What to see and Where to go in the Haute Pyrenees
With so many things to do and places to see you will be spoilt for choice. In this part of South West France, you have the Gers, the Landes, the Hautes-Pyrénées and the Pyrénées Atlantique.
Le Camelia is at the Northern end of the Hautes-Pyrénées yet on the border of the Gers and the Landes. This enables you to make the most of these regions and choose the best of each. As a selection of what is available you have:
In the Pyrenees: (superb sites for being amongst nature, walking at your own pace)
* Pic du Midi
* Lourdes
* Gavarnie
* Parc National
* Tourmalet – Route des cols
* Néouvielle
* Pont d'Espagne
In the Valley's
* Vallée du Louron
* Vallée d’Aure
* Vallées du Tourmalet
* Luz St Sauveur – Vallée Toy
* Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne
* Argelès-Gazost – Val d’Azun – Hautacam
Country Walks
The countryside is constantly changing in tune with the seasons and their crops, valley's are flooded by sun, lakes reflect azure skies, the air is fresh and pure and the quality of the light unequalled. Whether for a family or between friends or just the two of you, there is something here for everyone. Small efforts are repaid by the pleasure that you find from a picnic made from the local fare, maybe some local sausage, fresh crusty bread, ripe tomatoes and the best cheese, sharing an unforgettable panoramic view, living intense moments and being in 'the now'.
This area is renowned for it's purity of the air, the quality of the water, the serentity of the countryside, all bringing that air of relaxation that is so deserved to all of us… well-being is seconde nature to this region… There are 4 modern spa centres locally that offer you the best of relaxation and well-being.
Out and about in the Gers:
The sound of the bandas (brass bands) Gascon, traditional, Latin, jazz, country, classical rhythms…Good music played by young and old is second nature to the people of this region. Local fairs, international festivals liven up the year in the Gers. Horse-riding events and casinos in Barbotan-Les-Thermes or Bagneres de Bigorre welcome bets at dusk.
Midi Pyrenees - Festivals and Events
The Midi-Pyrénées is a land of celebration. Among the hundreds of festivals organized each year throughout the region, there is a selection covering every kind of arts such as music, dancing, theatre, street shows and photography... And just a few of the most famous in France to date: Jazz in Marciac, "les Orgues" in Toulouse (organ music), Tempo latino, "Alors... chante!" in Montauban, "Le Festival Lyrique" in St-Céré and many, many more.
Traditional fairs are not to be outdone with such events as the "Fête de la Truffe" (truffle fair) in Lalbenque, the flower market in Fourcès, the "Festival Bandas y Penas" in Condom as well as the "Flamme de l'Armagnac" and the "Fête du Chasselas" in Moissac celebrating Chasselas grapes... A whole world just waiting to be discovered!
Photos of what the Midi Pyrenees have to offer
http://grandsites.midipyrenees.fr/
Winter Promotion
Itinerary
Two nights three day's half board exploring the Haute-Pyrenees.
Day 1: Welcome to Le Camelia and settling into your room, 5 course dinner with aperitif, wines & digestive based on regional specialities & night. Bags can be left in the morning giving you the chance to explore the local town.
Day 2: Breakfast, Gourmet dinner with aperitif, wines & digestive & night. (optional excursion to one of the many local places of interest. The website - http://grandsitesmidipyrenees.fr gives details of just some of the choices).
Day 3: Breakfast and depart before 12:00
Le Camelia Manor House
There are 3 rooms, gardens and enclosed parking. No animals/no smoking.
Chambre Bordeaux: 1st floor, beautiful 30m2 room comprising Queen size bed and large single. En-suite shower room with WC.
Chambre Madiran: 1st floor, 25sqm room with queen size bed, en-suite bathroom and juliette balcony overlooking the courtyard with it's architecturallly interesting barn.
Chambre Marciac (Family room) with two single beds and stone balcony. This room adjoins Chambre Bordeaux and is ideal for families. (NB: there is no bathroom faciltiies with this room). WC & wash hand basin on landing.
Tariffs for 2010: Prices start from 200Euro per person (based on 2 people sharing) Price includes, 2 nights bed, breakfast and dinner. All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, toiletries with luxury extras an option (chocolates, champagne, fresh flowers etc.,)
The price does not include: transport, travel insurance, lunch and drinks outside of the meals offered.
FEBRUARY 14th - Valentines Day! Romantic Break
Fellas, this year Valentines day falls on Sunday - there is no more perfect time to tell your special partner how much you care. Book a romantic get away in one of our luxury rooms or private appartments. We will set the scene with candles, flowers, chocolates, champagne and a special dinner. Served in your room or in our dining room, you cannot fail to please. Email for more details.
Creative Writing Workshops 22nd - 23rd May 2010
Writing from the Guts
A weekend exploring what it is you want to say and how best to put it in writing in the heart of Gascony
Everyone has a book inside. Daring to write is daring to say what you want to say. In this workshop we'll explore what is unique in each one of us and wants to come out into the world We'll help you find the source of your creativity; to find the inspiration inside yourself and put it in words During the weekend you will have a chance to explore your emotions, play with them and create from them This workshop is not about how to get published, or about creative writing techniques, but about harnessing the resources you already have inside yourself so that you can write what you want to write.
The leaders
Clara Villanueva is a Spanish writer and psychotherapist who leads self-expression workshops in rural France. She is the author of several books in Spanish and of I, Carmela, a novel in English. Nick Inman is the author of 20 travel guides to France and Spain and of other books including The Optimist's Handbook and Politipedia
Places strictly limited for this workshop - book early. 200euro for the weekend workshop - accommodation/travel/food not included -
