Gîte du Moulin de Lys - Ossau Valley

Welcome to the Gîte du Moulin de Lys. This former mill outbuilding, transformed into an independent cottage, welcomes you in a peaceful setting, surrounded by stone, wood, and nature. Its private garden borders the canal that once supplied the mill. The gentle murmur of the water accompanies the moments spent on the terrace as well as the nights with the windows open. An authentic place to recharge your batteries in Béarn. The space Welcome to Moulin de Lys, a former outbuilding of an authentic Béarnais mill, where the charm of stone and wood blends with modern comfort. The gite can accommodate up to 6 adults and a baby in a peaceful, warm and history-filled setting. Moulin de l'Arribère For over two centuries, this mill has watched over the small stream that flows down from the hills of Lys. Fed by this stream (the Landistou), it was once used to grind corn, rye, and wheat grown in the Ossau Valley. In Gascon, "arribère" (chemin de l'arribere) refers to a stream or a watercourse: an ideal location to turn the mill wheel... Built before the French Revolution, the mill already appears on the famous Cassini map (1744-1793), the first topographic map of the Kingdom of France. Like many Bearnese mills, it was part of the daily life of the inhabitants. Everyone came to have their grain ground in exchange for a milling fee charged by the miller. Its architecture is remarkable. Under the building, a large arch allows the passage of water brought by a head race (diversion channel) located 200 m upstream. Even more surprising is that this mill has three side water outlets, a unique feature in Béarn, while most mills had only two. The mill was also a place of residence. The old folks say that as children, they would go to school via the Chemin de l'Arribère, which was a dirt road at the time, and would arrive in clogs, sometimes from very far away. They would drop them off at the mill to put on their school shoes before going to the village school. Le Moulin also served as a cafeteria for these children! We fished for trout, crayfish, lampreys... The women of the village, for their part, came to spread their sheets on the canal embankment, with the sun and wind doing the rest. A time when the mill did much more than grind grain: it was a real place of life. Now silent, the mill continues to bear witness to a craft, a way of life, and a heritage that shaped the history of the valley. It reminds us that it was water that made the world go round... and the millstones! With an area of about 80 m², the cottage is completely independent and opens onto a private, enclosed garden of about 150 m². This one is bordered by the canal that once supplied the mill. The gentle murmur of the water naturally accompanies meals on the terrace, moments of relaxation in the garden, or simply evenings spent enjoying the calm of the place. The ground floor There you will find: • a pleasant living room combining stone, wood and old beams; • a comfortable living room with a TV equipped with an Amazon Fire TV stick and a wood-burning stove; • A friendly dining area • a fully equipped kitchen (oven, dishwasher, filter coffee maker, Senseo, many kitchen appliances, etc.); • one bedroom with double bed; • a bathroom with shower and toilet. Upstairs The large family room can accommodate 4 people thanks to: • a double bed; • Two single beds; • an office space; • a baby bed. The family room is located upstairs. It is accessible by a wooden staircase leading directly into the bedroom, respecting the original architecture of this former mill outbuilding. A safety gate can be installed at the top of the stairs for young children. The exteriors The fully enclosed garden is reserved exclusively for your use. You can take advantage of: • garden furniture; • Outdoor dining table; • deckchairs; • garden chairs; • umbrella; • plancha. Two private parking spaces are also available to you. Amenities The property is fully equipped so that you don't lack anything: ✓ Wi-fi ✓ tv ✓ washing machine ✓ dishwasher ✓ oven ✓ filter coffee maker ✓ Senseo ✓ wood-burning stove (wood supplied) ✓ electric heating ✓ Baby cot ✓ High chair and baby equipment available upon request. The main heating is provided by the wood-burning stove. Wood is provided during your stay. An electricity package is included, so we advise you to use the stove, which is particularly pleasant in the cooler seasons. An ideal location Le Moulin de Lys enjoys a privileged location, on the outskirts of the village of Lys, at the gates of the Ossau Valley. Just a few dozen meters away, you will find the Maison pour Tous as well as the last traditional quillier in the Ossau Valley, a testament to the local heritage. The cottage serves as an excellent base for exploring the Pyrenees: • Pau in about 30 minutes; • Lourdes in about 40 minutes; • Laruns; • Gourette; • Artouste; • the Col du Pourtalet; • Many hikes, mountain lakes, outdoor activities, rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, and skiing. Whether you want to discover Béarn, go hiking in the Pyrenees or simply enjoy the calm of the countryside, Le Moulin de Lys offers an ideal location. During your stay The owners, who are great travel enthusiasts, have entrusted the management of the Moulin de Lys to Vincent in order to offer each guest a personalized welcome. Vincent lives less than a kilometer from the cottage and will be your main contact before, during, and after your stay. He will personally welcome you, remain available if needed, and will be delighted to share with you his best spots, tips for sightseeing, hikes, restaurants, and activities in the Ossau Valley. The goal is simple: for you to feel at home here and leave wanting to come back. Miscellaneous Cleaning fee includes: - end-of-stay cleaning; - the provision of bed linens (beds made upon your arrival); - towels, - The welcome tray includes a bottle of local wine, a few sweet treats, soap, shampoo, a few pods of laundry detergent (laundry and dishwasher), as well as essentials to start your stay off right. In order to ensure everyone's comfort, we simply ask that you place your waste in the containers located about 50 meters from the cottage before your departure. Le Moulin de Lys is an old building with character, equipped with an individual sanitation system. To ensure proper functioning, please do not throw anything in the toilet, including toilet paper. A bin is provided for this purpose in the bathrooms. Thank you for your understanding and for participating in the preservation of this old house. Unfortunately, the accommodation is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Guest access The entire property is available to guests.