Our landlord Patrice was up in Paris at his own Le Marais Art Show, so we were welcomed by property manager Helena. Patrice's dad Alain soon arrived to help us get settled (shown here). Later, Patrice's mom Christine Diez also assisted. By fluke, she also turned out to be the owner of a certain folksy restaurant that we had long-planned to visit!
Our landlord Patrice was up in Paris at his own Le Marais Art Show, so we were welcomed by property manager Helena. Patrice's dad Alain soon arrived to help us get settled (shown here). Later, Patrice's mom Christine Diez also assisted. By fluke, she also turned out to be the owner of a certain folksy restaurant that we had long-planned to visit!
0 2025/03/25 11:37:58
Rue d'Ossun was more or less pedestrianized. Our fave of the two local Carrefours ('Montagne') was located on this corner. Despite its being smaller, we preferred its friendly welcome.
Rue d'Ossun was more or less pedestrianized. Our fave of the two local Carrefours ('Montagne') was located on this corner. Despite its being smaller, we preferred its friendly welcome.
0 2025/03/25 11:37:41
Luz had several fancy doorknockers spread throughout.
Luz had several fancy doorknockers spread throughout.
0 2025/03/25 11:37:34
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
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
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
Ornate gate.
Ornate gate.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:38
Same as seen in broader context of Pl. de la Comporte.
Same as seen in broader context of Pl. de la Comporte.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:30
Stonework detail.
Stonework detail.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:21
Un batiment historique.
Un batiment historique.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:12
Un chien exotique.
Un chien exotique.
0 2025/03/25 11:36:03
The center of town. Luz had a close-by Tourism Office in Pl. du 8 Mai run by patient, clever women. Young staffer Nelly introduced herself, "But I'm not Nelly Furtado!" As non-driving self-caterers, we'd come prepared with a thousand questions. Nelly and her colleagues answered them all. They also assisted with taxi arrangements. With the latter, language was not the issue. It was more a matter of logistics and availability.
The center of town. Luz had a close-by Tourism Office in Pl. du 8 Mai run by patient, clever women. Young staffer Nelly introduced herself, "But I'm not Nelly Furtado!" As non-driving self-caterers, we'd come prepared with a thousand questions. Nelly and her colleagues answered them all. They also assisted with taxi arrangements. With the latter, language was not the issue. It was more a matter of logistics and availability.
0 2025/03/25 11:35:49
Luz was a quiet town and that was just what we needed for our final dozen days. The previous 25 days combining Barcelona + Aragonese Pyrenees had left us running on gas fumes. Our knees, quads and calves were about to sue us both. Frankly, when we learned that our planned daytrip hike to nearby Pont d'Espagne and its Lk. Gaube was cancelled coz its chairlifts were just finished for the season, we were thankful!
Luz was a quiet town and that was just what we needed for our final dozen days. The previous 25 days combining Barcelona + Aragonese Pyrenees had left us running on gas fumes. Our knees, quads and calves were about to sue us both. Frankly, when we learned that our planned daytrip hike to nearby Pont d'Espagne and its Lk. Gaube was cancelled coz its chairlifts were just finished for the season, we were thankful!
0 2025/03/25 11:35:42
Et finalement mes amis, je vous presnt mon ami Bianca de Gavarnie. Next: more Luz then the Cirque de Gavarnie hike and Cauterets town spa.
Et finalement mes amis, je vous presnt mon ami Bianca de Gavarnie. Next: more Luz then the Cirque de Gavarnie hike and Cauterets town spa.
0 2025/03/24 16:25:36
The Saligos hamlet and its dominant church were visible out our rear windows.
The Saligos hamlet and its dominant church were visible out our rear windows.
0 2025/03/24 16:23:34
Same view on our final day, with the top half of Soum de la Courbe mountain ridge covered in snow.
Same view on our final day, with the top half of Soum de la Courbe mountain ridge covered in snow.
0 2025/03/24 16:19:42
Moments after we arrived. The view of 12C Sainte-Marie castle from our large backyard. It was VERY windy that day.
Moments after we arrived. The view of 12C Sainte-Marie castle from our large backyard. It was VERY windy that day.
0 2025/03/24 16:15:43
The Pic de Bergons peek up through the bottom left corner of this image. From our rental (not shown), it was a mere 10 minute walk into the center of Luz. It could get very windy there. The hamlet Sassis was directly across from us, on the slopes of Soum de Auheres. The stars were very visible at night.
The Pic de Bergons peek up through the bottom left corner of this image. From our rental (not shown), it was a mere 10 minute walk into the center of Luz. It could get very windy there. The hamlet Sassis was directly across from us, on the slopes of Soum de Auheres. The stars were very visible at night.
