Ornate gate.
Ornate gate.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:38
It also served as the town public library, a great place to get dry during rain, to use computers, ask more questions and you know, read.
It also served as the town public library, a great place to get dry during rain, to use computers, ask more questions and you know, read.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:45
An ancient building had been repurposed with a bevy of new roles: cinema, Pyrenees Park headquarters and art gallery. The official name for that historic building was Maison du Parc National et de la Vallee.
An ancient building had been repurposed with a bevy of new roles: cinema, Pyrenees Park headquarters and art gallery. The official name for that historic building was Maison du Parc National et de la Vallee.
0 2025/03/25 11:37:02
During our Luz flaneurs, we saw very few folks in the quieter corners. The vast majority of tourists in town seemed to be French. We did not notice a single person who seemed to be non-European.
During our Luz flaneurs, we saw very few folks in the quieter corners. The vast majority of tourists in town seemed to be French. We did not notice a single person who seemed to be non-European.
0 2025/03/25 11:37:14
We bought a wide variety of his offerings including his tapenade. They were all excellent and went well with country fromage.
We bought a wide variety of his offerings including his tapenade. They were all excellent and went well with country fromage.
0 2025/03/26 18:09:42
Men, be sure to bring tight Speedos to any spa. No American-style trunks. Btw, David the above driver is also an accomplished nature photographer. He showed me his own color photo book of Pyrenees Hikes. He is expanding his business to include tours: *David Serano-Grocq phone 0607 68 38 93. david.serano@so-inspyration.com **Taxis: See also these three co's: -'3 Vallees' (Luz) 33-0683599698 -ask for Gerrard -'Les Glaciers/Bruzaud' (Gavarnie) 0607-820-307 -Caussieu 3305-6292-9756 C'est fin.
Men, be sure to bring tight Speedos to any spa. No American-style trunks. Btw, David the above driver is also an accomplished nature photographer. He showed me his own color photo book of Pyrenees Hikes. He is expanding his business to include tours: *David Serano-Grocq phone 0607 68 38 93. [email protected] **Taxis: See also these three co's: -'3 Vallees' (Luz) 33-0683599698 -ask for Gerrard -'Les Glaciers/Bruzaud' (Gavarnie) 0607-820-307 -Caussieu 3305-6292-9756 C'est fin.
0 2025/03/30 21:24:25
He also offers ciders and comme ca.
He also offers ciders and comme ca.
0 2025/03/26 18:09:58
The main produce booth was superb. It was run by one busy couple. They barely were able to handle demand and long lines resulted. Their variety was unsurpassed. For example, they had seven kinds of citrus! Their booth was the looooooongest such one that we'd ever seen in any country. It was the length of a major urban block and was overseen by a B&W photo stencil up on a nearby wall, an image that featured an elderly male (former mayor? cyclist hero?) leaning forward to watch over proceedings.
The main produce booth was superb. It was run by one busy couple. They barely were able to handle demand and long lines resulted. Their variety was unsurpassed. For example, they had seven kinds of citrus! Their booth was the looooooongest such one that we'd ever seen in any country. It was the length of a major urban block and was overseen by a B&W photo stencil up on a nearby wall, an image that featured an elderly male (former mayor? cyclist hero?) leaning forward to watch over proceedings.
0 2025/03/26 18:10:13
Mrs Z was not interested and preferred to rest back at our cozy rental. The driver and myself were both former rock drummers now in our sixties. I recommended to him the superb album 'High Class in Borrowed Shoes' by the Canuck band Max Webster to him. The following day, he pulled over back in Luz to thank me--he loved the album. *above= the iconic local goat-antelope 'chamois'
Mrs Z was not interested and preferred to rest back at our cozy rental. The driver and myself were both former rock drummers now in our sixties. I recommended to him the superb album 'High Class in Borrowed Shoes' by the Canuck band Max Webster to him. The following day, he pulled over back in Luz to thank me--he loved the album. *above= the iconic local goat-antelope 'chamois'
0 2025/03/30 15:28:30
Cycling is a big deal in these here parts. The Tour de France draws a HUGE TV audience.
Cycling is a big deal in these here parts. The Tour de France draws a HUGE TV audience.
0 2025/03/30 15:29:00
Luz has a whole Walk of Fame featuring the handprints of storied cyclists. Ardiden Velos is one local renter of bikes.
Luz has a whole Walk of Fame featuring the handprints of storied cyclists. Ardiden Velos is one local renter of bikes.
