People | 6 |
Bedrooms | 2 |
Bathrooms | 2 |
Space | 968 sq. ft. |
Property type | cottage |
Minimum Stay | 2 - 7 nights |
Situated in the grounds of the resident English owner's property - they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction with their local knowledge. The accommodation sleeps 4-6 people, has an open plan ground floor, including a fully equipped kitchenette, sitting / dining area with a separate laundry room. The first floor has two good sized bedrooms. Bedroom one has a king-size bed and an en -suite shower and WC. Bedroom two has two single beds but can accommodate a third and is served by a separate shower room and WC. All rooms are heated by electric radiators. There is a small terrace with barbecue and garden furniture. Use of a shared garden with the owners and plenty of parking.
Situated in the heart of south-west France, it is one of the largest regions in the country with a landscape of ancient towns, villages, castles, Romanesque churches and inexhaustible history.
The Pyrenees is an excellent all year round destination, so when you visit depends on what you would like to do. With four clearly defined seasons, the Midi-Pyrenees enjoys temperatures of 15-35 degrees from April to October. September and October often enjoy an Indian summer climate conducive to walking and cycling, whilst profiting from the more peaceful low to mid season. With a good snow cover usually by the beginning of December we enjoy a ski season up until April.
The Valley des Gaves is one of the largest valleys running through the Parc National des Pyrenees and is still an unspoilt part of the world. It is a gateway to many world renowned heritage sites such as Lourdes, Gavarnie, Pont d'Espagne and Pic du Midi de Bigorre - an observatory at 2,886m.
Come for:-
The cycling - this area is a 'Mecca' for both road and mountain bike enthusiasts. Many of the famous climbs of the Tour de France, including Hautacam, Ardiden, Soulor, Aubisque and Tourmalet are within easy striking distance and there are up to 1150km covering 73 marked off-road routes for the mountain biker. If you find the mountains a bit fierce you can roll back out of the valley, beyond Lourdes, and enjoy the flatter countryside. We are happy to arrange bike hire or you can do this directly - two reputable and reliable companies - www.cycles-vtt-pyrenees.com (based in Lourdes - 10 mins from us) or www.wandeo.fr (based in Toulouse but happy to arrange delivery to site).
The walking - possibilities are endless - there is something for all levels of fitness. Explore this spectacular mountain area on well marked paths, which could take you on a nice gentle stroll or to the summit of the Vignemal at over 3,000 metres. Or for really serious mountain trekking there are expert guides.
The skiing - with the stations Domaine du Tourmalet, Cauterets and Luz-Ardiden within 30 minutes and the family-friendly station - Hautacam - on the doorstep, this is a great base for all your skiing requirements.
'Volets Verts' is easy to find - just a few minutes from the pretty town of Argeles-Gazost, about 10 minutes from Lourdes. We will of course forward exact directions on confirmation of your booking.
By Air: Stanstead - Lourdes (30 minutes drive) every Tuesday + Saturday. Gatwick to Toulouse and Stanstead to Biarritz (both 2 hours drive).
By Train: TGV links directly into Tarbes (30 minutes) or Lourdes (just 10 minutes) takes approximately 8 hours from Paris from which you can get the Eurostar from London Waterloo. If you are already in France our nearest SNCF station is Lourdes.
By Ferry: If you want to bring your own car without driving the entire distance Brittany Ferries sails from Plymouth to Santander or P&O Ferries sails between Portsmouth and Bilbao, but please note the drive from Northern Spain can take 3-4 hours.
Bike Bus: the 'European Bike Express' has many pick-up points throughout the UK and our nearest drop-off point is Lourdes - 30 min. by bike.
We came here in 2006 from the south east of England and have settled here with our two sons and our dog Eddie - who is always delighted to welcome new guests. And our aim is to help our guests have the best holiday possible.
Tracey Simmons purchased this cottage in 2006
Although we are just 5 minutes drive from the town of Argeles and 10 minutes from the very popular tourist attraction of Lourdes we are situated in a naturally beautiful and peaceful part of France.
The Tour de France passes through the area every year - often passing our very front door. And the possibilities for cycling, walking, skiing are endless. If you like the outdoor life - this is the place for you.
A fantastic gite, spotlessly clean and renovated to a very high modern standard but retaining all its traditional charm. Excellent location close to Argeles-Gazost and all the activities on offer in this part of the Pyrenees. Tracey and Tim live next door and are the perfect hosts - thank you for a wonderful holiday!