0 2025/03/24 15:47:58
Luz is a lively mountain village/ski resort within the Pyrenees national park. Our rental house 'La Caducee' was actually located in the upper Luz suburb known as Esquieze-Sere. It had five bedrooms, more than we really needed, but its location next door to one of the two Carrefours in town made it hard to pass up. We paid the artist owner Patrice Robert 310 euros per night.
Luz is a lively mountain village/ski resort within the Pyrenees national park. Our rental house 'La Caducee' was actually located in the upper Luz suburb known as Esquieze-Sere. It had five bedrooms, more than we really needed, but its location next door to one of the two Carrefours in town made it hard to pass up. We paid the artist owner Patrice Robert 310 euros per night.
0 2025/03/24 15:27:39
That sneaky driver Alejandro may have skipped our requested D918 westerly route via Col Tourmalet but at least the first part of that loooong transfer went through some pretty French mountain towns in the Aure valley. We enjoyed seeing Guchen, Cadeac and St. Lary Soulan. As we expected, those Hautes Pyrenees places were less earthy than Spanish Pyrenees towns and more I dunno, 'antiseptic'. Cow herds had blocked us earlier back in Aragon.
That sneaky driver Alejandro may have skipped our requested D918 westerly route via Col Tourmalet but at least the first part of that loooong transfer went through some pretty French mountain towns in the Aure valley. We enjoyed seeing Guchen, Cadeac and St. Lary Soulan. As we expected, those Hautes Pyrenees places were less earthy than Spanish Pyrenees towns and more I dunno, 'antiseptic'. Cow herds had blocked us earlier back in Aragon.
0 2025/03/24 15:21:33
This was the first sight that greeted Mrs Z and I after coming through the abovementioned tunnel. The Sierra Pelada (Tramezaiguas) was 2430 m in height. These are its slopes after some rain. *image taken through window of moving taxi.
This was the first sight that greeted Mrs Z and I after coming through the abovementioned tunnel. The Sierra Pelada (Tramezaiguas) was 2430 m in height. These are its slopes after some rain. *image taken through window of moving taxi.
0 2025/03/24 15:18:46
This trip seemed to feature lovely glasswork here and there.
This trip seemed to feature lovely glasswork here and there.
0 2025/03/24 15:17:41
Donc, pousser pour entrez cette TR. First, an overview.
Donc, pousser pour entrez cette TR. First, an overview.
0 2025/03/24 15:14:48
The Soaso steps looking west towards Punta Munesma aka Tobacor. This was the final spectacular lookout. It came with the most strenuous hike. One member of our troupe went up anyway, despite her recent surgery! If you visit the Pyrenees, put this tour top of your list. Trust me. *next: Ainsa conclusion.
The Soaso steps looking west towards Punta Munesma aka Tobacor. This was the final spectacular lookout. It came with the most strenuous hike. One member of our troupe went up anyway, despite her recent surgery! If you visit the Pyrenees, put this tour top of your list. Trust me. *next: Ainsa conclusion.
0 2025/02/02 20:19:28
Dots of colour. Fall was just beginning to show its true colours. On this slope we spotted a resting brown male 'sarrio' goat-antelope. Jesus had brought a telescope. We also saw vultures, marmots and one chamois.
Dots of colour. Fall was just beginning to show its true colours. On this slope we spotted a resting brown male 'sarrio' goat-antelope. Jesus had brought a telescope. We also saw vultures, marmots and one chamois.
0 2025/02/02 20:19:16
0 2025/02/02 20:18:59
Pretty sure that this mirador Ziarazils along the Faixa pelai. It had a muddy-floored, well-defined stone perimeter. Its sign read: 'Don't throw stones down into the valley because you could hit those below.'
Pretty sure that this mirador Ziarazils along the Faixa pelai. It had a muddy-floored, well-defined stone perimeter. Its sign read: 'Don't throw stones down into the valley because you could hit those below.'
0 2025/02/02 20:18:39
Same location.The forested escarpment scenery just did not quit.
Same location.The forested escarpment scenery just did not quit.
0 2025/02/02 20:18:30
0 2025/02/02 20:18:18
It was fantastic. Here we see the mirador with two names: Bacarizuala by the Brecha(finger) de Azares/Tito Basta. Just across was the Roland gap, Taillon and Marbore mountains.The geology reminded me of Yosemite and also the Canadian Rockies. the heights gave most of us mild headaches so we took Tylenol.
It was fantastic. Here we see the mirador with two names: Bacarizuala by the Brecha(finger) de Azares/Tito Basta. Just across was the Roland gap, Taillon and Marbore mountains.The geology reminded me of Yosemite and also the Canadian Rockies. the heights gave most of us mild headaches so we took Tylenol.