0 2025/03/30 15:29:12
My return taxi arrangement had to be OKed by the Japanese gal who'd already reserved it. She lived in Paris and had brought her visiting mom to visit the cirque. We soon all got along well and traded travel tips. Our return route passed the historic hotel in Gedre village, a distinctive building with a great view of the famed Breche de Roland mountain gap. The latter very visible gap is the main Pyrenees hiking trail between France and Spain. We also passed a bungee jump plus Napoleon's bridge.
My return taxi arrangement had to be OKed by the Japanese gal who'd already reserved it. She lived in Paris and had brought her visiting mom to visit the cirque. We soon all got along well and traded travel tips. Our return route passed the historic hotel in Gedre village, a distinctive building with a great view of the famed Breche de Roland mountain gap. The latter very visible gap is the main Pyrenees hiking trail between France and Spain. We also passed a bungee jump plus Napoleon's bridge.
0 2025/03/30 15:29:26
On the way back. Seen from the middle of the crest going to the right (east): la Tour with its alluvions fluvio-glaciers, la Casque, Pic des Saraders (2739m), Doigt Pointe Bazillac, Mt Taillon and Gabietous.
On the way back. Seen from the middle of the crest going to the right (east): la Tour with its alluvions fluvio-glaciers, la Casque, Pic des Saraders (2739m), Doigt Pointe Bazillac, Mt Taillon and Gabietous.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:22
Luz itself is surrounded by very impressive mountains. A series of hamlets are spread across them.
Luz itself is surrounded by very impressive mountains. A series of hamlets are spread across them.
0 2025/03/30 15:29:44
My final daytrip was to a wonderful spa over in Cauterets. Again, Mrs Z took a pass. That trip necessitated a pair of rainy bus rides. Shown here is the transfer point for such public bus routes: the village of Pierrefitte-Nestalas. On display, it had an interesting fire brigade wagon from a century ago.
My final daytrip was to a wonderful spa over in Cauterets. Again, Mrs Z took a pass. That trip necessitated a pair of rainy bus rides. Shown here is the transfer point for such public bus routes: the village of Pierrefitte-Nestalas. On display, it had an interesting fire brigade wagon from a century ago.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:41
It also had one of those 'Leave-a-book-take-a-book' stands for all ages.
It also had one of those 'Leave-a-book-take-a-book' stands for all ages.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:57
The local daycare had a powerful mural on its side! There must be some local legend about a nearby French Loch Ness creature. Et comme ca.
The local daycare had a powerful mural on its side! There must be some local legend about a nearby French Loch Ness creature. Et comme ca.
0 2025/03/30 21:24:05
On the advice of locals, I chose the stately, fin-de-siecle spa 'Bains de Rocher'. We all had to wait outside before opening. The river was raging and the deluge was coooold!! The spa had an ancient tree outside, an indoor-outdoor pool, various water jets throughout plus a few unexpected features. So relaxing. After chatting with lovely Leah at Cauterets Tourism, I then shopped at the Belle Epoque Les Halles. Shown in yellow above: a competitor spa. Taxi driver David Serano later took me home.
On the advice of locals, I chose the stately, fin-de-siecle spa 'Bains de Rocher'. We all had to wait outside before opening. The river was raging and the deluge was coooold!! The spa had an ancient tree outside, an indoor-outdoor pool, various water jets throughout plus a few unexpected features. So relaxing. After chatting with lovely Leah at Cauterets Tourism, I then shopped at the Belle Epoque Les Halles. Shown in yellow above: a competitor spa. Taxi driver David Serano later took me home.
0 2025/03/30 21:24:15
But the big deal for me was the famed Cirque de Gavarnie hike, which takes one from touristy Gavarnie village south towards the Spanish border. There one finds the namesake, world-renown glacial amphitheater. A spectacular example of massive erosion, the cirque or 'circus' is the Number One activity for most visitors. I wanted to experience the sunrise there. The seasonal public bus had stopped running so I pre-arranged for an early taxi via Gedre down to the cirque (63 euros).
But the big deal for me was the famed Cirque de Gavarnie hike, which takes one from touristy Gavarnie village south towards the Spanish border. There one finds the namesake, world-renown glacial amphitheater. A spectacular example of massive erosion, the cirque or 'circus' is the Number One activity for most visitors. I wanted to experience the sunrise there. The seasonal public bus had stopped running so I pre-arranged for an early taxi via Gedre down to the cirque (63 euros).
