La Joie de Vivre - Enjoy our Gîte in South West France

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La Joie de Vivre - Enjoy our Gîte in South West France

Ana and Nigel believe that La Joie de Vivre is outdoor recreation accompanied by relaxed luxury, excellent food and wine and a large dose of relaxation.

29/08/2026

At the Foot of the Pyrenees…

Surrounded by wooded foothills, lively small valleys, high mountain tops, rivers and lakes, Bagnères is a paradise for outdoor activity lovers.

A vibrant town, Bagnères has managed to preserve the richness of its heritage: charming architecture, a thriving cultural life, and deeply rooted artisanal and gastronomic traditions.

Don’t miss the local market every Saturday morning, stretching from the Thermes to the Allées des Coustous, where you can discover local artisans and producers.

Discover the thermal town…

Located at 550 meters above sea level, Bagnères-de-Bigorre nestles in a lush green setting in the heart of Bigorre, in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Its location — between plains and mountains — offers a truly unique natural and scenic quality.

21/08/2026

Iconic electronic music artist Moby performed an exclusive open-air DJ set in the Toulouse area on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The special event took place at the open-air venue Poney Club (located at the Parking Aéroport P3 in Blagnac) as part of the pre-opening for the Pink Paradize festival.

05/08/2026

GROTTES DE BÉTHARRAM

Located between Pau and Lourdes, between Béarn and Bigorre, they mark the border between the Pyrénées Atlantiques and the Hautes Pyrénées.

During a 1h20 guided tour, you will cross a mountain that has been hollowed out by water over the centuries. We offer you an underground world, a real fairyland of limestone concretions with astonishing shapes, enhanced by particularly careful lighting. The wealth of forms stimulates the imagination throughout the visit. After visiting the first floor of the Caves, you descend the 250 steps of the Gouffre which lead to the underground river. With 800 meters of rock above you, you take a pleasant boat trip. The journey continues with the little train that takes you back to the exit.

05/08/2026

If you haven’t added a climb to the summit of the Pic du Midi in the French Pyrenees to your bucket list, add it now. This mighty mountain and its panoramic views can be enjoyed from the ascending cable car and on walks between its observatory and bridge.
The experience begins with a memorable cable car ride from La Mongie. On arrival at the summit, you won’t believe your eyes: there’s direct access to the panoramic terraces with a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountain chain, which stretches for over 300km.

Look around: it’s hard not to be awestruck by the Ponton dans le Ciel (‘Pontoon in the Sky’), a metallic walkway that soars above the void, leading visitors on a journey inside the landscape. Get up close and personal with the clouds as you enjoy unique and dizzying point of view. You’ll never have felt such feelings of freedom.

The highest planetarium in Europe – at the top of the Pic du Midi

Hypnotised by the landscape, you can forget to curl up inside the summit buildings. There, you can learn about the research taking place at the Pic du Midi on the sun, cosmic rays, stars and meteorites, through a series of playful experiences. Above all, the highest planetarium in Europe awaits us under the Baillaud dome, the oldest astronomical installation in the observatory, transported to the Pic du Midi on the back of men and mules over two years between 1907 and 1908.

Fancy staying over? You can sleep at the top of the Pic du Midi (advance booking recommended) and stargaze before spending a cosy night. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. An extraordinary place for an unforgettable experience... you’ll leave with stars in your eyes.

05/08/2026

This walk takes you to the Cirque de Gavarnie along an attractive cliff path that gives you some unforgettable panoramic views of the most famous limestone cirque in the Pyrenees.

Protected within the boundary of the Pyrenees National Park, the Cirque de Gavarnie forms an incredible wall of rock 1,700 metres high and 14km in circumference. It rises in concentric tiers, surrounded by a cortège of giants including Mont Perdu (3,352 m), the Pic du Marboré (3,248 m) and the Taillon (3,144 m). It contains one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe (422 m vertical drop) and is close to two other giants: the Cirque de Troumouse and the Cirque d’Estaubé.

