Trips in the neighbourhood of LombezIn S.E. direction, towards A64 and AriègeStarting via D28, from La Rente-Samatan towards RieumesThis route has some gentle slopes, but also breathtaking views over low
"mountain" tops with varied coverage of plants and trees. Following
this route you get to the somewhat sleepy Rieumes, however it is wide awake on
Thursday morning, during market time. The market is not as extensive as in
Samatan, but worthwile visiting. Going back via D626 Montpézat - LombezThis way you see toally different views, with bright weather the Pyrenees to the left as a more or less bright background. In S.W. direction Lannemezan, PyreneesVia l'Isle-en-Dodon and D17 towards LannemezanA visit to Lannemezan is worthwile. A nice city centre, not very large, useful for a drink on one of the terraces or to do some windowshopping. As a change you can come back via D17, - in Blajan take the D633 to Boulogne - D632 to Lombez. On this troute you pass, just before the turn off to l'Isle-en-Dodon, the nicely situated restaurant (and free entrance museum) Moulin de Sabaillan (little road to the right), an old water mill in the midst of the rural land in the valley of the river Gesse. A visit especially (but not only) for the food is recommended. In N.W. – direction (Auch)Going: D4 Samatan - Gimont – Auch Spend some time in Saramon! L’Isle-Jourdain via Chateau de CaumontA pleasant alternative route is via the D39 from Samatan via the Chateau Caumont. We enjoyed a visit with guided tour in the Chateau. A reservation or advance notice was not required (for the afternoon). The entry road of the Chateau is not paved, it can be very muddy after a rainy period. Having passed the Chateau there are several alternative routes to get to L'Isle Jourdain (Use your map!) The easiest route is to take a turn rights towards the D634 to l'Isle-Jourdain, but much nicer is to take little roads near Marestaing - Monferran to find the N124. This route is even better in the other direction because of the beatiful views over the Save valley. Going east from L'Isle Jourdain you will find a recretation lake with some more splendour than the one in Samatan, it has al reataurant with large terraces, with a view over the water. Sunday lunch can be very busy here with French families enjoying their hot lunch. L’Isle-en-DodonTry to follow by car (or motor) the cycle trip alternative route via Espaon (with respect for the cyclists, of course!).Another nice route is form the (side-) exit of the Parc following the left side of the Golf course towards Sauveterre, along the cemetery, at the croosing with the cross a sharp left, in the direction of the D632 (going down), cross the D632 (careful!), left-immediately right via the brisge over thede Save through the valley until reaching the crossing with the D537, there turn right to Espaon, in Espaon straight ahead via the D81 to L’Isle-en-Dodon, entering the villa near the Petanque field, just before the bridge over the Save. Gorges de la Saveinformation at the reception or the Tourist bureau in VVV Samatan, o.a. about kajak-rental
D626 Lombez-Montpezat, 3km after Montpezat: turn right on the D3, follow until
in Ciadoux. Descending from Lespugues (from the parking near the remains) verder naar beneden rijdt, you will reach the Gorges de la Save (turn left at the end). Ginig back for instance via via D17 or D632 towards Lombez. SamatanWe recommend a trip to Samatan on Monday morning, the market is a special event. In the big hall next to the Shopi supermarket all kinds of animals (mostly ducks, geese and chicken) are sold, it is all very pleasant. There also are several small stands with druit and vegetables, sold by private persons. From the centre place with the monument (and the PMU bar) a side streets leads to the tourist office with (free access) museum about the region. You can obtain serveral brochures and information about activities nearby. The ATM machines of the local banks will have long queues, and trouble because of being over-used. LombezIn Lombez, opposite the Pellis bakery, the ATM machine is OK (Credit Agricole). The wine shop has good wine, you can also buy it by the liter (e.g. fill up your empty bottles). Near the Intermarche supermarket you also fins: an excellent bakery, pizza car (not always open), creperie, cheap gasoline Gonig into the hillsYou can make fantastic trips following the smaller tar roads (detailed map recommended) through the hilss. Even better if you have a motorbike or mountain bikel. For example the small road via Chateau Labusquiere (other side of the Savevalley, cross the D632 NW-SE), continue until you cross the D202(small village La Prade), then left-immediately right towards Montadet, near Lacassagne stay on the right side, after a while you will cross the D176. Turning left (North) this is the road to Samatan, when crosasing the D626 you can turn left towards Lombez. Nicer is:
One different turn and the world changes again, each time with different beatiful views. The roads going over the hill tops are spectacular, but often quite narrow, especially when the roads have no road number. In case you (almost) get lost:
Many roads change numbers when crossing the departmental borders between Gers – Haute-Garonne. E.g. D81-D537, D119-D28,
D17-D9-D632 Short trip to SimorreGo through Sauveterre, follow road signs towards Simorre (D234, D242): this is a beautiful route in both directions. Alternative: go via the D626 (towards Lombez, after the gas station a sharp turn left towards Saramon, next to Simorre. This route give you splendid views over the "backlands"of Château de Barbet, the road is marked as picturesk on the Michelin-map (green).