0 2025/02/02 20:18:10
We were up among the clouds. It got cooler.
We were up among the clouds. It got cooler.
0 2025/02/02 20:18:01
Our drive across to Torla took us through Ainsa. Juancho took the time to clarify Bielsa's past tragedy. Franco had forbidden any further carnival celebrations, but the stubborn residents of Bielsa were justly proud of their own annual Carnavale. They went ahead anyway. Franco sent in his troops as a reprisal. Many women took their kids across the border to safety in France, but the males of Bielsa paid a heavy price. After Ainsa: the N260/rio Ara with Boltana, Fiscal, Servise then Broto.
Our drive across to Torla took us through Ainsa. Juancho took the time to clarify Bielsa's past tragedy. Franco had forbidden any further carnival celebrations, but the stubborn residents of Bielsa were justly proud of their own annual Carnavale. They went ahead anyway. Franco sent in his troops as a reprisal. Many women took their kids across the border to safety in France, but the males of Bielsa paid a heavy price. After Ainsa: the N260/rio Ara with Boltana, Fiscal, Servise then Broto.
0 2025/02/02 19:55:30
0 2025/02/02 19:52:51
0 2025/02/02 19:52:42
0 2025/02/02 19:52:31
Here is but one example, branches stripped of their bark. The cows and their calves had the run of the valley floor. Cue the (for us) humorous sign without words, just a cow symbol with a red line across it. that meant 'Por favor Parador guests: please keep the gate closed.'
Here is but one example, branches stripped of their bark. The cows and their calves had the run of the valley floor. Cue the (for us) humorous sign without words, just a cow symbol with a red line across it. that meant 'Por favor Parador guests: please keep the gate closed.'
0 2025/02/02 19:52:15
This park is gorgeous (heh heh). There were nine of us in the tour van, including Jesus the guide. The 45 euros fee was very reasonable. The were four or five stops and the views just kept getting better with each one! We began by crossing the Romanesque Glera bridge. Soon we were in an ascent through the Llanos plains (Diazas) with the Sta Ana chapel. Cruceta-Herradura was the first stop, followed by Molar with its view over St. Elena's gorge. Then as seen here: Punta Acuta Cuta (Vio valley).
This park is gorgeous (heh heh). There were nine of us in the tour van, including Jesus the guide. The 45 euros fee was very reasonable. The were four or five stops and the views just kept getting better with each one! We began by crossing the Romanesque Glera bridge. Soon we were in an ascent through the Llanos plains (Diazas) with the Sta Ana chapel. Cruceta-Herradura was the first stop, followed by Molar with its view over St. Elena's gorge. Then as seen here: Punta Acuta Cuta (Vio valley).
0 2025/02/02 19:51:52
Heavy rainfall a month earlier had resulted in serious flooding within the Circo di Pineta. This was the valley that we looked down onto from the Estiva refugio on the previous daytrip. The Ermita di Pineta chapel beside the parador was unharmed and the Visitor Center still stood. But the riverbed was littered with tons of flood refuse.
Heavy rainfall a month earlier had resulted in serious flooding within the Circo di Pineta. This was the valley that we looked down onto from the Estiva refugio on the previous daytrip. The Ermita di Pineta chapel beside the parador was unharmed and the Visitor Center still stood. But the riverbed was littered with tons of flood refuse.
0 2025/02/02 19:51:29
This is Torla, a town with a peerless location with Mt. Mondaruego looming above. Just as I took this shot, a young Chinese tourist couple tried to squeeze their rental between two tightly parked cars. There was an audible SMACK!! There'd been plenty of open spaces elsewhere in that parking lot, so the local owner of the most damaged car came running with a WTF?! look on his face! Btw, just west of Torla was the site of that recent ski lift accident.
This is Torla, a town with a peerless location with Mt. Mondaruego looming above. Just as I took this shot, a young Chinese tourist couple tried to squeeze their rental between two tightly parked cars. There was an audible SMACK!! There'd been plenty of open spaces elsewhere in that parking lot, so the local owner of the most damaged car came running with a WTF?! look on his face! Btw, just west of Torla was the site of that recent ski lift accident.
0 2025/02/02 19:51:07
Btw, this is the Bielsa parador. We enjoyed our three nights there, with VG food, excellent service and a fine fireplace in the lobby common area. The latter came in handy as it rained 90% of the time. Waterfalls such as Cascada Cinqa streamed down the cliff face of Mt Perdido and company.
Btw, this is the Bielsa parador. We enjoyed our three nights there, with VG food, excellent service and a fine fireplace in the lobby common area. The latter came in handy as it rained 90% of the time. Waterfalls such as Cascada Cinqa streamed down the cliff face of Mt Perdido and company.
0 2025/02/02 19:50:52
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