Saint-Lary, family resort in the Pyrenees

A station born from the exploitation of large economic projects

The Aure Valley, where Saint-Lary is located, was not a major tourist spot before the ingenious idea of a villager. At the end of the 19th century, major works were launched in the region, major hydroelectric infrastructures were built. These construction sites required the presence of thousands of workers, over several years. They would invest the village and the surrounding area, adding their presence to that of the villagers. All this pleasant agitation gave an idea to the Mayor of the time : Vincent Mir (10 successive terms, elected for 47 years) launched the bold bet of continuing the development of the village to exploit its tourist potential, with the creation of the ski resort.

In 1957, the first cable car was named Pic Lumière, which opened the slopes of Pla d'Adet.

Photo book Saint-Lary Soulan AGIR or the history of a mountain commune, by Vincent Mir

Key dates :

• 1967: athletes come to train for the Grenoble games in Saint-Lary.
• 1964: opening of Saint-Lary Espiaube, the second ski area.
• 1968: Vincent Mir's daughter (Isabelle) wins a silver medal.
• 1974: the Tour de France passes through Saint-Lary and it won’t be the last time!
• 1988: the thermal part of the activities offered in Saint-Lary develops.
• 1991: Jean-Henri Mir, Vincent Mir’s nephew, takes over as the new Mayor.
• 1997: the Station will celebrate its 40th anniversary and tragically mourns the death of its founder, Vincent Mir, in a car accident.
• 2005: opening of the thermal leisure center
• 2009: inauguration of a new cable car

5 advantages to convince you to go on holiday to Saint-Lary

Saint-Lary Soulan is one of the most popular resorts for families. It benefits from a significant spontaneous reputation, meaning that you easily think of it for going on holiday, in winter and summer! What is the recipe for this success?

1-) First of all, it is the unwavering presence of the Tour du France, more than 13 stages have finished in Saint-Lary, at Pla d'Adet. In 2024 , the Tour de France will pass through Saint-Lary, the finish will be at Pla d'Adet on July 13 , 2024. 16km of climbing at more than 8% in a magnificent natural setting... Hurry up and book your stay , to see the yellow jerseys pass by! And why not come and cycle in Saint-Lary too?

2-) It is then of course thanks to the ski area, extensive and diversified. Saint-Lary Soulan is the largest ski resort in the French Pyrenees (Tourmalet is equivalent, but on 2 grouped resorts).

3-) It is also for its sporting and fun potential in winter and summer. In winter, you can ski but you can also go ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking with an instructor ... In summer, it is a spot renowned for its white water : you can practice canyoning, hiking, downhill mountain biking and other fun sports like paragliding. Dozens of emerald blue lakes surround the resort.

4-) Saint-Lary Soulan has its own thermal baths, which are for spa guests, sports enthusiasts (with a fully equipped fitness center) and for family relaxation with an attractive thermal play center.

5-) Saint-Lary attracts sportsmen, such as handball and rugby players who come to train in the resort before their season and also play matches at the local stadium. Many training courses take place for these professionals and for young people, in spring and summer.

Two establishments for sleeping and eating in Saint-Lary Soulan

The Mir Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel with around twenty rooms, which is, so to speak, the starting point of the resort. Created over 70 years ago to accommodate workers and engineers for major works, it is now at the heart of the resort, next to the La Pergola Restaurant. It is the same house, the same family (Mir, as you will have understood), but two separate establishments.

Jean-Marie Mir , the manager of the Hotel Mir , the restaurant La Pergola and also the Cidrerie d'Ancizan, was kind enough to welcome me with his family for 2 days.

The Mir Hotel is welcoming and warm . An elevator serves the floors where the rooms are spacious and well decorated . It is a mix of modernity (two-tone walls, LED lighting, super comfortable bedding!) and traditions (old photos on the walls, ski equipment, chalet atmosphere, small lounge with animal skins ...).

We stayed for two nights, we enjoyed the large bathroom , the quiet (although the hotel was full!), the location and the proximity to restaurants and evening entertainment (everything is within walking distance). The breakfast , a continental buffet, with a cold cuts option for those who like a morning protein, was plentiful and good quality. Crispy white and cereal bread, local apple juice and a nice coffee to start the day!

This is a hotel that will also please couples , with its cozy atmosphere, the intimacy that emerges from the common areas (hall, lounge) and the proximity of a delicious restaurant: La Pergola.

I like restaurants that have a refined and unpretentious atmosphere, and La Pergola is one of them. We had dinner there after a day of exploring the region. What a pleasant setting, with multiple light sources, modern tables, and surprising animal photo frames.

The service was attentive and the menu tempting . Curious and epicurean, I let myself be tempted by a soup with exotic notes of coconut, then a dish based on Black Pork of Bigorre. It is a specialty of the house with Astarac poultry , Tarbais beans , and all regional products. As for drinks, the wines are offered to match the dishes, we chose a local beer as an aperitif. The whiskeys, cocktails and local specialties such as Armagnac will be to the taste of lovers of good bottles. For dessert , it was my son who fell for a chocolate mousse , light and melting ...

In winter , you will appreciate the fireplace and in summer, the terrace with panoramic view of the mountains... snowy or green.

I wish you a pleasant stay in Saint-Lary Soulan, a resort that will charm you and keep you loyal with its many assets!

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