Petites Pyrénées Couladère
Self catering accommodation for 1 to 4 adults (or a family), located on the edge of the French Pyrénéan mountain range. The immediate area is called the Petites Pyrénées and is ideally suited for cyclists, hill walkers, artists and bird watchers. The house is situated on the outskirts of Couladrère village with views of the snow capped Pyrénéan mountains to the south and overlooking the busy market town of Cazères to the north. We are conveniently located for Toulouse airport (63km). Other airports in the region include: Tarbes (113km); Pau (151km); Carcassonne (145km).
Cyclosportives: For those interested in cyclosportives there are many in the region. There are events taking place almost every two weeks from March to October. Some of the better known events are: L'Ariégeoise, La Marmotte d'Olt, La Barousse-Balès, La Fabio Casartelli, La Hubert Arbes, Le Défi Pyrénéen, La Tarbaise. See Cyclosport.com for a calendar of cyclosportives in the midi-pyrénées region.
Pro-Cycling: In addition to being convenient to the Pyrénnéan Stages of the Tour de France we are also ideally located for watching the UCI 4 day stage race La Route de Sud. This race takes place in June each year and is held over four stages in the Midi-Pyrénées. In August there is also the UCI three day Tour des Pyrénées. These are your chance to get close to many of the top professional teams taking part without the crowds and tight security associated with the tour de France.
Skiing: January and early February is the best time for skiing. After the students go back to University and before the mid-February holiday breaks. During this period the ski resorts are empty Monday-Friday. However, we are not located close to any of the Pyrénéan ski resorts, it is 45min drive to the nearest. It is worth considering mixing some skiing into a winter cycling holiday.
Nature: Pyrénéan wildlife includes: izard, marmot, boar and different species of eagles and vultures. Because the mountain areas are protected there is a unique range of flora - more than 250 species of wild flowers cover the mountain sides from May through to September.
Birdwatching: The Pyrénées is ideal for birdwatching. Species include: Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Osprey, Black Kite, Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Capercaillie, Tengmalms owl, Eagle Owl, Lammergeier, Citril Finch, Subalpine Warbler, Alpine Accentor, Rock Thrush, Golden Oriole, Black Wheatear, Rock Sparrow, Hoopoe, Green woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, White Backed Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker and many, many more.
Cycle Touring: Couladére is an ideal base to explore the foothills of the Pyrénées by bicycle. Traffic is light and the peaceful roads are ideal for enjoying the picturesque scenery. There are some flat routes, but in general the area is quite hilly. For novice riders it is easy to choose routes that avoid the high mountains.
Local cycle routes: Le Parcours cyclable du canal de Garonne (Toulose to Saint Rustice) and L’axe de la Vallée de la Garonne (Toulouse to Luchon). These signposted routes pass through Couladère village and are on either quiet back roads or dedicated cycle paths with a tarmac surface.
Hill Walking: the choice is yours: walking in the wooded foothills, exploring the petite villages of the valleys or hiking up the high Pyrénéan mountains. In the high mountains the scenery is breathtaking, but don't overlook the many forest walks found in the Petites Pyrénées.
Moving to France: thinking about moving to France? Then why not benefit from our experiences. You can stay with us while you house hunt and visit local agencies. It is unlikely that you will find your dream home surfing the internet, your chances are greatly increased by visiting the region that you are interested in and getting to know the agents.
Family Holidays: spend your days mixing with the French at the local lido or picnicking and swimming at the lake in St Croix Volvestre. Visit the prehistoric caves in the Ariège or have a day out at the Safari Park near Toulouse. Visit the local markets to select fresh organic produce for your home cooked family meals. There are plenty of healthy outdoor family activities throughout the region.
Fishing: The abundance of fish is another attraction in the Pyrénées. The fishable waters in the area are exceptionally diverse, ranging from the large slow moving Garonne river to small mountain streams to high altitude lakes accessible only by foot. Some of the lakes and rivers are stocked, but those higher up contain mainly wild, brown trout. Fishing is popular among local inhabitants but has not become a tourist industry. See the FAPPMA website for details maps, permits and regulations.
