A stay in Larreule offers the perfect base from which to explore the Hautes-Pyrénées whilst enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. With hidden gems of heritage, must-see towns and unspoilt nature, every day can be a different experience without having to travel far.
For lovers of cultural heritage, we are fortunate to find, in the centre of the village of Larreule, an ancient abbey founded by Odon I, Viscount of Montaner. It offers a simple, authentic experience, reminding us that the charm of the Hautes-Pyrénées also lies in its villages and ancient stone buildings.
The famous towns of Lourdes, Pau and Tarbes are between 30 and 45 minutes’ drive from our estate, La Parenthèse de Saint-Esselin in Larreule. These destinations offer museums, city walks, markets, outdoor cafés and ideas for days out to keep things interesting.
A 45-minute drive from the estate lies Lourdes, with its famous sanctuary and magnificent processions.
Whether you’re visiting or on a pilgrimage, a visit to certain areas within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a must. The Way of St James passes through the village of Maubourguet (a 5-minute drive from the estate).
To make the most of your stay, discover these unmissable sites that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pau and Tarbes are the two nearest towns where you can stroll around and go shopping.
Tarbes is also known for its entertainment complex, which features indoor activities (escape rooms, bowling, arcade games, etc.) and numerous restaurants.
Pau, meanwhile, is well known for its funicular railway.
The village of Marciac, located about 20 minutes away, is well known for its jazz festival, which takes place every summer and attracts thousands of people. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a lively evening out before returning to the peace and quiet of the estate.
The nearest ski resorts are about 1 hour and 20 minutes away: ideal for a winter getaway to enjoy the panoramic views and the fresh mountain air.
For the more active, there are plenty of walks to enjoy starting from the village, including lovely strolls through the forest – which covers no less than 80 hectares – whether on foot, by bike, as a short loop or a longer outing.
On foot, by bike
nature is right there, accessible and bountiful.
The Larreule Forest covers 85 hectares. It is mainly composed of conifers planted in 1964 and 1974, such as Douglas fir, spruce, Weymouth pine, Japanese larch and Laricio pine. Native species also grow there, such as oak, chestnut, wild cherry, acacia and ash. The forest is crossed by the Prime Meridian, known as the Greenwich Meridian.
The forest discovery trail, clearly signposted from the forest entrance near the St Esselin fountain, offers a pleasant walk of around 1 hour 15 minutes. This walk allows you to discover the forest’s notable features, including the oratory, royal ferns, remarkable oaks, and numerous tree species, …
A wide range of walks of varying difficulty levels are available via various apps: Visorando, Randozone, Strava, …
Located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, a 15-minute drive from the estate, 30 minutes from Tarbes and 45 minutes from Pau, come and enjoy a medieval theme park where you can discover a treasure trove of heritage whilst having fun! From Saturday 5 July, a team of enthusiasts will open the castle’s doors to you every day, bringing its history to life through new, fun and immersive adventures to enjoy with the whole family: the medieval adventure trail, a brand-new activity for exploring the castle and its grounds; the guided tour, with its new, historically accurate presentation; and a host of medieval events featuring local troupes in July and August!
Listed as a Historic Monument in 1841,the Church of Sainte-Foy, built in the heart of the historic capital of Béarn, features some beautiful carved capitals in the chancel, including the beheading of Saint Foy and the ‘piton de Jaca’, an architectural motif found along pilgrimage routes. The Romanesque portal, remodelled in the 19th century, contains original elements, which can be viewed in the Tourist Office’s exhibition room. As for the remarkable original tympanum, it can be seen in the Chapel of Blessed Bernard. All 10 stained-glass windows were created by Mauméjean (1869). The church is a 30-minute drive from the estate.
Located 1 hour and 10 minutes from the estate, the Gargas Caves are the only decorated caves in the Hautes‑Pyrénées department that are open to the public. They were inhabited by Cro-Magnon tribes, hunter-gatherers from a prehistoric period known as the Gravettian (29,000 to 22,000 years ago).
Whether up in the trees at the adventure park or the Bois des Pirates, or out on the water with white-water activities (rafting & canyoning), Chlorofil Park has been a huge playground and adventure park since 2002, just an hour’s drive from the estate. The latest addition to the Chloro’fil range – a rather ‘land-based’ activity this time – is the electric scooter!!
Arsenal Park, located a 30-minute drive from the estate, is a unique venue in the Hautes‑Pyrénées. It features a 12-lane bowling alley, four pool tables, a 350 m² area with trampolines and various games, and a huge bar serving cocktails and tapas...
On the outskirts of the village, you’ll find two large supermarkets (open seven days a week) and plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area (we’d be happy to recommend somewhere based on what you fancy).
