Ice fountain in front of the Fermes de saint lary

The soul of our villages

Preserved valleys

The first thing you notice about our villages is their typically Pyrenean architecture: stone houses with facades enhanced by wooden balconies, bordered by galleries and slate roofs pierced by dormer windows to let the sun’s generous rays filter through.

We’ve inherited a rich heritage and love to share it with you…

Rich and preserved

The Aure Valley

A heritage that stands the test of time

So in our village churches and chapels we find baroque altarpieces, frescoes dating from the 15th century, polychrome maidens and other untouched treasures that may have stood the test of time!

The valley boasts many mills such as the Moulin Débat in Saint-Lary Soulan, which have been restored and can be visited.

The latest mystery...

During earthworks in the 2000s, two big bells were discovered. Very old and too big for the valley’s bell towers… So we wonder if they were hidden here to avoid being melted down at the time of a war? Where do they come from? Until we find an answer to this enigma, they’re on display under the carillon in Saint-Lary, opposite the Tourist Office.

In the footsteps of the pilgrims

Saint-Lary is located on the network of chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle whose route reaches Spain via the passes of Port Vieux in the Géla valleyand Ourdissétou in the Rioumajou valley.

The Chapelle des Templiers located in the commune of Aragnouet symbolizes one of the vestiges of this era.

Valleys classified as "Lands of Art and History

The Vallées d’Aure et du Louron are classified as Pays d’Art et d’Histoire and are committed to a policy of animating and promoting the built, natural and architectural heritage. Guided tours of churches and villages are organized by the Pays d’art et d’histoire Aure-Louron association.

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Two houses

To learn

The Heritage House

There is the Maison du Patrimoine à Saint Lary in which various museum spaces are dedicated to Pyrenean heritage and various exhibitions. Guided tours of the village of Saint Lary as well as other events reinforce this cultural dynamic throughout the year.

MAISON DU PATRIMOINE

MAISON DU PARC NATIONAL DES PYRÉNÉES

The National Park House

Saint-Lary is home to the Maison du Parc National, a free museum space dedicated to the Pyrenees National Park. Located in the former Tour Hachan, the guided or self-guided tour will enable you to discover the valley’s different forest environments, eco-responsible wood management, as well as child-friendly tales. Don’t hesitate to stock up on documentation before setting off on your exploration!

Our villages

There are many villages to discover. Here are a few not to be missed. Don’t hesitate to contact the Tourist Offices for more information.

Saint-Lary,

in the spirit of the Aure valley

The village of Saint-Lary is dominated by the ski resort overlooking it. Le téléphérique du Pic Lumière and La télécabine de Vignec, link the village to the slopes.

Always lively, the streets of Saint-Lary and especially its main street: the rue Vincent Mir, (named after the resort’s founder) offer numerous shops, services and restaurants. Evenings in the village are festive, combining family atmosphere and Southwestern conviviality!

©vincentfrasiak Family In The Village Winter 07 February 2022 Dsc07098

Soulan

En route to the heights

On the way to the Saint-Lary ski resort, you’ll pass through a purely pastoral and preserved village: Soulan. This sunny village overlooks Saint-Lary, with which it merged in 1963, hence the commune’s name: Saint-Lary Soulan.

SailhanFull of charm

Heading towards the col d’Azet, you can reach it by car but also on foot during a stroll along a path starting from Saint-Lary. Don’t hesitate to discover its mill, le Moulin de la Mousquère, renovated and dating from the Middle Ages or the washhouse with its beautiful fresco of the washerwomen.

Vignec and Cadeilhan TrachèreExposure to the rising sun

Easy to visit on foot or by bike from Saint-Lary, don’t miss this easy stroll between these two villages, which will delight you with their simplicity and exposure. Ideal for a morning stroll and also in winter.

AncizanFormerly a rich cloth-weaving village

Just 6 kilometers from Saint-Lary, visit this village that has preserved the authenticity of its alleyways around the church of Saint Blaise-et-Saint-Martin. An ancient fortified village, you’ll find evidence of medieval opulence through carved doors and lintels, mullioned windows or a house with a “stair tower”.

Gouaux and GrailhenExceptional views

Take the road to Gouaux or Grailhen located on the heights of the valley with their beautiful exposures and admire the breathtaking view!

Vielle Aure

Stroll through the cobbled streets

Just a stone’s throw from Saint-Lary along the Neste, you’ll reach the village of Vielle Aure, typical of the area with its narrow streets and its 12th-century Romanesque church. The village’s night lighting has been adapted in line with the Réserve Internationale de Ciel Etoilé (RICE) label. This is awarded to regions where measures have been taken to minimize light pollution.

Azet and Ens

Pastoral lands

At an altitude of 1,000 meters, everything stems from pastoral life.

As you hike, discover this age-old activity… the history, landscapes and economy of our mountains belong first and foremost to the breeders and shepherds,the first adventurers of the high peaks, custodians of the know-how, language and traditions here…

Take a snowshoe hike on the magnificent plateaux d’Ourtrigué or Arsoué crossed by sparkling streams.

Arreau

Medieval spirit

This village marks the gateway to the Aure Valley. It will seduce you with its medieval architecture. You’ll discover half-timbered facades and other construction marvels such as la maison des Lys.

Preparing my stay

In our valleys

Find your nest
Visit
Going for a walk