0 2025/03/30 15:30:00
After being dropped off by Gavarnie's Tourism office, I commenced the chilly trek south. Nobody was around for the fist ten minutes, til a young hiker strode up beside me. He resisted every effort that I made to be friendly, ignoring all my nods, waves and 'Ca va?' (howzit going). His being so very anti-social was tres etrange. Another strange aspect then was realizing that the top of Gavarnie plus its pair of neighboring 'sandwich' cirques are actually in Spain: the border crests all three.
After being dropped off by Gavarnie's Tourism office, I commenced the chilly trek south. Nobody was around for the fist ten minutes, til a young hiker strode up beside me. He resisted every effort that I made to be friendly, ignoring all my nods, waves and 'Ca va?' (howzit going). His being so very anti-social was tres etrange. Another strange aspect then was realizing that the top of Gavarnie plus its pair of neighboring 'sandwich' cirques are actually in Spain: the border crests all three.
0 2025/03/30 15:30:20
A horse ranch has long been a feature of this part of the trail.
A horse ranch has long been a feature of this part of the trail.
0 2025/03/30 21:22:13
Local fences showed evidence of that.
Local fences showed evidence of that.
0 2025/03/30 21:22:25
I chatted with this family. Mom and dad were teaching their daughter (far L) how to care for the animals.
I chatted with this family. Mom and dad were teaching their daughter (far L) how to care for the animals.
0 2025/03/30 21:22:47
Bianca was friendly. She was also informative, telling me not to bother tryna get us an overnight visit to the high Observatory at nearby Pic du Midi: "Naw, don't bother Monsieur Zebec. Zey are sold out til Christmas at which time zey will close overnight stays for good. J'ai sourir mon ami Canuck.'
Bianca was friendly. She was also informative, telling me not to bother tryna get us an overnight visit to the high Observatory at nearby Pic du Midi: "Naw, don't bother Monsieur Zebec. Zey are sold out til Christmas at which time zey will close overnight stays for good. J'ai sourir mon ami Canuck.'
0 2025/03/30 21:23:00
At far left we see Grand Astazu (3012m) with its lil bro Petite Astazu just below. The popular ice climb 'Couloir Swan' is just beneath. Spain's famed Mt. Perdu lies just behind them (not shown). The Tour de Marbore (Gascon for 'marble') looms on the right, with the Pailla glacier visible just below. That general area also includes the Crete des Druides plus the gres de Marbore Maastrichtien layers, with migmatites and cambro-ordoviciennes. There will be a test on this tomorrow.
At far left we see Grand Astazu (3012m) with its lil bro Petite Astazu just below. The popular ice climb 'Couloir Swan' is just beneath. Spain's famed Mt. Perdu lies just behind them (not shown). The Tour de Marbore (Gascon for 'marble') looms on the right, with the Pailla glacier visible just below. That general area also includes the Crete des Druides plus the gres de Marbore Maastrichtien layers, with migmatites and cambro-ordoviciennes. There will be a test on this tomorrow.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:14
Each vendor had a specialty and there was little overlap.
Each vendor had a specialty and there was little overlap.
0 2025/03/26 18:08:13
Full marks for originality in this woman's business presentation!
Full marks for originality in this woman's business presentation!
0 2025/03/26 18:08:51
In this area, shoppers can look for black pork cold cuts and grilled mutton chops. The latter goes well with the little white Tarbais beans. One could also seek the tasty Gave trout.
In this area, shoppers can look for black pork cold cuts and grilled mutton chops. The latter goes well with the little white Tarbais beans. One could also seek the tasty Gave trout.
0 2025/03/26 18:09:00
The meat vendor hailed from Silhen near Cauterets. His hair appears a bit red on the top due to his overhead awning.
The meat vendor hailed from Silhen near Cauterets. His hair appears a bit red on the top due to his overhead awning.
0 2025/03/26 18:09:09
Gateau de la Brioche is the local 'traditional' specialty, basically a waffle created with a wood fire on a rotating spit. We bought one from 'Les Doux Soeurs Bigoudainees' from nearby Lezignan. Myrtle/blueberry pies are also popular.
Gateau de la Brioche is the local 'traditional' specialty, basically a waffle created with a wood fire on a rotating spit. We bought one from 'Les Doux Soeurs Bigoudainees' from nearby Lezignan. Myrtle/blueberry pies are also popular.
0 2025/03/26 18:09:19
This was the olive vendor.
