Pyrenees Yoga and Hiking

5 Days

If you’re dreaming of a trip to France that will benefit both body and soul, we think we’ve got it covered in this outline itinerary for a wellbeing break in the French Pyrenees.

If you live or work in a city then breathing polluted air is probably part of everyday life, as is noise and stress.

The mountains of the Pyrenees are an antidote to all that unpleasantness. The area is good for the soul in more ways than you can imagine.

From the pure mountain air to the far-reaching natural beauty, peace and quiet of the mountain environment, there is no place like it for enhancing your general feeling of wellbeing.

The area is also known for its natural spa facilities which are the result of geothermal activity that is a part of life in these parts. There are numerous places with Bagneres and les Bains in their name which all indicate the presence of thermal spa facilities.

On this wellbeing trip to the Pyrenees you will be based in your choice of accommodation (B&B, hotel, it’s up to you) in the spa town of Bagneres de Bigorre. It’s a great base from which to explore the heart of the mountain chain.

Your yoga classes may include very special ‘yoga in the mountains’ sessions, mindful walks and barefoot walking too, all aimed at connecting you with the stunning landscape and boosting your wellbeing.

All sessions will be led by a fully qualified and experienced yoga instructor and you’ll learn more about posture, stretching, nutrition and hydration.

The guided hiking will always be tailored to your level. From gentle mountain saunters on which you’ll drink in the natural beauty of the French Pyrenees to more challenging day hikes covering bigger distances with more ascent, your guide will ensure you have an unforgettable time.

After all that activity, what better way to relax than with a spa session at the local spa center, taking in the mineral rich thermal waters and enjoying the relaxing effect of the hydro massage jets.

For the full works, why not book a massage or a full body treatment which uses ‘lait d’ânesse’ which is donkey milk renowned for its healing properties, especially for skin conditions.

After your wellbeing break in the French Pyrenees you will return home revived and rejuvenated, ready to take on the world!

Overview

This wellbeing trip to the French Pyrenees includes a great combination of yoga, spa visits and hiking.

The number of yoga sessions and spa visits are flexible as is the level of the guided hiking in the mountains. Massage sessions can be arranged as well as cultural side visits if you wish.

The whole itinerary will be adapted to what you wish to experience on your wellbeing trip to the Pyrenees.

Our suggestion? Extend you trip to France by combining this wellbeing trip with any of the other experiences you see on this website.

Itinerary

After breakfast at your B&B or hotel, you'll be driven to Campan to begin a beautiful circular 3h walk that takes you up to a high plateau with wonderful views of the Pic du Midi and the northern side of the Pyrenees.

You'll eat a picnic lunch in a scenic spot before descending back to Campan.

The afternoon will include a 1h30 yoga session at the end of which you can walk to the spa center for a session in the thermal baths, sauna or hammam.

There will be time to wind down and relax before going out for drinks and an evening meal in one of the excellent restaurants in town.

After breakfast you'll be driven to the beautiful Esponne valley from where you'll enjoy a 2h walk to the picturesque Lac Bleu that nestles not far from the famous Pic du Midi de Bigorre. See if you can spot the observatory on the summit!

After a scenic picnic lunch you'll return by the same path which will make a full walk of between 4 & 5 hours with around 1000 meters of ascent.

Before returning to Bagneres de Bigorre you can stop for a refreshing drink at a little local auberge.

There will be a late afternoon yoga session for those that wish, before you are free to explore the historic town centre.

From Lesponne which is 20mins from your base in town you will start the day with a more challenging hike which will take you up through wild and beautiful forest and pasture with the aim of reaching the Pic de Montaigu (2339m).

It's a longer day in the mountains today with around 6hrs of walking with 1200 meters of ascent.

Stretch out those muscle tightnesses with a late afternoon yoga session followed by a delicious evening meal in a local restaurant.

A morning introduction to meditation or talk on mindfulness followed by a 1h30 yoga session will set you up for an afternoon of local explorations.

Visit some of the sights of the town of Bagneres de Bigorre which include architecture dating back to Medieval times, old cloisters, parks and gardens.

After breakfast you'll walk up into the hills behind the town to reach the spectacular summit of Le
Monne. Here we will eat your picnic lunch before descending to Beaudean where you will be picked up and driven back to Bagneres.

After lunch you'll have your final yoga session and possibly also a final visit to the spa.

In the evening you'll meet up for pre-dinner drinks and a celebratory dinner in Bagneres.

Day 6 :
Depart

After a week of wellness experiences you'll head home with batteries hopefully recharged. Come back again soon!

Included

  • As many yoga sessions as you wish
  • Hiking to suit your level
  • Accommodation of your choice
  • Entry to the spa facility
  • Meals as agreed
  • Local tourist information

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Car hire
  • Local transfers which can be arranged
  • Personal insurance


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