Welcome to my travel diary! For three days, I explored the treasures of the valleys of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Saint-Béat-Lez and Luchon, three emblematic areas of the Pyrenees. Alone against the immensity of the mountains, I travelled through history, nature and adrenalin. From Sainte-Marie cathedral to the Enfer waterfall, via Lake Oô and a rafting trip down the Garonne, every moment was a total immersion in the beauty of the Pyrenees. Here’s the story of my adventure!
My first day began in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. As I approached the village, I was immediately drawn in by the imposing sight of Sainte-Marie cathedral, perched on its hill. This episcopal city is a real journey back in time. I strolled along the cobbled streets, admired the cathedral’s Romanesque and Gothic architecture and looked up to admire its impressive vaults.
A stone’s throw away, I visited the Musée des Olivetains, housed in a former monastery. The exhibition immersed me in local history, from ancient remains to religious traditions. On my way out, I took the time toadmire the panorama of the Garonne valley. The view of the river and the surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking.
To extend this journey through history, I visitedthe Saint-Just basilica in Valcabrère, a masterpiece of Romanesque art. Its charm is more discreet but just as captivating. Just next door, the Roman remains of Lugdunum took me back to the Gallo-Roman era. These ruins bear witness to the strategic importance of the region in ancient times.
Before continuing my tour, I headed to the Barbazan casino restaurant for lunch. A good meal on the banks of the Garonne and, just for fun, I tried my luck at the slot machines! No jackpot, but a good dose of laughter before hitting the road again.
In the afternoon, I drove through the Frontignes region, a series of charming villages. The road meandered through the Monts de Galiés, Lourde and Saint-Pé-d’Ardet, with landscapes alternating between forests, meadows and panoramic viewpoints. Every bend offered me a new perspective on the surrounding valleys.
In Génos, I stopped off at the Cité des Abeilles, a fascinating place where you can learn about the life of bees. I learned how they produce honey and tasted some local honey. A real concentrate of flavours!
I then set off for Saint-Béat-Lez, a village on the banks of the Garonne. Before arriving there, I stopped off at Antichan-de-Comminges, where an orientation table gave me a breathtaking view of the Val d’Aran. After this moment of contemplation, I headed for the Château de Saint-Béat, perched high above the valley. The climb took a bit of effort, but the reward at the top was worth it: the view over the valley is breathtaking.
To end the day on a high, I dined at the Pic du Gar restaurant in Marignac, where I enjoyed a comforting garbure and local dishes. The meal warmed me up before I headed back to my unusual gîte in Cierp-Gaud. This gîte, in the heart of nature, offered me a peaceful and restful night, lulled by the songs of the owls.
The next morning, I headed for the Lys valley, one of the most beautiful natural jewels in the Pyrenees. Nature is king here. Following a path lined with ferns and fir trees, I climbed up to the Enfer chasm, a striking place where the water disappears underground. A little further on, I discovered its cascade, a wild and powerful waterfall. The roar of the water and the cool atmosphere made for an unforgettable spectacle.
After this sporty morning, I went down to Luchon for a well-deserved break. I had lunch in the town centre before taking a moment to relax in the Luchon thermal baths, and more specifically in the famous vaporarium. This natural steam grotto is a pure delight after the morning walk.
At the end of the afternoon, I indulged in a crispy golden waffle in the main square. Afterwards, I chose to visit the Vénasque brewery for a taste of the local beers. In the evening, I had dinner in town and slept in Luchon, comfortably settled after a busy day.
On my last day, I was in the mood for pure nature. I headed for Les Granges d’Astau to hike up toLac d’Oô. The climb, which takes around 2 hours, is on a path lined with torrents and forests. The arrival at the lake is a magical moment. Surrounded by mountains, Lac d’Oô is famous for its 275-metre waterfall that cascades into its blue waters. I had a picnic on the edge of the lake, my feet almost in the water, before making my way back down.
In the afternoon, I let myself be tempted by some thrills. Depending on the season, the options are varied. I opted for a rafting trip down the Garonne. Equipped with a paddle and a wetsuit, I navigated between the rapids, splashed by the white water. The sensations were incredible, and the adrenalin was pumping!
To round off my stay in style, I took the crémaillère express to Luchon Superbagnères. This little train took me all the way to the summit. Once up there, I was lucky enough to have a first paragliding experience. Suspended in the air, with the peaks of the Pyrenees all around me, I felt a sensation of total freedom.
Before hitting the road again, I made a gourmet stop at the Dardenne chocolate factory. A cup of hot chocolate was enough to comfort me after these adventures. This last moment of sweetness was the perfect end to my stay.
These three days in the valleys of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Saint-Béat-Lez and Luchon will remain etched in my memory. I explored historic sites, climbed summits, paraglided over the Pyrenees and sailed on the Garonne. This solo holiday in the Pyrenees offered me much more than a simple getaway: it allowed me to reconnect with nature and push back my limits.
If you’re on the fence about going on your own, don’t wait any longer. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Saint-Béat-Lez and Luchon have some incredible experiences in store for you. Whether you love history, nature or adrenalin, you’ll find what you’re looking for in these three Pyrenean valleys.
