Bagnères-De-Luchon: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Bagnères-de-Luchon combines a history of thermal baths and Belle Époque architecture with festival traditions, markets and mountain landscapes. Those planning a stay in Bagnères-de-Luchon may wish to rent a holiday apartment for their trip.

Culture

Today’s Thermes Chambert dates back to construction that began in 1848, after the previous thermal baths building was destroyed by fire in 1841. The complex consists of a 97-metre-long wing fronted by a gallery with 28 Doric columns. In the vicinity of Luchon, iron-rich springs have been used for almost 2,000 years for their healing properties. The “Ressources & Vous” area at the Thermes de Luchon has three thermal-water pools, including one on the roof.

The Allées d’Etigny were laid out in 1762 to connect the village with the thermal baths. They are approximately 600 metres long and 30 metres wide and form a largely homogeneous ensemble featuring architecture from various styles. The Château Lassus Nestier was built in 1772 in the style of Louis XIV and is the oldest building on the Allées d’Etigny. The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption was built under the direction of the architect Loupot and completed in 1857. The Casino de Luchon is listed as a monument historique and is considered characteristic of Luchon’s Belle Époque architecture.

A living tradition is the Brandon de la Saint-Jean, a traditional folk festival celebrating the summer solstice on St John’s Day. Each year, the traditional knowledge required for this event is passed on in practice from older to younger members of the technical services of the town of Bagnères-de-Luchon. The Brandon is prepared publicly in front of the Thermes Chambert, enabling people of all ages to learn about traditional knowledge and skills.

Nature

The Les Étangs de la Frêche hike in Bagnères-de-Luchon is a difficult 9.3-kilometre circular route with 707 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the Hospice de France, follows a shaded path alongside the mountain stream through the forest and reaches the Étangs de la Frêche. Luchon Superbagnères offers panoramic views over the Luchon Valley and of the Pyrenees’ three-thousand-metre peaks, including Aneto. In summer, the activities mentioned there include hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, climbing and trail running. The Circuit des Crêtes passes by the Crabioules chairlift and offers a 360-degree panorama with an orientation table.

Winter sports

The École du ski français Luchon Superbagnères offers children and adults courses in alpine skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing throughout the winter, as well as group and private lessons.

Food and drink

The Marché de Luchon offers local produce, historic market halls and gâteau à la broche. The market takes place around a market hall dating from around 1896, decorated with ceramics and colourful friezes.

Transport

The reopening of the railway line between Montréjeau and Luchon has been announced.

Further destinations: Gagnac-Sur-Garonne, Fronton, Montgaillard-Lauragais, Cassagnabère-Tournas, Melles, Gaillac-Toulza, Boutx, Puysségur

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Haute-Garonne.