Eating and sleeping There are numerous opportunities to stay in the Vallée D’Aspe including everything from luxury hotels to campsites. Information about these can be found using the regional tourist website: http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/meubles-gites-ruraux-vallee-aspe.html

Here, however, I have concentrated on accommodation in Lescun, Lhurs or on the plateau. Online booking has yet to be adopted in this area, but most owners now offer email as a means of contact and, if your French is up to it, you can always phone.

Camping

•Camping de Lauzart. (1.5 km from the village in a beautiful setting. 50 pitches.) 0033 (0)5 59 34 51 77

http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/campings.html

• Aire de Lhers (Next to the Gîtes D’Etape on the edge of the village of Lhurs. 12 places.) 0033 (0)5 59 39 48 63

http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/aires-de-camping-car.html

Hotels • Hotel Pic D’Anie (The only hotel in the village. Imbued with the mountaineering history of the area and highly recommended, although nowadays it offers only a bed and breakfast style accommodation.) 0033 (0)559 347154

http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/chambres-dhotes.html

Gîtes (self catering accommodation)

An extensive list of Gîtes is available from the Valley D’Aspe tourist site: http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/meubles-gites-ruraux-vallee-aspe.html

Gîtes D’Etape (Generally short-stay accommodation for tourists passing through. In the past, gîtes d’etape offered a communal style of shelter but now smaller rooms can offer some privacy and an economical option for families.) http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/hebergement-groupe-gites-etape-aspe.html

Refuge du Pic D'Anie (Right in the heart of the village and run by the owners of the Hotel Pic D’Anie, therefore, highly recommended. Room for 2 or 4 people with a maximum capacity of 16.) 0033 (0)5 59 34 71 54

Maison de la Montagne (village centre) Rooms for 4 or 6 people. Total capacity 25. 0033 (0)559 34 79 14 The Hotel Pic D’Anie and the village square.

Gîte du Lauzart (1.5km from the village centre, situated on the campsite.) Dormitory + 33 5 59 34 51 77

Refuge du Pic D'Anie (Village centre. Rooms for 2 or 4 people. Total capacity 16.)

+033 (0) 5 59 34 71 54

Centre de Montagne L'Abérouat (5km from Lescun on the route for the Pic D’Anie) Rooms for 2,4 or 6 people and disabled access. Often used by groups. Open 10th April to 27th September – otherwise by reservation only) 0033 (0) 5 59 34 71 67

Gîtes D’Etape (Generally short-stay accommodation for tourists passing through. In the past, gîtes d’etape offered a communal style of shelter but now smaller rooms can offer some privacy and an economical option for families.) http://www.tourisme-aspe.com/hebergement-groupe-gites-etape-aspe.html

Refuge du Pic D'Anie (Right in the heart of the village and run by the owners of the Hotel Pic D’Anie, therefore, highly recommended. Room for 2 or 4 people with a maximum capacity of 16.) 0033 (0)5 59 34 71 54

Maison de la Montagne (village centre) Rooms for 4 or 6 people. Total capacity 25. 0033 (0)559 34 79 14

Gîte du Lauzart (1.5km from the village centre, situated on the campsite.) Dormitory + 33 5 59 34 51 77

Refuge du Pic D'Anie (Village centre. Rooms for 2 or 4 people. Total capacity 16.)

+033 (0) 5 59 34 71 54

Centre de Montagne L'Abérouat (5km from Lescun on the route for the Pic D’Anie) Rooms for 2,4 or 6 people and disabled access. Often used by groups. Open 10th April to 27th September – otherwise by reservation only) 0033 (0) 5 59 34 71 67

Centre de Montagne L'Abérouat

Refuge D'Arlet (Alt. 1986. Open from 15th June to 15th September. Beautiful setting by the lake. Maximum capacity 43.) 0033 (0) 5 59 36 00 99

http://www.pyrenees-refuges.com/fr/affiche.php?numenr=24

High Mountain Refuge (Short stay only. Meals provided.)

The Refuge D’Arlet.

Eating There are two bars in the village: the Hotel Pic D’Anie and the Bar des Bergers which is situated about 100m down the narrow lane that descends from the village square. The latter also acts as a restaurant. It is also possible to eat at the Maison de la Montagne next to the Marie but booking is recommended at both venues during the summer months. During the tourist season a pizza van comes to the village and parks outside the Marie. The village shop, run by the community, can provide a good range of essentials.