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| 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.
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| In the Gite getting ready to go walking with our little one |
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| A view near St. Bertrand de Comminges |
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| The Cathedral in St. Bertrand, a view from our hike |
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| 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…
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| Along the route |
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| Ancient walls built by farmers for their herds and fields-no-longer |
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| Never-ending beauty |
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| 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
What a lovely hike. The view of the cathedral through the trees is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy A-Z of Children's Stories
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!
DeleteLooks 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.
ReplyDeleteI so get that Jo. Glad you had time to drop by!
DeleteSimply stunning.
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DeleteThanks Lael!
DeleteHey 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.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, really! Your site is so packed with good information. I'm glad I found you on the A to Z master list...!
DeleteOh 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 :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful. I miss hiking around my grandparents' cabin in the Oregon Cascades. Those Bungy Pump sticks are a great idea.
ReplyDelete