Ice fountain in front of the Fermes de saint lary

Heritage and Villages

From our valleys

The first thing you notice in our villages is their typical Pyrenean architecture: stone houses with facades enhanced by wooden balconies, lined with galleries and slate roofs pierced by skylights to let the generous rays of the sun filter through.

We have inherited a rich heritage and like to share it with you…

Rich and preserved

The Aure Valley

A heritage that stands the test of time

So we find in our churches and chapels of village, baroque altarpieces, frescoes dating from the fifteenth century, polychrome virgins and other intact treasures that have been able to cross history!

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

Last mystery in date...

During earthworks in the 2000s, two big bells were discovered. Very old and too big for the bell towers of the valley… We wonder then if they were hidden here to avoid being melted down at the time of a war? Where do they come from? While waiting to find an answer to this enigma, they are exposed under the carillon of Saint-Lary, in front of 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 joins Spain through the passes of Port Vieux in the Géla valleyand Ourdissétou in the Rioumajou valley.

The chapel of the Templars located on the commune of Aragnouet symbolizes one of the vestiges of this era.

Valleys classified "Country 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 animation and promotion of built, natural and architectural heritage. Guided tours are organized by the Pays d’art et d’histoire Aure-Louron association and allow you to discover the churches or the villages.

More info

Two houses

To learn

The House of Heritage

There is the Heritage House in Saint Lary in which various museographic spaces are dedicated to Pyrenean heritage and various exhibitions. Guided tours of the village of Saint Lary as well as other activities 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 museographic space dedicated to the Pyrenees National Park. Located in the old Hachan Tower, the guided or self-guided tour will allow you to discover the different forest environments of the valley, the eco-responsible management of the wood as well as tales adapted to children. Don’t hesitate to fill up on documentation before setting out on your exploration!

Our villages

There are many villages to discover. Here are some 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 that overlooks it. The Pic Lumière cable car and The Vignec gondola, connect the village to the slopes.

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

©vincentfrasiak Family In The Village Winter 07 February 2022 Dsc07098

Soulan

On the way to the heights

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

SailhanFull of charm

In the direction of col d’Azet, you can reach it by car but also on foot during a walk by taking a path from Saint-Lary. Do not hesitate to discover its mill, le Moulin de la Mousquère, renovated and dating from the Middle Ages or the wash house with its beautiful fresco of the washerwomen.

Vignec and Cadeilhan TrachèreAn exposure to the rising sun

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

AncizanAncient rich village of cloth weavers

Six kilometers from Saint-Lary, visit this village that has preserved the authenticity of its alleys around the Saint Blaise-et-Saint-Martin church. An ancient fortified village, you will find evidence of opulence from the medieval period through carved doors and lintels, mullioned windows or even 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 stunning view!

Vielle Aure

Stroll through the cobbled streets

Just a stone’s throw from Saint-Lary along the Neste, you will reach the village of Vielle Aure, typical with its small streets and its 12th century Romanesque church. The night lighting of the village has been adapted according to the International Starry Sky Reserve (RICE) Label. It is awarded to regions where measures have been taken to minimize light pollution.

Azet and Ens

Land of pastoralism

At an altitude of 1000 meters, everything stems from pastoral life.

As you walk along, discover this thousand-year-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, the custodians of the know-how, language, and traditions here…

Go for a snowshoeing walk on the magnificent plateaus of Ourtrigué or Arsoué crossed by the sparkling streams.

Arreau

Medieval Spirit

This village marks the gateway to the Aure Valley. It will seduce you with its medieval architecture. You will discover half-timbered facades and other wonders of construction such as the House of Lilies.

Prepare my stay

In our valleys

Find your nest
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