What You can do in the Louron Valley
Bringing the outdoors to you.
Whether you want an active holiday or just to relax, the Louron Valley has it all. The valley offers fantastic hiking and cycling, both mountain bike trails and Tour de France road trials. Parasail from the Col de Louron and get an unparalleled view. In the winter access to two ski stations for snowboarding and skiing.
If that sounds too exhausting, visit Balnea, thermal springs spa with treatments and pampering just a few minutes down the road. Or enjoy the outdoor space on our balcony and watch the wildlife pass by.
Hiking
Discover the richness and beauty of the Louron Valley through more than 20 marked routes that cross the area, some of which follow sections of the GR10 long-distance trail.
Book with us and we will be delighted to share our favourite routes with you. Many combine several trails and include shorter variations that are perfectly suited to families.
Please note: During your walks, please follow good hiking practices and keep in mind the presence of Pyrenean mountain dogs, which are often on duty protecting flocks of sheep in the mountains.
Cycling
The valley hosts internationally renowned sporting events with stages of the Tour de France and the UCI Enduro Mountain Bike World Cup taking place in and around the area.
Road cyclists can take on the legendary Col de Peyresourde, regularly featured in the Tour. Mountain bikers, meanwhile, will enjoy the technical descents accessible via the Skyvall cable car.
Skyvall Gondola
Skyvall is the gondola connecting the heart of Loudenvielle (900 m) to the foot of the Peryragude ski resort at 1,600 m altitude. The views are stunning across the entire valley no matter what the season.
In summer, hikers and cyclists use it to access the high-altitude trails. In winter, it transports you to the snowy wonders of Peyragude.
Paragliding
As soon as we saw the multi-coloured sails circling the valley, we wanted to try! It is possible to do an accompanied jump with the very experienced team at Parapente Louron.
The view is magical and it is an experience not quickly forgotten.
Spain
We’re close to the Spanish border and lots of people enjoy popping over for lunch or to pick up some products which are cheaper there than in France. There are two options.
You can opt for shopping or for to explore the gorgeous scenery of the Barrosa Valley – pack a picnic and set off for a day’s hike.
Take note however the Spanish lunch hour lasts until 3pm when lots of the smaller shops reopen.
Skiing/Snowboarding
In winter, you are spoilt for choice with four ski resorts accessible within an hour.
- Peyragudes – 7 minutes by car to the Skyvall gondola for access to the slopes
- Val Louron – 15 minutes by car
- Saint-Lary – 26 minutes by car to the gondola
- Piau Englay – 55 minutes by car to the ski lifts
There is a huge range of slopes and skiiers and snowboarder of all abilities are catered for.
Fishing
You need to subscribe to the local fishing association in order to fish at the lakes and river in the valley.
Daily and weekly passes are available from the Avajan Municipal Camping site just a few minutes’ walk from the cottage.
No time to plan your days?
Don’t worry!
Book with us and you will receive our personal recommendations for days out before your stay, filled with ideas for discovering the secret gems of the Louron Valley and beyond.
Itinerary Ideas
Inspiration
Hidden Gems
make your stay unforgettable
Festivals and Events
Many visitors come for the various annual events in the valley such as the Pyrénées Louron Air Festivale (PLAF) which takes place in May.
Mountain bike teams and entourages descend regularly for one of the World Enduro UCI VTT stages, which take place from spring to autumn – in 2026 it is at the end of May.
And the Tour de France has often passed through/close by the valley. In 2025 the time trial stage went from Loudenvielle to the Altiport near Peyragude ski station, while the following day the stage passed at the end of the valley up the Col de Peyresoudre before descending and finishing in Bagnere de Luchon.
Events 2026
Pyrénées Louron Air Festivale (PLAF) in Loudenvielle 14-17 May
Coupe du Monde de VTT in Loudenvielle 28-31 May
Tour de France – Stage 5 leaves from Lannemezan – 35 minutes by car
All Events in 2026