This was the olive vendor.
0 2025/03/26 18:09:34
Ines Du Pouy runs a very good organic produce market. It is located in the center, next to one of the butchers and set back in a courtyard. He also has a cool carved mailbox beside a similar home-made birdhouse.
Ines Du Pouy runs a very good organic produce market. It is located in the center, next to one of the butchers and set back in a courtyard. He also has a cool carved mailbox beside a similar home-made birdhouse.
0 2025/03/26 18:04:59
Our landlord's mom Christine Diez (old Alain's wife) owns the unique 'Luz et Coutumes' restaurant. It is a combo folk museum/cafe located in Impasse du Presbytere. Centuries of ancestral know-how was on display, for us an unmissable bit of added-value. Our kinda place, far better than some Noun-and-Firkin real-imitation tavern.
Our landlord's mom Christine Diez (old Alain's wife) owns the unique 'Luz et Coutumes' restaurant. It is a combo folk museum/cafe located in Impasse du Presbytere. Centuries of ancestral know-how was on display, for us an unmissable bit of added-value. Our kinda place, far better than some Noun-and-Firkin real-imitation tavern.
0 2025/03/26 18:05:15
Among the sprawling (two rooms) antique collection was this 1884 Histoire de France book. Also one sees plates, jars, tools, books, furniture, posters, maps, rocks, toys and more. The water bottles were from Brasserie Puoyols. It was good to warm our bones by the fireplace.
Among the sprawling (two rooms) antique collection was this 1884 Histoire de France book. Also one sees plates, jars, tools, books, furniture, posters, maps, rocks, toys and more. The water bottles were from Brasserie Puoyols. It was good to warm our bones by the fireplace.
0 2025/03/26 18:05:37
The delicious menu offered traditional dishes oft served in traditional earthenware. We opted for some 'garbure' stew( cabbage, carrots, potato, ham) with our glasses of wine: Madiran red (raspberry notes) and also St. Mont. Both wines were produced by Plaimont. This was absolutely our kind of place chock full of genuine culture and at opening, quiet enough for my hearing issue to not be a concern.
The delicious menu offered traditional dishes oft served in traditional earthenware. We opted for some 'garbure' stew( cabbage, carrots, potato, ham) with our glasses of wine: Madiran red (raspberry notes) and also St. Mont. Both wines were produced by Plaimont. This was absolutely our kind of place chock full of genuine culture and at opening, quiet enough for my hearing issue to not be a concern.
0 2025/03/26 18:05:52
One block over from the market there was this corner with a gnarly surface. it contrasted with the otherwise well-kept facades elsewhere in Luz. One of the town's seven historic lavoirs was close by.
One block over from the market there was this corner with a gnarly surface. it contrasted with the otherwise well-kept facades elsewhere in Luz. One of the town's seven historic lavoirs was close by.
0 2025/03/26 18:06:19
0 2025/03/26 18:06:31
0 2025/03/26 18:06:47
This friendly lady ran a honey table. We bought some of her 'bruyere' variety, of which there are two sorts: spring and fall. They each have a distinctive taste, as does bourdain (buckthorn). We used miel in the tea that we made from the freshly-picked spearmint and regular mint from our rental jardin. Other honey sellers in this general area include Rucher Pentu and also Rucher de Tourmalet.
This friendly lady ran a honey table. We bought some of her 'bruyere' variety, of which there are two sorts: spring and fall. They each have a distinctive taste, as does bourdain (buckthorn). We used miel in the tea that we made from the freshly-picked spearmint and regular mint from our rental jardin. Other honey sellers in this general area include Rucher Pentu and also Rucher de Tourmalet.
0 2025/03/26 18:07:58
The POPOTES section (ie 'those who make good food'). Oo-la-la! As Rhon had mentioned above, Luz has a few boulangeries and butchers. They are all excellent, and the lasagna at the butcher beside the smaller Carrefour was among the best we've ever had. Boulangerie Gave makes VG clafouti and also wonderful fig-berry Charlotte cake. Self-caterers will do well in this town.
The POPOTES section (ie 'those who make good food'). Oo-la-la! As Rhon had mentioned above, Luz has a few boulangeries and butchers. They are all excellent, and the lasagna at the butcher beside the smaller Carrefour was among the best we've ever had. Boulangerie Gave makes VG clafouti and also wonderful fig-berry Charlotte cake. Self-caterers will do well in this town.
0 2025/03/26 18:07:41
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