Description:

Geography

Argeles-Gazost is a small spa town just south of Lourdes in the Hautes-Pyrenees department of south west France.  It is located in the valley of the Gave de Pau, at the meeting point of the valley d'Azun, valley d'Estaing and valley de Lutour.

Tourism

It is the location of Argeles that makes it special.  Although it has a casino, thermal spa and nice town centre with a small square lined with cafes and shops, these are not the real attractions.  Reminders of the past, when taking a spa cure was immensely popular, can be seen in the impressive houses around the town and the 20 hectare English style park.

The main reason for coming to Argeles is to use it as a comfortable base for exploring the area.  Just 13 km south of Lourdes, it is nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains close to six ski resorts, mountain lakes and mountain peaks.  The area is understandably popular with walkers, mountain bikers and tourists alike, offering 450 km of mountain bike route alone.  For an easier day out, there is an 8 km flat cycle route all the way to Lourdes.  For walkers, the choices are endless from serious hiking and climbing to family strolls, there is something for everybody in this area, including the opportunity to hike into Spain.

Argeles is also know for its baths, which have been providing therapeutic remedies for over a century.  Care techniques used are varied: massage, bath tub with whirlpool bath, hydro massage led bath, arm bath, jet shower, compresses, sonic aerosol, sniffing, spraying, gargle, nasal bath.

The Parc Animalier des Pyrenees has a varied collection of species from marmots to brown bears and seeks to educate as well as provide an enjoyable day out.

In the local area, there are many attractions;

Lourdes - Pilgrimage site

Cirque de Gavarnie - A huge vertical cliff face that forms the border between France and Spain

Lac d'Estaing - Picturesque mountain lake with numerous walks

Luz-St-Saveur - A beautiful spa town

Pyrenees National Park

Economy

Understandably, due to its location, tourism plays a major part in the economy but agriculture is still important, providing year round income.

Transport

By train there is a TGV station at Lourdes, 13 km north, but once there the choices become more limited.  Unless a dedicated hiker planning to walk every where or use cycles, a car is just about essential to get further into the mountains.

Flying to the area is easy, with many charter flights arriving at Tarbes-Lourdes during the pilgrimage season and Pau airport in neighbouring Aquitaine is less than an hour away.  Have a look at our travel information pages for more details.

The town has a website, but it is in French only.

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