DAY 13, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

STAY

Pau continued

SIGHTS

Val d' Azun, Lakes... Lac du Tech, Lac d' Ealing,

DRIVE MAP

Pau, Aas eglise, Lac du Tech, Lac de Estaing, Cauterets, cascade Lutour, Pont espagne, Gabe lake was the intended drive

https://goo.gl/maps/WFe7Dp6BRirQPDYaA

DRIZZLY DAY

forecast was for rain in the whole region for the 2 days we were staying.

we knew weather in mountains follows micro climate patterns and it's not likely there'll be bad weather in the wole region.

started on our drive hoping to enjoy scenic views. Thankfully we did

Pyrénées: Stretching coast to coast from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Mediterranean in the east, they form a natural barrier between France and Spain. the Pyrenees rise up to heights of over 3000 metres (10,000 ft) above sea level, and are crossed by only a small number of passes many of which, even today, can be blocked by snow in winter time, in spite of some high-altitude tunnels.

heard the sound of water, took a small diversion and saw this waterfall

one more waterfall

Ski resort Gourette (Eaux Bonnes)

Val d'Azun

Located in the heart of the French Central Pyrenees, Val d’Azun is part of one of the main natural treasures in the mountain range: the Pyrenees National Park, created in 1967. This extended protected territory, also known as “the valleys of Gavarnie”, is a top destination that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Starlight Reserve thanks to the quality of its night skies.

The National Park includes famous (partly due to the Tour de France) valleys and sectors such as Cauterets, Argelès-Gazost valley, Barèges-Tourmalet and the emblematic Cirque de Gavarnie. Further north, the city of Lourdes is another destination of worldwide reputation. Val d’Azun’s landscapes are so wonderful, that one of the very first explorers of the Pyrenean mountain range, the famous Louis Ramond de Carbonnière, christened the valley with the name of “The Eden of the Pyrenees”. Two famous passes –Soulor and Couraduque– are the entrance or exit gateways to the valley.

homage to Tour de France

Val d’Azun has eight small villages made of stone walls and slate roofs. The landscapes perfectly fit with the traditional activities, especially with the stockbreeding. The farms –mainly sheep and cows– are focused on the production of meat, milk and delicious handmade cheese. The farmers have actually created an association in order to create the “Val d’Azun-Pyrénées” cheese certification label, which guarantees a quality product based on pastoral knowledge and tradition

another waterfall

TECH LAKE/LAC DU TECH

Lac du Tech is a beautiful lake in Hautes-Pyrénées located near Argelès-Gazost and Col d'Aubisque in the Val d'Azun The lake is located in the Pyrenees National Park The lake was created by the establishment of a dam on the Gave d'Arrens . built between 1949 and 1951.

Accessible by car from May to October, Lake Tech is an ideal place to observe nature and herds during the summer. It is also the starting point for hikes to other lakes in the Pyrenees National Park, including Lake Suyen.

TECH RIVER

Gave de Labat de Bun (river)

LAC D'ESTAING

Lac d'Estaing is a lake in Hautes-Pyrénées, France. At an elevation of 1163 m

In the higher part of this former glacial valley, one of the most mythic summit in the Pyrenees stands majestically: Balaïtous Peak, 3,144 m above sea level, in the very heart of the National Park. The high mountain landscapes host a rich fauna and flora as well as superb lakes such as Estaing and Suyen, among many others.

Route des Cascades

Located 7 km from the Cataretes city center, in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, the Route des Cascades leads us to discover a prestigious natural site, classified as a Grand Site Midi-Pyrénées.

CASCADE DU LUTOUR

CASCADE DU CERISEY

Pont d’Espagne

the Pont d’Espagne gives access to an unspoilt and preserved natural environment in the Pyrenees National Park. The green and dense forests vie with the rushing torrents and waterfalls, sparkling lakes and majestic peaks to make a big impact .