Thursday, April 18, 2019

A to Z Dans Les Pyreneés Avec Des Amis

A to Z Challenge Here

(In the Pyrenées with our friends..links to their FaceBook page)

In the Pyrenées heading west from Mérens-les-Vals, is a valley with a small village, St. Bertrand de Comminges, “One of the most Picturesque villages in France.” (video below...)
On a mountain overlooking this valley, tucked among tall pines is Murmures des Arbres, a Gites and chambres d’hôtes, and they let rooms year round. 
Our dear friends/now family Jean-Paul and Anne Delmas, own Murmures des Arbres (Murmurs Among The Trees) and we try to visit them every time we go to France. Jean-Paul and my husband have known each other since high school, climbed in the Pyrenées together for over nine years, and they have remained deep friends since my husband moved to the US. His daughter is my husband's goddaughter and became family when she married my cousin! We adore them all. 
Jean-Paul is an “Accompagniateur de Montagne,” basically a licensed mountaineering guide, and Anne is an art therapist who works with children and handles the accommodation side of the business. 
In the Gite getting ready to go walking with our little one

A view near St. Bertrand de Comminges

The Cathedral in St. Bertrand, a view from our hike

Two friends together again

Their set up is a perfect combination for anyone who likes to visit/hike in the mountains. Photos of inside and out of the Gites can be found HERE.
Jean-Paul knows the Pyrenées better than most as he has grown up climbing them. He’s done high altitude climbing there and all over the world. He is now in his “retirement,” “limiting” himself to guiding instead of pushing the boundaries he used to in his younger days. This visit he introduced us to “BungyPump” walking sticks, which I absolutely love. They are different from most walking sticks because they have a band inside which makes them “pump” up and down as you walk, so no jarring your arms. They help with balance while also giving your arms a workout. Perfect.
If you ever want a getaway up in the Pyrenées mountains where you will be treated like royalty, check out Murmures des Arbres and be sure to tell them I sent you…
Along the route

Ancient walls built by farmers for their herds and fields-no-longer

Never-ending beauty

Taking a break JP and me



Missed some of my A to Z 2019 posts? Well look no further...


Oppidum D'Enserune

All photos by Buie-Collard

11 comments:

  1. What a lovely hike. The view of the cathedral through the trees is beautiful.

    My A-Z of Children's Stories

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a magic part of the world, and I know there are lots of magic places... This one is one I can get to!

      Delete
  2. Looks delightful Lisa. Didn't realise you were doing A to Z. Haven't been keeping up with people's posts, too much medical stuff going on in our lives right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so get that Jo. Glad you had time to drop by!

      Delete
  3. Simply stunning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Lael!

      Delete
  4. Hey Lisa, it's a lovely account of the hike in France. We have been to France 2 years back and just visited Paris and Annecy. However, we fell in love with France and French culture immediately. Would definitely be planning teh vist again sometime soon. Would refer to your posts definitely. Thank you for stopping by on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, really! Your site is so packed with good information. I'm glad I found you on the A to Z master list...!

      Delete
  5. Oh yes, if we ever go to Pyrenées mountains, we will definitely stay at Murmures des Arbres surely tell them that it's your recommendation!! Such a beautiful place and a great site for adventure and hiking. Thanks for sharing this part of the world with us, Lisa :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. It looks beautiful. I miss hiking around my grandparents' cabin in the Oregon Cascades. Those Bungy Pump sticks are a great idea.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for commenting on my blog. I may not always be able to respond to the comments you leave, however, I appreciate you dropping by and will do my best to visit your blog as well, if you have one!