Bagnères-de-Luchon, known to many as just Luchon, is a welcoming historical spa town nestling in the heart of the French Pyrenées and very close to the Franco-Spanish border – the perfect destination for both those seeking tranquillity and relaxation as well as those more on the lookout for a boost of adrenaline.
LUCHON
400
Number in km's of signposted trails around Luchon for walks or hikes
28
Number of ski slopes - set over a 32km radius and serviced by 13 lifts
8
Number of mins it takes to ride the cable car from Luchon to Superbagnères
Historical Spa Town
Spend some time strolling through the streets of this elegant mountain town and discover some of the beautiful Belle Époque style grand villas left behind by the wealthy families of the 19th century who thought of Luchon as a favourite wintering spot. While away a morning at the market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) – have a drink in the café, buy some local cheese, honey, bread and wine and make yourself a picnic to take to the pretty Lac de Badech where you can watch the gliders take off, and in the summer months you can even have a swim. Promenade along the Allée d’Etigny, explore the colourful eclectic shops and treat yourself to a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants – anything from a pizza takeaway to a family fondue night out! Luchon has been renowned for its thermal springs for centuries so you really shouldn’t miss spending a little rejuvenating time in the healing spa waters – perhaps after taking an exploratory hike through one of the neighbouring villages such as Montauban de Luchon – a pretty little mountain village which even has its own artisan craft brewery and bar with live music on a Friday evening (Café des Quatre Chemins). Visit the local Tourist Office and pick up a programme of events.
If you wish to venture further afield, Luchon is a gateway to explore some of the Pyrenées wildest landscapes, quiet valleys, and traditional villages. Depending on the season, you can hike, cycle, horse ride, mountain bike, canoe, or ski your way around the local territory. You can even paraglide from the ski resort of Superbagnéres and have a bird’s eye view and breathtaking vistas of the Luchon valley below.
Outdoor Activity Haven
Enjoy a hike? Particular highlights include a visit to the beautiful waterfall Cascade d’Enfer in the Vallée de Lys, a walk to the scenic Lac D’Ôo and popular trails focussed around the nearby Hospice de France. Pick up a walking map from the local tourist office and venture out into nature with a rucksack and a camera.
As Luchon is a regular destination for La Tour de France, cycling is extremely popular. The valley is surrounded by popular mountain cycling routes including the Col du Portillon and the Col de Peyresourde. If you want to give it a try, cycles can be rented from a number of outlets in the town.
How about trying a water sport? For a relaxing day on the lake, rent a paddle boat on Lac Genos in the neighbouring valley of Loudenvielle. Or for the more adventurous, try white water rafting from Lac Géry down the valley to Chaum, or canyoning over the border in Spain. Try H2o Vives Sports who offer a range of activities to keep the adrenaline flowing.
During the winter months you can indulge yourself in snow sports! The newly installed Crémaillère Express will whisk you up to Luchon’s ski resort of Superbagnères in 8 minutes. There you will find a good selection of pistes ranging from a fun learners’ area to the more demanding red and black pistes for the advanced skier. Take a break every so often at one of the piste side restaurants and enjoy a hot chocolate and the views. If you want to travel a little further afield, try the ski resorts at Peyragudes or Le Mortis or even Baqueira on the Spanish side of the Pyrenées. Don’t forget your ski helmet!
After all these activities, you will be in need of a relaxing day out. Take a short drive over the Col du Portillon to the pretty little town of Bossost on the Spanish side of the border. Enjoy a delicious lunch of tapas and sangria – or even a gin and tonic – and think about booking your next holiday to Luchon!