Exploring a World Heritage Site

The crowning glory of the 'Pyrenees - Mont Perdu' area, the Cirque de Gavarnie has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 on the basis of both natural and cultural criteria. Very few sites around the world have been honoured by this double distinction.

The Cirque de Gavarnie rose to fame as a result of the various explorations that were made of it. From as early as the 16th century, bold and adventurous botanists, scientists, romantics, artists, poets and mountaineers made Gavarnie the birthplace of what has become known as Pyreneism.
The cirque entered into legend for good when Victor Hugo described it as "an impossible and extraordinary object," and a "colosseum of nature."

The Cirque de Gavarnie and surrounding area are a sanctuary for hiking but also for canyoning (trips supervised by Gavarnie Bureau des Guides) and winter sports in the ski resort of Gavarnie-Gèdre.

02/08/2026

Fête de la Tourte Pyrénéenne revient pour une 6ème édition !
GALAN - Dimanche 2 août 2026

Le dimanche 2 août, Galan célébrera la 6ᵉ édition de la Fête de la Tourte Pyrénéenne, une journée placée sous le signe de la gourmandise, du partage et des traditions locales. Devenue un rendez-vous apprécié dans les Hautes-Pyrénées, cette fête rassemble habitants, visiteurs, familles, producteurs et amateurs de spécialités pyrénéennes autour d’un patrimoine culinaire emblématique.

Dans les rues et sur les places de la bastide, l’ambiance sera à la fois festive et conviviale : parfums de tourtes fraîchement préparées, animations, musique, rencontres avec les producteurs et moments de découverte rythmeront cette journée gourmande au cœur du village.

Une fête conviviale au goût des Pyrénées Gourmands, visiteurs de passage, habitants du territoire ou vacanciers, chacun trouvera une bonne raison de venir profiter de la Fête de la Tourte Pyrénéenne. Entre dégustations, rencontres, découvertes et moments de partage, cette journée met à l’honneur une spécialité locale dans une ambiance simple, chaleureuse et festive.

On y vient pour savourer, échanger et profiter de l’esprit du village ; on en repart avec de beaux souvenirs, quelques saveurs sucrées en mémoire, et peut-être une tourte à emporter.

02/08/2026

JAZZ IN MARCIAC 2026

Festival Bis : 20 juillet > 5 août

D'accès gratuit, le festival Bis offre une programmation éclectique où se télescopent avec allégresse un jazz résolument moderne, ses musiques cousines et ses racines les plus vivantes (Jazz, New Orléans, Blues...), dans une ambiance conviviale.
Les concerts gratuits sur la place du village auront lieu du 20 juillet au 5 août ! À Marciac, on dit festival Bis, plutôt que Off, car la programmation musicale dont les festivaliers peuvent profiter gratuitement tous les jours de 11h30 à 19h fait partie intégrante du festival. Choisis par Jazz in Marciac, les artistes qui se succèdent sur cette scène en plein air représentent toutes les tendances du jazz et il n'est pas rare d'y découvrir des talents prometteurs.

C'est ainsi qu'une certaine Youn Sun Nah a fait ses premiers pas sur une scène de festival européen en 2000, à Marciac, au festival Bis ! Il ne fait aucun doute que, cette année encore, des talents prometteurs réserveront aux spectateurs du Bis leur content d'émotions :

Paul Chéron Septet / Asso Sax Big Band / Aurore Voilqué Quintet / Pierre Tereygeol Quartet / Robin Mansanti Quartet / Cecil L. Recchia Quintet / Naamloze Trio / Manu Forster Trio / The Blakettes Quartet / Odeza / Meajam feat. Clémence Lagier Quintet / Yves Brouqui Quartet / Chocho Cannelle / Gustave Reichert Quintet / Jultrane Quintet / Magic Malik Jazz Association Quintet / Bloom Quintet / Sunscape / Gabriel Delmas Trio / Oya Quintet (Hugo Guezbar) / Sunnyside Trio / Mister Tchang Bluz Explosion Quintet / Goldstandards Quintet / Son Quimbombo Quintet / Les élèves des ateliers d'initiation à la Musique de Jazz du Collège de Marciac...

