Le Belvedere

Unique, traditional, cutting edge, refreshing, imaginative and an undiscovered wilderness–the Pyrenees has it all and more. Whether you're looking for inspiration, action, relaxation or want to discover Pyrenees's hidden treasures, explore the Pyrenees your own way.

 

Situated at the base of the Haute Pyrenees within the village of Salles-Argeles, 'Le Belvedere' is the perfect place for whatever event or activity holiday you are planning – or just for total relaxation in a stunning setting. 'Le Belvedere' gives you a perfect base for canoeing, hiking, cycling, skiing, exploring the area’s history, a family reunion, a wedding party or as a pilgrimage to the historic location of Lourdes.

 

Le Belvedere is a beautiful private home and one you can make yours for the duration of your stay.  We have created an ambiance to match the location – a sense of style, comfort and understated luxury that is inviting and intimate – simply perfect. In 2006 our family purchased the property after falling in love with the stunning Haute Pyrenees and this amazing property.  We continued the work of renovations to the property reinstating it to its original glory. The property has been decorated with sympathy to ensure the originality of the property is preserved but with a modern twist. Le Belvedere, a Maison D’Maitre (Mansion House), was built between the 1700 and 1800, the exact date is unknown, by a wealthy farming family from the area. The property at that time was quite substantial and included some of the outlying area and buildings, one of which is still part of the property. During the second World War the property was used as a school and Mairie (council offices) and after that was sold to a family of 10. Subsequently there was another purchaser and then in the 1970s until the 1990s the house was left unoccupied. In 1994 the property was purchased by a local couple and they ran a bed and breakfast business and commenced extensive renovations internally as the house was is disrepair and required a large amount of renovation work which also included the small Grange attached to the property.  

 

Situated perfectly for viewing two legs of the Tour De France. Outdoor Adventures: Walking - The Pyrenees offer all that's best in walking: fantastic scenery, great places to stay, good weather and variety.   Acrobranche - new! exciting! unforgettable! come and play 'Tarzan' in the forest canopy of St. Luz Savier - 30 feet in the air. Over 750m of zip lines! Canyoning - Ride nature's giant hydro-slides! Abseil, swim, slide and jump into secret gorges and under sparkling waterfalls into deep pools! Bungee Jumping - Take a walk on the wild side – bungee jumping is available at St. Luz Sauveur on the famous Napoleon Bridge of Luz. It is a 90m free fall. Learn to climb with the professionals-private climbing instruction courses  - technical mountaineering - Advanced Alpine skills. Paragliding and hang-gliding are included within the modality of free flight: the sport persons can take off and land using their legs. Horse-riding, as a modality of green tourism or eco-tourism, is another example of nature leisure.

 

Cultural Sites: For centuries, the Pyrenees have been a natural and cultural watershed, and the history of the region is every bit as complex and intricate as its to topography. While great empires and cultural movements lapped at the base of the mountains, small pockets could remain unaffected. Individual kingdoms constantly altered shape and influence through local alliances. 

 

The border as we see it today did not become fixed until 1659, with the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees. The historical overview aims only to give an outline of important events in France and Spain which had their inevitable effect on the kingdoms of the Pyrenees.

 

Historical Sites: Churches & Abbeys: Cathedral of Lourdes – Basilica de Lourdes, Lourdes, Church Saint-Pe de Bigorre, Bigorre, Abbey de Saint-Savin, Saint-Savin, Chapelle Pouey Aspe, Uz, Chapelle de Pietat, Saint-Savin, Church of Saint Pierre, Pierrefite-Nestalas, Chapelle Pouey-Laun, Arrens-Marsous, Church Notre Dame, Cauterets, Fortified Church, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Saint Nicolas Church, Esquieze, Church of Saint-Jean – Baptiste, Sere,

 

Chapelke Heas, Gedre. Monuments: Chateau Fort, Lourdes, Chateau Sainte Marie, Esterre, Napoleon Bridge, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Station Cauterets, Cauterets. Watermills,

 

The Angles, Escoubes-Outs, Ourdis, Cotdoussan, Val D'Azun, Arcizans-Dessus, Pays Toy, Gedrre-Dessus, Sazos.

 

Museums: Musee Pyreneen - Chateau Fort, Loudes, Musee de la Vallee de Vatsurguere al'Office Tourist, Segus, Musee du Montagnard Lavedan, No, Museum 1900, Cauterets.