We were 2 couples who spent a fabulous week in early September 2016 in this lovely holiday gîte at the foot of Hautacam, surrounded by amazing scenery.
The property has been renovated to a very high standard with all modern conveniences, including good internet connection, whilst maintaining the character of the building. It was spotlessly clean, extremely well equipped and very comfortable.
Superbly situated for cyclists and walkers with a useful garage attached for storage of bikes, etc. There is a large Carrefour supermarket about 5 mins drive and a great market in Argèles Gazost which is also well serviced with shops, bars and restaurants.
The hosts, Tim and Tracey, were very welcoming and on hand to answer any questions without intruding.
If we return to this area we would definitely stay at Les Volets Verts!
En français:
Le gîte est loué par Tim et Tracey qui sont ADORABLES. Merci encore pour leur accueil. Très serviables et discrets, ils ont mis des petites attentions partout dans le logement qui font qu'on se sent bienvenus, et qu'ils ne jouent pas sur le profit, mais la satisfaction des occupants. Le gîte est neuf, d'une extrême propreté, et avec des équipements fonctionnels et complets et des literies de qualité (il y a même une buanderie!). N'amenez que vos valises car tous les petits accessoires nécessaires à une maison sont là (éponges et produits ménagers, épices, huile vinaigre, etc). Il y a aussi un petit déjeuner et une bouteille de vin (merci Tim et Tracey). Nous avons été enchantés par notre séjour, car le gîte est parfait pour aller skier dans plusieurs stations à distance raisonnable. Il y a un carrefour market à 5 min, le village à 7 min, la première station de ski (Hautacam) à 15 min. Nous conseillons cependant d'aller à Luz Ardiden. Bref ce gîte est parfait.
In english:
Just go for it, don't think twice, you won't be disappointed. Everything is so clean and perfect that I can't find any drawback to the place and the owners. Beds are comfortable and you feel like at home right away. Thanks again Tim and Tracey, you've been wonderful hosts.
Super séjour au gîte des volets verts! Les propriétaires sont adorables et disponibles, le gîte est très beau avec une décoration soignée. Situé à deux pas d'argeles et à proximité d'hautacam, c'était parfait!
Nous y avons passé un petit séjour en famille à 4. Très bon accueil. Gite très confortable, propre, très bien équipé, très bonne literie. La fourniture du linge de toilette et literie est un plus très appréciable. Bien situé pour profiter de Lourdes et de la montagne.
super week-end de Noël inoubliable,
gîte très bien équipé, chaleureux, confortable, entretien remarquable,
terrasse très appréciée sous un soleil radieux à noël, bien situé entre ville et montagne.
super accueil des propriétaires, indicatifs pour tous les loisirs. Félicitations à recommander en famille
Surrounded by mountains - Volets Verts - is situated close to the small town of Argeles-Gazost within the Parc National Pyrenees. There is plenty to do if you like the outdoors; skiing (with the Tourmalet, Cauterets and Luz Ardiden with 30 minutes drive and the Hautacam on the doorstep), walking (explore this spectacular mountain area on well marked paths transporting you on a gentle stroll or to the summit of the Vignemal at over 3,000 metres), cycling (the famous Tour de France cols - Tourmalet, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden, Soulor, Aubisque), paragliding, climbing and much more. There are also many local places of interest, including the pilgrimage site in Lourdes. It's just a 10 minute drive to the grotto from Volets Verts, where you can stay peacefully away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Or if you prefer why not spend some time relaxing at the newly renovated Spa Thermes in Argeles.
Golf: Nearest golf course is an 18 hole course at Lourdes - 10 minutes drive.
Ski: Great skiing for all levels. Hautacam is just 15 minutes drive. Cauterets, Luz-Ardiden and Grand Tourmalet all within 30 minutes drive and Gavarnie within 50 minutes drive.
Fees | No additional mandatory fees |
Refundable Damage Deposit | £217.87 |
We can accept payment by sterling or euro cheque (exchange rate confirmed on day of booking) or cash in Euro or Paypal.
Receipt of 25% deposit cheque secures booking.
Refundable damages cheque of £250
End of stay cleaning charge £50 - optional
Please note during July - August minimum stay is 7 nights.
Electricity chargeable at 10cents/kW between 15th October and 15th April.