02/08/2026

In the heart of the central Pyrenees, Campan is a small rural village of ordinary appearance, nestled in a setting teeming with nature between the high peaks of the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d'Aspin. However, when you linger there for a stroll, you discover an atypical village still largely inhabited by the past, by traditions and by a strange population of inhabitants: the “Mounaques”.

From the plains of the Campan Valley, the silhouette of the village rises up on the horizon. As I approach the village, I catch a glimpse from my car of a first couple of "Mounaques" greeting passers-by from the window of a house. Then, a second couple, in a field, catches my eye. Then, a third, in a garden! The "Mounaques" are everywhere. A stop is essential to explore this village in search of these unusual "locals" posted on balconies, in gardens, cafes, behind a window or at the bend of an alley...

The "Mounaques" are life-size dolls, made of rags and filled with hay. They are dressed in clothes and entirely handmade. Staged in the streets, they are the guardians of an ancestral tradition that has lasted since the 19th century and which reflects the folkloric identity of Bigorre. Every year, from July to September, walking through the picturesque village, with your eyes wide open in search of the "Mounaques", offers visitors a fun and educational discovery.

02/08/2026

Située sur la commune de Bonnemazon, dans les Hautes-Pyrénées, l'abbaye de l'Escaladieu est une ancienne abbaye cistercienne construite au XIIe siècle et réaménagée au XVIIe. Halte importante sur le trajet du pèlerinage de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle via le Chemin du Piémont, elle dévoile une architecture en parfaite concordance avec les préceptes vantés par l'ordre, la simplicité et la sobriété.

Après de nombreuses vicissitudes, elle devient en 1997 la propriété du Conseil Départemental des Hautes-Pyrénées, connaissant dès lors un important programme de restauration. Aujourd'hui, le site dévoile une grande programmation culturelle et estivale avec des concerts, des conférences, des expositions ou des séances de théâtre.

Il est possible de découvrir l'abbaye de l'Escaladieu en visite libre ou guidée, ou accompagné d'audio-guides accessibles en différentes langues. Le temps d'une promenade, il est possible de découvrir avec plaisir les vestiges du cloître, l'abbatiale avec son chevet plat, l'armarium claustri, la salle capitulaire, le chauffoir, l'aile aux moines ou encore le jardin et son vivier.

26/07/2026

Located in Loudenvielle, nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées lies a beautifully preserved gem: the Louron Valley. With its 15 traditional villages—recognized as a "Land of Art and History" and a "Grand Site Occitanie"—it offers the perfect setting to immerse yourself in Pyrenean culture.

At the center of the valley, Lake Génos-Loudenvielle mirrors the surrounding mountains. Towered over by majestic peaks, two ski resorts face one another: Peyragudes and Val Louron.

The Louron Valley reveals its wonders throughout the year, and its landscape invites relaxation and contemplation.

In winter, the breathtaking panorama stretching toward the high mountains and iconic snow-capped peaks leaves visitors speechless. Activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and fun sledding runs further enhance this stunning setting.

In summer, the Louron Valley—a certified hiking destination—reveals its wonders through scenic walks. Mountain biking takes center stage with over 400 km of marked enduro and cross-country trails, alongside a host of other activities—such as downhill scooter rides, paragliding, and boating on the lake—that can be enjoyed solo, with family, or with friends.

In winter, the Skyvall lift allows skiers to access the Peyragudes slopes (on the Peyresourde side) quickly and easily, regardless of road conditions. Open in both winter and summer, this valley lift welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, paragliders, and pedestrians, expanding their playground.

After a day of outdoor activities, it’s time to relax and unwind! Enjoy a wellness experience at Balnéa—a true invitation to relax in thermal waters across a variety of baths inspired by cultures around the world.

Not to be missed are the restaurants, where you can discover the culinary richness of the Pyrenees, and our local producers, who keep the region's heritage alive; plus, the Genos-Loudenvielle Lake offers a refreshing change of scenery.

Adresse

12 Chemin Des Barricots
Bonnefont
65220

Site Web

http://www.lajoiedevivre.com/

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