Village House in Midi-Pyrénées

This little hidden gem is situated in at the end of a small road in what we consider one of the prettiest and most peaceful villages in the heart of the Pyrenees. Situated at the start of the col de Mente, frequently used as part of the Tour de France route going up to Mourtis. Perfectly placed for a wide variety of mountain activities, mountain biking, road biking, hiking and climbing, skiing at Mourtis or Superbagneres. Small enclosed private garden, indoor storage for mountain bikes. The space We are delighted that you are looking at our lovely home in the village of Lez in the Midi- Pyrénées! For us it is a very special place, and we would love to welcome you to see for yourself. The house is situated at an average altitude of 600m at the end of a quiet road with only 2 other houses. It is an old house with plenty of character and it loves everything, from a family gathering to just a chill out relaxing holiday in front of the wood burner in the winter or in the small, enclosed garden in warmer months with a glass of wine or a coffee. It is simply rural French life at its best. The kitchen has a dining table that will seat 8 and is fully equipped with fridge freezer, oven, hob, Tassimo coffee machine, convection microwave, toaster and air fryer. A room off the kitchen can hold mountain bikes and ski equipment, providing it is brought through with care. Lez is a quiet, beautiful little village with a stream running through it which joins La Garonne at St Beat. Surrounded by views of the Pyrénées and full of fresh mountain air. The marble drinking fountain in the centre of the village provides cool fresh mountain spring water. Lez also sits at the foot of the col de Mente, an ascent/decent that regularly features in the Tour de France, the last being in 2024. The road itself starts just 50 metres or so from the house (snow chains on vehicles are advised in winter). Saint-Béat is the main small town situated across the Garonne River which is less than 1km away. There you will find a bakery, pharmacy, Vival convenience store, seating and picnic areas along the bank of the river Garonne and a bar serving breakfast coffee and croissants to snacks, wine and beer on a hot day. Intermarche is 5km away at Cierp-Gaud and Super-U 23km away at Montrejeau, both just a short scenic drive for bigger shopping trips. The Spanish border is around 8km to the south at the entrance to the Val d’Aran mountains. St Beat-Lez is steeped in history and located at the foot of Pic du Gar in the Pyrénées at the gateway to Spain and the Val d'Aran. It is the result of the merger between the municipalities of Saint-Béat and Lez, carried out in 2019. Wedged between the Garonne and the mountains it exudes a special charm that highlights its marble richness, its cultural and religious heritage and the many local activities, including fishing, hiking and skiing. There are 28 hikes to do in the area, both for experienced hikers and inexperienced walkers. The history of St. Beatus dates back to the time of Pompey, 75 BC, through three eras: first of all, the Roman period, then the Middle Ages and finally the contemporary part. It was the Romans who first called the village Passus Lupi, because of its narrow passages that only wolves could cross. Today, the famous ‘The Breche Romaine’ (Roman Breccia) bears witness to this and the marble festival has been promoting the marble richness of this valley since 1999. In the Middle Ages, during the ninth century, the inhabitants of Passus Lupi received from Charlemagne the relics of Saint-Béat and Saint-Privat. They chose the name of the first: Saint-Béat was born. In the eleventh century, the Benedictine monks built one of the jewels of Romanesque art in Comminges, the priory, which radiated over the whole of Haut Comminges, then a church. At the same time, the lords of Saint-Béat endowed the town with a fortified castle, symbolised by its current tower and ramparts. The Marble Festival The Marble Festival was created in 1999 by the Marble and Arts Association. With its volunteers and committed partners, the association organizes this festival in order to promote and enhance the marble of Saint-Béat. The festival is organized every year during the month of July for three weeks. Several activities take place during these weeks. – Symposia, where international sculptors carve the block of marble in front of everyone. – Exhibitions, where you have the opportunity to see the sculptures of more than fifteen artists and even to buy some should you wish to. – Courses, assisted by a professional sculptor, you have the opportunity to learn about ceramic, stone, marble or bronze sculpture. The Marble Festival allows you to see another side of Saint-Béat, the cosmopolitan Saint-Béat. We strongly advise you to stop in this valley in July and discover for yourself, the cheerfulness and good humour that this festival offers. Guest access No access permitted to attic rooms Other things to note Things to do…..places to visit Saint Beat-Lez Swimming Pool approx. 