower room and separate WC) and "L'Escalette" (1 160cm double bed, en-suite shower room and separate WC). - on the second floor under the eaves, a family room: "L'Aneto" with, in a row, the children's bedroom (2 single beds 90cm), the parents' bedroom (1 double bed 160cm, and a double washbasin) and the separate shower room and WC. Please note: arrival from 5pm. Table d'hôtes: 28€ (from 2 to 12 years old: 12€, free for children under 2) Sauna: €10/person

Gateway to the Central Pyrenees, welcome to Saint-Béat Lez located in the south of the department of Haute-Garonne, between Pique and Garonne. Labelled "Station Verte" (Green Resort) for nature holidays!Situated between the two great Midi-Pyrenees sites of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and Luchon, Saint-Béat Lez, because of its marble exploitation, was formerly named by the Romans, Passus lupi, the Pas du Loup. The passage was so narrow between the quarries and the Garonne that they meant that only a wolf could circulate there or that it was so frequent that it seemed to have the right to pass through at its own pleasure. The Romans discovered and exploited the marble which made the reputation of the ancient city. Today, its marble and sculpture festival still proves it. A huge adventure and relaxation area within everyone's reach! The commune of Saint-Béat Lez is at the gateway to the Val d'Aran, between Pique and Garonne, a confluent valley. Gateway to the central Pyrenees, located 1h30 from Toulouse, the resort has a multitude of outdoor activities. Saint-Béat Lez is situated at the base of a 4-season resort, Boutx le Mourtis, in its family spirit and in a wooded environment with a breathtaking view of the most beautiful peaks of the Pyrenees chain. Ski but not only, fat bike, airboard... A preserved nature and outdoor activities, with departures for hikes, white water activities, cycling, fishing... Au Pays de l'ours: a memorial located on the site where the bears were released into the wild. This wilderness which has welcomed the reintroduction of brown bears, in Melles and Burgalays, and is home to a rare variety of juniper. Between the two great Midi-Pyrénées sites of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and Luchon, you will discover a rich history and heritage: the marble city, medieval history with its feudal castle, Romanesque churches from the 12th century, and the town of Luchon.

Saint-Benoît / Saint-Privat Church of the 12th century, classified in 1994This work of rectangular basical plan is a major witness of the Romanesque art of the XIIth century. Built in Saint-Béat marble, the floor was raised in 1613 due to flooding. This church houses the city's museum of sacred art.

A 12th century feudal castle with a keep, stately manor, a cistern and ramparts. The present castle dates back to the 12th century. It was built by the Lords of Saint-Béat to ensure the protection of the city and the control of the valley. It was enlarged by its consuls, and under Henry IV, as well as the city was equipped with walls and gates. It was held by captains of arms until the 16th century, and if necessary, they did not hesitate to requisition the citizens of Melles to keep the place. Over the centuries, the castle did not have to endure any important military events, so it has been preserved in its present state. During the epidemic of 1855, a chapel was added to it and the statue of the Mother of God was built.