More and more, our holiday destinations are chosen due to a deep desire for a change of scene. Get a change of air and the desire to discover a peaceful corner at the antipodes of our hurried and urban lives, even pushes the French people to consider another way of conceiving holidays. Many are those who practice it without being aware of it, this is ecotourism, which consists in enjoying nature without damaging the environment. Ecotourism requires adopting a specific behaviour - which should be natural to us - while adapting its activities.


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We wish to transport you directly to the heart of the mountains and clean air with a sustainable holiday in the Hautes-Pyrénées near Saint-Lary-Soulan. Let's take advantage of this special period to promote French and local consumption to support the smallest and the biggest craftsmen, farmers and shopkeepers in our regions. To start a sustainable holiday - even if it's not the easiest to find - find out about accommodation. Today many hotels, gites and guest houses welcome holidaymakers in an area built in the most ecological way. For example, the ecological gîte L'Orri de Planès near Mont Saint Louis is situated at altitude and welcomes the bravest of us, those who do the GR10, the unmissable trail circuit in the Pyrenees. The gîte proposes autonomous energy, an altitude swimming pool and local and seasonal meals. If however no offer corresponds to you, you can choose a chalet by way of chalet-montagne or on the online site AirBnB and live in the middle of the mountains in complete tranquility.



The Pyrenees like the Alps are the ideal place to try out sensational activities. Everywhere you will find rafting, canyoning, via ferrata or paragliding. There is a lot of hiking trails around the more than 2500 lakes that thrive in the mountain range. For all levels; from easy to real adventurers you will discover Lake Gaube, Lake Suyen, Ayous's Lakes or Lake Aumar. However, if you practice hiking, it requires to be attentive to the environment by following the adapted paths and not gather the vegetation. Become one with nature, abandon your car most of the time: it's the holidays, you have time!



For quieter activities, don't miss the visit of the Pyrenees animal park with an offer that proposes to put yourself in the shoes of a keeper for a day. The park offers you to discover the enclosures and to feed different species throughout the day - brown bears, marmots, lemurs. Immersive experience guaranteed !
Let's change universes and discover the highest planetarium in Europe on the Pic du Midi. The ascent is done quickly by a cable car before discovering the majestic view where you will dominate the whole Pyrenean chain. The installations are playful and allow you to discover the science of the stars without getting bored.



To perfect these holidays in beauty, limiting waste is the first step towards a responsible holiday. Enjoying nature in return means respecting it and being careful not to leave any rubbish in it. Recycling is also part of your holiday, even if you are still hesitating between two bins, in time it will come! Finally, limiting waste also means consuming locally and avoiding imported products. Take advantage of the richness of the French regions to consume the traditional dishes, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cold meets and wines that the surroundings offer you. For cheese lovers, the Pyrenees will delight you with Ossau-Iraty, Barousse cheese, Cabécou or goat's dung. It is necessary to regain strength after all these adventures !

L'Exception accompanies you to the top of your journey with a selection special hiking, leave well equipped !