400m / 5 mins walk The Saint Beat swimming pool is an open-air pool, only open during the summer season. It is located on the edge of the village of Lez. Two pools (one large and one medium), a paddling pool for the little ones, a diving board. After swimming, young and old can rest or picnic on the lawns of the establishment. The swimming pool has a refreshment bar for cold drinks and snacks on a hot summer day. Pyrénées Hô approx 8km/10 mins by car Avenue de Rouziet 31440 Cierp-Gaud Pyrénées Hô is an adventure and activity park, unique in the region. The park covers 13 hectares and offers many outdoor activities including zip-lining and rock and tree climbing. Maison Des Sources approx 18km/25 mins by car Mauléon-Barousse A beautiful large wooded area on the banks of the Ourse River, perfect for a picnic and moments shared with family and friends. Picnic tables- Barbecues - Toilets- Parking. Dogs on a leash are allowed. "Maison des Sources", a museum on traditions and the water cycle, a major element in Neste Barousse. Hiking Departure from the Maison des Sources: The walk of the Château de Bramevaque 1 hour round trip, no difference in altitude Walk to the Gouffre de Saoule 1 hour round trip, part on the D925, possibility to park closer to the start of the walk Circuit des 2 Ourses Looproute - 2h40 - difference in altitude 330m - 8.3km Hike of the Friends of the Lake of Mauléon-Barousse Loop route - 3h45 - difference in altitude 515m - 10.5km Lac de Géry Approx 3km/5 mins by car Popular local swimming lake and picnic area with bar/restaurant Site climbs ‘The Breche Romaine’ approx. 100m / 4min walk La Brèche Romaine is the village’s old marble quarry, situated opposite the road entrance to Lez village: Historic cliff, an ancient quarry: one of the only ones in the world to be preserved in its original state, known as the "Roman Breccia". This place allows you to climb on marble in this very old quarry that was exploited by the Romans. Several local or more distant sculptures come from here. Climbing is technical and varied. The sectors are very different, but many of the routes are of real interest. From the slab to the steep walls with small sockets, there is something for everyone. The Margouilla route (26) has been equipped to climb in 3 pitches on the plateau. Cliff Information: Minimum height: 10 m Maximum height: 35 m Total length of the routes: 800 m Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges Cathedral approx 20km / 25mins by car Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges) is a former Roman Catholic cathedral in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. It was the seat of the Ancient Diocese of Comminges. The narthex ends in two huge pillars, each with a circumference of no less than 11.45m. Over the northern and southern walls one can see the Romanesque arches, the floor is made of marble and includes some tombs and sepulchres. The cloister is also clearly Romanesque and offers an impressive view over the entire valley. The Gothic part is built in the Meridional Gothic style. There is a single nave that is 55m long, 16m wide and 28m high. Over the arrow arches there are the coats of arms of the founding bishops. The stained glass windows are impressive with their intricate details, almost comparable to those of Auch. The former cathedral has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Kayaking is available here at nearby Labroquere - Les Pagaies The Waterfall of Hell and the Chasm of Hell approx. 32km / 40mins by car The chasm of hell and the waterfall of hell in the Lys valley, a must-do hike in the Lys valley, in the climb between Luchon and Superbagnères. At the bottom of the Lys valley, there are hikes for everyone, from the simple walk, to the more demanding route. The chasm is 1375 meters, or 300 meters of vertical drop. Skiing Le Mourtis - Approx 10km / 15mins by car Above the village of Lez and accessed by ascending the Col de Mente. Set in an unspoilt natural environment, the Mourtis resort boasts a friendly atmosphere, an enchanting setting and a wide range of activities. Here, the mountains are experienced differently, far from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts. Skiing at Le Mourtis means skiing in the heart of nature. The ski area extends over 23 km of runs that wind through pine forests and wide open spaces. With 19 varied runs, the resort offers itineraries to suit all profiles. Beginners can enjoy the gentle, safe green runs, while more experienced skiers can take on the technically challenging red and black runs. Every descent is a new adventure, in an exceptional natural setting. Whether you come as a family, with friends or as a couple, Le Mourtis has some unforgettable moments in store for you. From gliding through pine forests to snowshoeing through powder snow, every experience is an immersion in nature. Get ready to discover a real jewel of the Pyrenees. The resort offers a host of fun and unusual activities to delight the whole family. Snowtubing: hurtle down the slopes on giant buoys for guaranteed laughs. Mountain biking on snow: a unique and sporting experience that will give you a whole new perspective on skiing. Tobogganing: youngsters won’t be able to resist the simple pleasures of a toboggan run, while parents will enjoy watching them have fun in complete safety. Snowshoe trekking: discover the immaculate landscapes of Le Mourtis and follow the signposted trails through the snow-covered forest. It’s a chance to enjoy the absolute peace and quiet and reconnect with nature. Sleigh rides or dog karting: thanks to “Le Souffle Nordique”, let yourself be guided by a pack of huskies and enjoy a unique and unforgettable adventure. Peyragudes – approx. 