THE AREA
The Midi and Hautes Pyrénées regions are truly mountainous, with several 3,000 metre peaks, the last remaining glaciers and many lakes. The great cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse form a rim to the Pyrenees National Park and the adjacent Réserve Naturelle de Néouvielle. The area is bursting with wildlife and the lower forested hills are dotted with villages and farms where a more traditional way of life continues.
Bize, Montrejeau and surrounding villages
Bize is a very quiet village with a small church and Marie. Continue through Bize and you'll reach Nestier (5min drive from the house) where there's a lovely restaurant 'La Castera' which serves delicious and beautifully presented local cuisine. Just beyond Nestier is a natural open air eco swimming pool 'Les Ocybelles' . The water here is naturally filtered through reed beds and you can swim alongside dragonflies and butteflies. There's also a small play park and volleyball court.
The nearest shops are in Barthe de Neste (10min drive) which has a bakery, grocer's and pharmacy.
About 20 mins from the house is Montrejeau where you'll find supermarkets and a few shops. There is a traditional market here on Monday mornings selling bread, cheese, meats, fresh fish, flowers, herbs, vegetables and baskets etc. Live rabbits, chickens, and sometimes goats are fun for children to see.
In the summer, Montrejeau lake has a designated sandy swimming area with a lifeguard. There is also a small children's play park, a restaurant and pedalos for hire on the lake.
About 15 mins from the house is Saint Bertrand de Comminges, a pretty walled village and ancient church. There are a couple of creperies, a few shops and one or two places to eat - Chez Simone's does a nice set menu during the day.
Heading south from the house you'll reach Nistos and continuing you'll reach on to Cap Neste (40 mins drive) where there is a cross country ski station. You can hire skis/snow shoes here in winter or there are walks from here accessible during the summer.