The Lac de Fabas
The lake (not artificial) is in the Forêt de Fabas. The quiet is eerie. The water has, due to the surrounding trees, a blue appearance, but the water is crystal-clear. Really worth a visit. We thought it beautiful, please let me know how you like it.
To Gavarnie(despite the fact that my wife and I have been to Gavarnie several times already, 11 May was the first time we have chosen this route. It had snowed recently, and the road over the Tourmalet was still closed. Therefore we couldn't reach our goal , the Port the Gavarnie If you have driven there, would you mind email me your experience to finish of this description? Thanks in advance.) Leave the estate through the main gate, turn right towards the Pyrenees. Follow the road sign to Boulogne sur Gesse Drive through Boulogne and turn, immediately after Boulogne, to Castelnau-Magnoac On the roundabout, just before Castelnau-Magnoac, turn left, to Lannemezan Go into Lannemezan and follow the road sign to Capvern Drive through Capvern. Shortly after Capvern you will see a large castle, the castle of Mauvezin. We recommend a short visit to the castle before continuing on the same road. You might be welcomed by the country music of a middle-age minstrel, with self-built replicas of historical musical instruments. There is a good view from the top castle to the mountains and valleys that surround the castle. Continue on the main road to Bagneres-de-Bigorre. This small city has several nice terraces in its centre. Time for a refreshment or coffee? Drive on in the direction of Campan/ Pic du Midi. This is road D935 If you still have plenty of time (and don't want to spend much time in Lourdes) you could visit the observatory of Pic du Midi de Bigorre. If so, check in advance if the cable transport is in operation (phone 05 6295 5071), it can't run if there is too strong a wind. When it does go, the first departure is at 9:30 h, the last one at 16:30h. The Pic can be visited between 1 June and 30 September. Tour de France special! Continue over the Col de Tourmalet to Luz St Sauveur. In Luz turn into road D 921 in the direction of Gèdre and Gavarnie After arriving in Gavarnie there are two alternatives:
Drive back towards Lourdes. There are many nice little restaurants here, where you might take your dinner before watching the evening procession of 9 o'clock in Lourdes. Look out for sign posts indicating where the procession is held, and where you can park your car. Leaving Lourdes follow the road sign to Tarbes Subsequently, follow the road sign to Toulouse; until you can turn towards Lannemezan. From there, follow the signs for Auch until the roundabout where you get directed towards Lombez. Follow the road through Lombez until you are back at the estate. Have a pleasant trip!
Beautiful view over the hills and valleys south of Lombez on both sides of the river SaveDistance approx. 50 kilometers Itinerary: Lombez > Sauveterre > Tournan > Puymaurin > l’Isle-en-Dodon > Mirambeau > Espaon > Lombez Leave the estate through the main gate, turn right towards the Pyrenees, take the first road right again, road D234 to Sauveterre The road climbs towards Sauveterre. There are two roads through the village Sauveterre, choose the one on the right. In Sauveterre turn to the left towards Simorre. You are on the right way when you see the sign "Auberge" twice. After a while you reach a junction where the sign "Auberge 100mtr" points to the left: don't follow that sign but keep to the right. A little distance further the road makes a sharp turn to the right, with a sign to "Simorre", don't follow the sign but go straight ahead for another 30 meters, then turn left through a wooded area. You will see glimpses of the village Tournan, sometimes to your left, other times to your right. Just before Tournan the road climbs very steeply. Be very careful, because you will be, quite unexpectedly, crossing the main road D129 to Simorre. Drive through the village and keep following the road, it will be descending rapidly. After a few kilometers the road cross the D632, the road from Lombez to Boulogne. Turn right to Boulogne. Turn left at the sign to turn left for Puymaurin, that is road D55f. This road is climbing to Puymaurin. At the top, turn left and follow the road at the left side of the church to get to a small square with a small pub. if the pub is open this is a good moment for a refreshment. If you happen to order coffee the owner will cross the road to make a fresh pot in his own house! While waiting you can play a game of table-soccer. Leaving Puymaurin follow road D55 until you can turn right to l’Isle-en-Dodon. Be careful: this road is steep (18 percent) Near l’Isle-en-Dodon turn right, road D6 to l’Isle-en-Dodon, follow the signs "Centre ville". You reach the market square with a fortified church. You can continue driving (around the church), or have a look inside the church first. Drive on until a roundabout, turn left, and almost immediately go over the bridge to cross the Save. Turn left on road D81, towards Espaon. Turn right on road D81f, towards Mirambeau. This is a steep climb, which is rewarded by a beautiful view from the highest point of the village: near the water reservoir.. Go back out of MIrambeau, but at the foot of the hill don't turn right (where you came from), but left. After a few kilometers turn left, road D262, towards Espaon. In Espaon turn right, road D537 towards Lombez. After approx. 3 kilometers you see on your left a house with a large weeping willow. Turn left here to "Minoterie d’Arparens". After approx. one kilometer you go over another bridge to cross the Save. You will come back to road D632, the road from Lombez to Boulogne. Turn left towards Lombez and follow the road until you reach the estate.
