Visit the French Pyrénées - it really is Wonder Full
Situated between Heaven and Earth, Uzer in South West France, nestled below the sensational snow capped 'Pic-du-Midi' and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, is where Quiggy and I were so lucky to call home for 2 weeks of our travels. We'd never heard of Uzer (roughly pronounced: ooze-air) or its city 'Bagnères-de-Bigorre' but we loved it so much that Quiggy bought a EuroMillions lottery ticket so he could spend his winnings on a holiday home here to visit every year.
Results: EuroMillions - 1
Quiggy - 0
Lucky for us you don't need to win the lotto to enjoy the wonders of the Pyrenees. Here's a list of what we saw:
1. Lourdes (very roughly pronounced: lure-d).
Cost: free. Memories: we really are blessed.
Our visit to the Sanctuary Our Lady of Lourdes was emotional. You must admire the effort millions of people, especially those who are sick, put in to visit this beautiful Catholic Shrine believing that they may be cured by the miracle waters that flow freely throughout the Sanctuary. You can line up to see the very spot where Bernadette first saw the apparitions of The Virgin Mary (pictured below), collect some miracle water to take home, appreciate the architecture and enormous mosaics adorning the Basilica of the Rosary, or light a candle during a quiet prayer. It's quite a special place spanning over 50 hectares so if you are planning a pilgrimage, do your research first.
We spent a couple of hours here during a quiet day which was lovely but I can imagine a busy day may not be so enjoyable.
Surrounding the Sanctuary are many hotels, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. If you drive here the streets are narrow and busy with visitors. Car parking requires a small payment.
2. Bagnères-de-Bigorre Saturday market.
Cost: varied. Memories: good food, friendly people.
Everything you need is here in such a pretty setting of colourful old buildings with views to snowy peaks. You can buy the freshest of local produce and delicacies such as foie gras, pate, and duck confit while mingling with the townsfolk who all come out to town no matter the weather. The streets fill with stall vendors who successfully manage to take our money for fresh baked myrtille tourtes, sweet juicy citrus and crispy crackling pork.
3. Aquensis Thermal Spa. Cost: 15 Euro. Memories: wonderful
Ever wished you could sit in a hot spa, on a high rooftop, under a blue sky while snow flakes melt on your warm face? You can do that here! And wade in the thermal waters of the indoor pool where bubbling jets and cascading water falling from above massages your body and reinvigorates you to the core. From the outside this beautiful blue building offers no clues to what awaits you inside. If you ever visit Bagnères-de-Bigorre you must go to Aquensis.
Cost: Free to enter. Memories: Winning!
Results: Casino - $0
Quiggy - still can't afford his holiday home
Right next door to Aquensis Thermal Spa, the Casino is only small but free to enter and very friendly staff. We were lucky to have a win here but then we felt like we had a win with every place we visited in this lovely town.
5. Driving and Exploring the Baronnies of the Pyrenees.
Cost: Petrol $2.20L (AUD). Memories: Authentic.
On a sunny but chilly day we drove around the local villages, 'Baronnies', near our home stay in Uzer. As you wind around the narrow roads you pass crosses and crucifixions, old stone houses beside freezing flowing streams, lush green hills feeding shepherds herds, medieval castles, prehistoric caves, churches, churches and more churches. We didn't have a plan, only to follow where the road takes you, but I'm sure there were a lot more historic sights we missed. Google maps is not the most helpful tour guide nor was the happy farmer at the top of a rocky hill we found ourselves lost on, giving us directions to Uzer completely in French. I laughed hysterically for ages at our lack of survival skills while Quiggy was not impressed by my navigating. This still makes me laugh.
6. La Mongie Ski Resort
Cost: free to visit. Memories: Unforgettable
Our gorgeous friends, Henry and Anne-Marie drove us along the route of the famous Tour de France to the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, La Mongie. It was such a great day out and so much fun in the snow. As Quiggy and I cannot ski and would rather not deal with any travel insurance nightmares, we bravely took on the toboggan like a couple of screaming kids zooming (well it felt like we were zooming until we watched the video playback that appeared to be in slow motion) down the fresh powdered slopes. This was really one of those 'I can't believe we are here' moments and one that we will never forget. It is outstandingly beautiful up here and even though the sky was grey you could not wipe the smiles from our faces. The cable car above our heads takes you to the Pic du Midi and observatory where I'm sure on a clearer day would be unbelievably stunning.
We instead were treated to our first Raclette lunch; grilled cheese served with hot potatoes, charcuterie and bread. Sitting on warm sheep skin rugs, while the snow fell on our spectacular view, having a laugh and eating delicious food is mine and Quiggy's idea of a perfect day and a perfect end to our 'wonder full' stay in France.
When you decide to visit France (I know you all want to see Paris and you should) do try to venture to the South West regions. No matter what the season there is much to see and do. Whether you like skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, cycling, tracing history, seeking religious enlightenment and spirituality, drinking incredible wines and eating amazing food, learning to make duck confit, you can do it all here within short driving distances. The people are friendly and helpful with the language so what are you waiting for?
#Back? We'll be back to buy that holiday home one day
#Skip the fact that today is not that day
#Go laugh hysterically in South West France