ACTIVITIES

WALKING

Luchon is an excellent base for walking with all levels from a stroll along the delightful riverside in the town, to serious expeditions ascending the higher summits. There is a network of good paths around the area both in the valleys and high up. The GR10 long distance path passes Luchon. Well maintained roads go up into the mountains in places and give easy access to higher level walks in summer and autumn. See also THE AREA page.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Superbagnères is one of the smaller ski stations in France, so has a very relaxed atmosphere. There are 35km of marked downhill pistes. With skiing above 2,000 metres snow cover is generally reliable. The skiing is suitable for all levels and there are very good ski school facilities.

Snowboarders will enjoy the Snow park. Snow shoeing excursions, telemark and sleigh rides are available. There are 35Km of runs with 24 pistes: 6 black, 6 red, 9 blue, 3 green and 4km cross-country.
Ski School: Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF). Tel 00 33 561 79 08 75. Lift Passes: Luchon/Superbagnères: 6 days Adult €110-127, Child (6-10yrs) €79-91. Prices are based on 2004-5. Children: Superbagnères Creche (18mths-2yrs) Tel: 0033 561799000.

PARAGLIDING

Paragliding can be tried in Luchon by taking a tandem flight with an instructor. Most people would recognize the delta-wing hang glider, but not the more numerous paraglider, or parapente, as the French call them.

A parapente is a modified parachute which glides through the air as it descends like a huge kite. It is designed to be flown from a high point of ground and the forward motion inflates it like a wind sock. On a bright sunny day you can join dozens of paragliders circling above this beautiful mountain valley. There is no need for any physical training or fitness, just a few steps downhill and you are airborne. An experience of a life-time, try it!

CYCLING

Mountain biking in the Luchon valley is excellent with over 400km of local trails. The tracks and are suitable for all levels and abilities. You can obtain a route map from the local tourist office. All routes are ranked in terms of technical and physical difficulty. The climb up to St Aventin, (route 11 on the map) and down to the Vallee d'Oueil is a spectacular scenic route with good picnic spots and leads to a 40m waterfall. Another good route is the mountain road to the Col De Peyresourde at 1569m, a regular Tour de France route, and up to the Col beside the ski resorts of Agudes and Peyragudes.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

These include golf, horse riding, canoeing, white water rafting and fishing.
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© visitluchon, updated: 20/11/06.