|
|||
|
You are here: Home :: Things to do :: Activities |
|||
|
|
|||
 Cycling:
Exploring the
area by bike is a wonderful way to experience the culture and history of
the area. It allows you to pass through the smaller villages, which
are so typically French, and to escape to the back roads of the area, where
there is rarely any traffic. Being in the foothills, and the
Pyrenees themselves, most cycle routes involve some ascent, but your
reward of stunning panoramic views (plus the lack of guilt when you eat
your hearty dinner), makes it all worth it. Hire bikes are available
locally and Cathy and James can give you advice on where to go.
|
|||
|
Downhill Skiing: The alpine ski
station of Ax-Bonascre: les 3 Domaines (http://www.mideco.com/station-ax/index.asp)
is 20mins drive, above the spa town of Ax Les Thermes. It offers a
fantastic range of pistes and would provide plenty for an intermediate
skier to do for a weeks' skiing. There are 2 cable car's (start at
0900 till 1800) that take
you from the town of Ax up to the ski station at 2400m. The
fees for the cable cars are included in the ski pass (1 day is 26Euros,
Half day is 21Euros). Ski equipment can be easily hired from Ax
Multi Glise, just next to the telecabine departure point. You can
leave your shoes in the shop.
Ski school: Ask in Ax Tourist office or telephone ESF on 05 61 64 24 76 to arrange lessons. A few of the instructors speak a bit of English. There is also downhill skiing at Ascou-Pailheres, a tiny downhill station with about 20kms of pistes. As a much quieter area, it is a great place for beginners to learn, and the ski pass at about 10Euros is a bargain. Getting there: 45mins by car via Ax les Thermes or 20 mins by coach from Ax les Thermes train station (which is 30mins train from Les Cabannes) |
|||
 Cross Country Skiing: The Ariege is fortunate to house one of the best dedicated cross country ski stations in the Pyrenees. At 1800m, the Plateau de Beille (http://www.beille.fr/ ) has excellent snow records, and affords stunning views of the big mountains on the French/Andorran borders. If you have not tried this great sport before, now is the chance, as the ski station at Beille has facilities for lessons, and is fully supported by pisteurs and first aiders. There are 60kms of pistes (for both classic and skating techniques) at beille, varying in length from 1km to 20kms. Getting there: During the high season there is a daily bus from Ax-les-Thermes that takes about 45mins (Ax is 30mis by train from Les Cabannes), or you can drive up to Beille in 20mins, ensuring you have suitable equipment for driving on snow/ice (snow tyres and chains). |
|||
Snowshoeing: A fast growing sport, snowshoeing is a great activity for all the family. Snowshoes can be hired locally to allow you to enjoy the scenery and explore the mountains and plateaus in spite of the snow. Guided walks are available through local French guiding company's, or you can independently snowshoe up at the Plateau de Beille, where they have marked trails for you to follow (walks of up to 19kms!).
Spa/Relaxation: From
late 2008 the newly refurbished spa centre in Ax les Thermes (15 mins
drive from the cottage) opens its doors to the public. Housing
luxurious jacuzzi, steam room and spa pool facilities, the centre also has
4 massage treatment rooms. |
|||
| Rockclimbing: awaiting information - watch this space! | |||
|
|||
|
For all enquiries, please contact: info@cherrycottage-gite.com |
Walking: The area is a mecca for both
highland and lowland walkers, and we would argue that there is something
for everyone here. Whether you want to look at the spring flowers
whilst gently walking through beautiful French countryside, or want to
ascend 1000m to a raggedy peak, there is the opportunity to fulfill your
desires! The area is incredibly unspoilt and it is very easy to walk
and not see any other tourists. Maps of the area (1:25,000) are
easily available locally. Speak to Cathy and James for advice on
local routes
