Tuesday August 21 Saint-Lary Soulan

The distant Pyrenees

Tonight we are camped up in the Pyrenees at 800m, and not far from the tunnel through to Spain and a new adventure. The drive north this morning took us through fields of maize, sunflowers and other crops and gently rolling country. It appeared quite a prosperous region with very tidy villages. And in the hazy distance we could see the Pyrenees rising up.
We stopped in the town of Lannemezan for some supplies, and a replacement French gas bottle, not sure what the gas situation is in Spain so wanted to be topped up as much as possible. The supermarket had outdoor washers and driers so decided to take the opportunity and have a good wash up. Bed remade and with nice clean towels we continued on climbing up through the valley. This is a ski area in the winter and a great hiking and mountain biking area in the summer and the road was dotted with really nice villages. Stopped in the particularly nice town of Arreau with flower decked stone bridges crossing the fast flowing La Nette river. It was very pleasant strolling around the town with its stone buildings and slate roofs.
Continued on up the valley and found a nice little campsite surrounded by the mountains, a really nice change. After dinner we wandered up into the little village and discovered a few really nice looking eating places…such a shame we had eaten!

Tree lined streets, not sure what they are
but wondering about Myrtle?

The beautiful town of Arreau

Gateau a la brioche, a traditional cake

Horse trekkers in town

Evening light in the valley.