Figure 1 Map of the area with the itinerary of the car trip Click on the picture to see a larger version
To the Barrage de l’AstaracDistance: 55 km The Barrage de l’Astarac came into existence in 1976 due to the building of a dam (barrage) in the river Arrats. The resulting artificial lake, approx 180 hectare large, lies, in a crow's flight, at a 20 kilometers distance from Lombez. At the southeastern shore the lake is surrounded by forest, and there are recreational facilities such as pic-nic tables. Swimming is not allowed, but this rule is often disregarded. Fishing is allowed, but only with the required permits, a ‘Carte de Peche’ and a ‘Carte des Lacs’, and only from the shores. This itinerary shows you the way to the southwestern shore, and then around the lake back to the estate.
Going there (approx. 25 km) Leave the estate through the main gate, turn right towards the Pyrenees, road D632. At the next junction (after 7 kilometers) follow the sign for Boulogne. After another 10 kilometers turn right, road D78 / D171 to Monbardon. After approx. 3.5 kilometers cross over the D12, continue to go in the direction of Monbardon. Drive through Monbardon and Monties. Approx. 2 kilometers after Monties turn left, road D283, to get into Aussos. Immediately after passing the church in Aussos turn right. After another kilometer, at a junction next to a farm, look right to see a sign pointing to a parking- and pic-nic-place. Follow the sign (one right turn plus one left turn) Driving on this road it seems it is a dead-end with a big house blocking all passage, but you will find a right turn leading to the parking place. From there you can walk to the lake and the pic-nic area. Returning (approx. 30 km) Return the way you came until you reach the junction with the farm. Don't turn left here (for Aussos) but go straight ahead. The next junction might be confusing: the road to the right (to a house) looks much better than the road to the left, nevertheless, turn left. You will see the lake to your right. When crossing a main road for the second time, turn right, road D40, which is the north-east border of the lake. After approx 4 kilometer, at the junction, take the D171 (right) to Monbardon. You will drive through Monties and Monbardon again, until you reach road D632, on which you turn left to get back to the estate.
Through the Ariége to the Mediterranean (BK)(a two day trip)Leave the Parc early in the morning, turn right on the main road, the D632. After several kilometers the road splits in two, for the next 20 kilometers you have two options:N
Shortly after the roundabout you reach a crossing, turn left, the D 635 to Aurignac. Tip for another time: In Aurignac follow the road to St. Martory (here I am not sure, I think it is the D8/D52). After arrivng in St. Martory you cross the beautifil bridge over the Garonne. The road is the D 117. This road, the D 117, continues all the way to the Mediterranean.Immediately after the bridge is a parking lot on yuor right. I recommend to park here and walk back to admire the bridge. Follow the D 117. You are now in the Ariége, going through St. Girons in the direction of Foix. On the left side of the road are several parking lots for taking a break. In Foix continue on D 117, in the direction of Lavelanet-Puivert-Quillan. At first this road isn't very interesting, after Puivert it becomes very exciting. De road will ascend very rapidly, then descend again towards Quillan. Here, on the left side of the road is a parking spot, if you park here and cross the road you have a beautiful view towards Quillan. Tip for another time: Of the whole trip I like the road from Quillan to St-Paul the most impressive. Steep mountain walls to the left, a mountain stream deep down to the right. After St-Paul-de-Fenouillet you will see the environent change. Less differences in height and a strong influence of the Mediteranean on the plants abd trees. Follow the road in te direction of Perpignan. Just before the city center turn in the direction of Canet, the end destination for the first day. During the low season you can easily find a place for the night here. We chose the “Hotel du Port”, 21 boulevard de la Jetée, a three star hotel: simple but clean. To make a reservation: tel. 04 68 80 62 44, fax. 04 68 73 28 83; internet www.hotel-du-port.net On the second day, leave Canet in the direction of St-Cyprien. With the sea on your left side, the “Etang de Canet et de St. Nazaire” o your right. with some luck you can see flamengo's here. In St-Cyprien it will get a bit difficult. You have to find the N114, the main road from Perpignan to the South. Take this road in the Southern direction. The road ascends quickly, you will have a wonderful view of the sea. The four-lane road ends shortly after Collioure. You continue on a winding road, that seems to be glued to the rocks, with a view to the sea on your left. Pay attention: after a while the road turns to the right around a rock, while you see on your left, on a parking lot, a point of sale for wine. If you are not afraid of crossing the road this is an exceelent place to enjoy the view. It is up to you what to do here: continue to Banyuls, Cerbère and Port Bou (quite tring for the driver, but very beautiful) or to return. On the way back turn left to Collioure and follow the road to the city center. My Lannoo’s guide says “Very picturesk port, loved by artists, build around a bay at the bottom of steep rocks”. After this visit to the “Côte Vermeille” we start to return. Two options:
Have a nice trip!
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