37km / 45mins by car Situated in the heart of the Pyrenees, between the Larboust and Louron valleys, Peyragudes is much more than just a ski resort. It’s a place where modernity, innovation and authentic nature come together to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Since it opened in 1988, the resort has continued to evolve for fans of skiing. Thanks to its two sunny slopes, Peyresourde and Les Agudes, the resort enjoys optimum sunshine throughout the day. From dawn to dusk, the sun lights up the slopes and the surrounding peaks, much to the delight of skiers and hikers alike. Peyragudes is one of the leading resorts in the Pyrenees, with an ultra-varied range of slopes, modern facilities and an unspoilt natural setting. What’s more, its ideal east-west exposure means you can enjoy the sun all day long, a rare asset in the Pyrenees. And to top it all off, the view of the surrounding peaks is breathtaking. Nature lovers will find it an ideal setting for moments of contemplation. The resort also benefits from its proximity to Loudenvielle, a typical Pyrenean village, where you can extend the experience with thermal baths at Balnéa and restaurants serving local specialities . A breathtaking zip line Want to fly over snow-covered landscapes? The Peyragudes zip line is an experience not to be missed. 335 metres long and made up of three sections, it crosses forests and ridges to offer a breathtaking view of the mountains. Snowshoeing and ski touring to enjoy Peyragudes For those who want to get off the beaten track, snowshoeing and ski touring are great ways to explore the surrounding wilderness. The trails in the Louron and Larboust valleys, accessible from Peyragudes, plunge you into the heart of unspoilt landscapes, between silent forests and vast expanses of snow. Slopes for all levels With 49 slopes and 1,500 hectares of skiable terrain, Peyragudes has something for everyone, from beginners to thrill-seekers. Beginners on the green runs and experienced skiers on the black runs will all find something to suit them. The 7 green runs allow novices to discover the joys of skiing in complete safety, while the 21 blue runs are perfect for families and intermediate skiers. The more experienced skiers can tackle the 14 red runs and 7 black runs, which will test the technical skills of even the most daredevil skiers. Lifts for easy access The resort is served by 19 lifts, including 9 chairlifts and 5 drag lifts. These facilities guarantee fast, smooth access to all the slopes. No need to wait long to get to the top! Peyragudes doesn’t just offer classic slopes. The resort offers areas dedicated to fun and enjoyment. The funslope: a playful course with banked turns, bumps and tunnels, ideal for fun with family and friends. The snowpark: a playground for thrill-seeking riders, with modules to suit all levels. The Skywall: a training area where skiers can perfect their turns and work on their technique. Luchon-Superbagnères – approx. 39km / 50mins by car Founded in 1912, Luchon-Superbagnères was one of the first ski resorts in the Pyrenees. At the time, the resort was famous for its cog railway, a jewel of engineering that linked Luchon to the summit. This legendary train allowed passengers to reach the resort by winding through the mountains, offering them a breathtaking view of the valley below. At an altitude of 1,800 metres, Luchon-Superbagnères overlooks the Larboust and Luchon valleys, offering spectacular views of the Pyrenees chain. From this natural vantage point, you can contemplate the wild beauty of the surrounding mountains. The play of light at sunrise and sunset transforms the landscape into a living canvas. In winter, the snow-covered peaks form a majestic backdrop to skiers gliding on an immaculate coat. In summer, the bright green of the high-altitude meadows invites you to go hiking and mountain biking. Families, couples and adventurers come here to breathe the pure Pyrenean air and reconnect with nature. Each season reveals its own unique atmosphere, a blend of serenity and spectacle. Luchon-Superbagnères is a family resort where accessibility, Its 32 km of pistes wind through pine forests and vast snow-covered plateaux. There’s something for everyone, from green runs for beginners to red and black runs for the more adventurous. The resort offers easy access thanks to the crémaillère express and regular shuttles. Visitors can access the slopes using a paperless ski pass system to avoid queuing. For even greater comfort, the Lio bus service links Luchon to Superbagnères, guaranteeing a warm and hassle-free return after an intense day on the slopes. When the snow covers the valley, the call of nature becomes irresistible. Snowshoe walks around Superbagnères are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a silent setting, where the sound of footsteps on the snow is your only companion. Marked itineraries allow you to venture out in complete safety and discover unsuspected landscapes, far from the hustle and bustle of the slopes. Eating out L'Auberge du Mount 31440 EUP Approx 2.7km/5 mins by car Located at the foot of the Pic du Gar in the Pyrénées-Centrales, this charming restaurant offers a menu of the day. The Auberge du Mount is open for lunch from Monday to Friday. In the evenings and on weekends we are open by reservation, for groups of 10 people or more (associations, family, baptisms, etc.). Please contact us for more info. La Chaum'Hier Pont de Chaum 31440 Chaum Approx 6km/10 mins by car La Gentilhommiere S N avenue Jean Jaures, 31440 Fos Approx 7.5km/10 mins by car Situated on the frontier with Spain, La Gentilhommiere is the first and last restaurant in France. Offering a wide selection of dishes from both France and the UK, the restaurant and terrace (in summer) is open every day except Wednesday. Full menu at midday, Friday and Saturday nights - bbq/grillade other nights. French and English spoken. Tauerna Bausen Carrèr Corrales, 2, 25549 Bausen Val d'Aran Spain Approx 17km/25 mins by car Small but very welcoming restaurant in this pretty Spanish village full of charm and with stunning views. Open lunchtimes for hearty home cooked food. Cash only. The Spanish town of Bossost is 19km to the south and boasts two Michelin restaurants, ‘Er Occitan’ and ‘Restaurant El Portalet’.