The Argelès-Gazost Valley & its must-sees

Between Lourdes and Gavarnie, the charming little spa town of Argelès-Gazost is appreciated as much for its cultural heritage as for its idyllic setting. Very lively all year round, this pretty mid-mountain town at an altitude of 460m, enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Pyrenees massif. Its English-style park, its palm trees , its thermal baths and fountains, its sumptuous villas and its epicurean sweetness of life are at the origin of its nickname of "little Nice". This town with its warm atmosphere is an ideal base for radiating out like a star and discovering a multitude of fascinating sites and attractions. To make sure you don't miss anything, we have grouped together in this TOP 10 all the must-sees in Argelès-Gazost and its surroundings!

1- The Argelès-Gazost thermal baths for relaxation

With its reputation as a spa town, its history is closely linked to the development of thermalism in the Pyrenees. As you stroll through the spa district, notice the sublime mansions that welcomed high society including the Empress of Austria. The Argelès-Gazost spa resort was once reserved for cures, dedicated to medical care thanks to its sodium chloro-sulfur waters and particularly specialized in phlebology (vein diseases) and in the treatment of the respiratory tract.

The Argelès-Gazost thermal establishment, built between 1880 and 1885, is today a place open to all that wonderfully embodies the virtues of well-being, relaxation and pleasure, in addition to its range of thermal cures. On the program: fitness but also à la carte treatments to relax after a good hike in the mountains: a bath with hydromassage, a whirlpool bath, an underwater massage, a wrap of thermal water compresses. Packages and different formulas are offered to satisfy all desires.

2- The Gave de Pau to cool off

In the heart of unspoilt nature, with the Pyrenees mountains as a backdrop, strolling along the banks of the Gave de Pau at the entrance to the city is an ideal walk to get your legs moving and cool off! Along the water, discover the soothing landscapes of the river that flows through the Argelès-Gazost valley, at the confluence of the waters of the Gave de Cauterets, the Gave d'Isaby, the Gave d'Azun, the Gave du Bergons and the Nès. At the bridge that connects the Silhen and Sailhet roads, park your car along the banks and walk along the paths to discover unusual and shaded little corners with direct access to the river. An ideal place for a picnic or to relax in a bucolic setting to the sound of the lapping of the water.

3- The authentic Argelès-Gazost market for a treat

A real meeting place for traders and producers in the Argelès-Gazost valley, the market becomes the nerve centre of the village every Tuesday morning between 8am and 1pm. Gathered in the town centre, around a hundred stands are set up around the church to offer excellent local produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables, traditional meats and charcuterie, cheeses from the Pyrenees and other regional specialities. Frequented by regulars, passing hikers and visitors from all walks of life, this historic market, which has been going for over 700 years, is a lively place, inseparable from the life of the town where all generations come together in a friendly atmosphere.

4- The Thermal Park to enjoy the peace and greenery

An ideal idea for a stroll for families, lovers and lovers of wide open spaces, the Thermal Park is a magical and relaxing place in the city center. Born from the thermalism which really took off in the 1850s, this magnificent historic park of 5 hectares, imbued with romanticism, was created by Legrand, gardener of the city of Paris. Typical of parks from the end of the 19th century, it mixes nearly 377 trees of 47 different varieties: maples, lime trees, cedars, spruces, plane trees, pines and hornbeams. During a walk in this true haven of peace, do not miss observing the remarkable trees like the Himalayan cedar of 1m60 in diameter and the silver lime tree 1m50 wide. When the park was created, a therapeutic institute with hot and cold water pools was built to practice rehabilitation, massages and electrotherapy. This building still exists today: it is the current casino.

5- The Argelès Gazost Casino to try your luck

If you want to try your luck at games of chance during your stay or simply spend a good evening with your partner or friends, this temple of fun will satisfy your desires! Characterized by Belle Époque architecture, ideally located in the heart of the city adjacent to the Thermal park, the Casino of the Tranchant group is an establishment with contemporary interiors and a very pleasant, cozy and intimate atmosphere… On site, a restaurant and a cinema complete the entertainment offer within the same building. Ready for an evening of roulette, poker and blackjack? You have all the cards in hand to have a good time.

6- The Pyrenees Animal Park meets endangered species

How magical to see children's eyes fall on curious and majestic animals living in semi-freedom in the heart of lush nature! Located on a 14-hectare forest estate on the heights of Argelès-Gazost, the Pyrenees Animal Park allows for wonderful encounters with local wildlife, which is difficult to observe in the wild: marmots, ibex, chamois, roe deer, Pyrenean bears, otters, coypus, birds of prey and European grey wolves. The park also has other exotic species that are well adapted to the recreated environment, which is as close as possible to their natural habitat: prairie dogs, lemurs, lynx, etc. By following the walking trail with educational panels, visitors discover large green spaces where the species can be seen up close!

7- The Bee Garden to marvel at

Located on the site of a former rose garden at the foot of the Vieuzac tower, the Jardin des Abeilles invites you to discover these strange insects that play an essential role in maintaining our biodiversity. In the heart of Argelès-Gazost, this garden, decorated with information panels, reveals all the secrets of bees through a trail designed to help you learn more about their fascinating world. Decorated with honey-producing plants, equipped with an insect hotel, classic hives and a glass hive to observe the life of the colony, the garden is ideal for strolling and promises a pleasant moment of relaxation.

8- Chloro'Fil, for great adventures

Nature and sensations on the program for a fun getaway! As soon as the good weather returns, the team of Chloro'Fil enthusiasts offers young and old original sports activities practiced in the forest that combine the joys of climbing and tree-to-tree adventures. The treetop adventure park has 18 different safe and progressive courses. From 2 years old, the little ones can venture into the Bois des Pirates, an aerial walk on a net course. 4 small introductory treetop adventure courses are accessible to children from 4 years old to learn how to move through the trees using ropes. For older children looking for thrills, 14 courses allow you to test your balance and agility by linking rope bridges, zip lines, tightrope cables, Tarzan jumps or vine bridges!

For a good dose of adrenaline, Chloro'Fil also organizes white water outings, rafting and mini-rafting on the Gave de Pau. During a discovery or sporty descent, fully enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the river during an unforgettable day with family or friends!

9- At the “Troute des Pyrénées” for a good fishing trip

For seasoned fishermen, it is possible to fish for Rainbow and Brown trout in the wild rivers of the Argelès valley, provided you have a fishing license and respect the authorization periods and regulations. However, trout lovers and novices can indulge in this passion on a fishing course provided by the "Truite des Pyrénées" fish farm without a fishing license required.

To have a pleasant time with your family, and to be sure to come home with beautiful specimens to taste, the farm provides all the equipment to tease the trout in the large ponds where they grow, permanently fed by the running waters of a branch of the Gave de Pau. Of course, you will need to be patient for this fun family activity in the heart of nature, but what a pleasure to bring home fresh fish, raised in conditions that are as close as possible to wild life.

10- The Eagles' Dungeon to observe the largest collection of birds of prey in the world

A few kilometers from Argelès-Gazost, on the heights of Beaucens stand the imposing ruins of an 11th century feudal castle which houses one of the most prestigious collections of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey in the world: 47 species of birds of prey and 13 species of parrots. Perched at an altitude of 500 meters, the Donjon des Aigles is a sanctuary managed by nature and falconry enthusiasts, who offer beautiful encounters with birds every day. First, a walk through the remains of the castle allows you to admire these remarkable species up close and then, during a commented flight show, to see them flying in the air. Guaranteed wonder!

We wish you an excellent stay in Argelès-Gazost!

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Report and photos by Lesley Williamson for the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide