MAAD Films

In the heart of the Pays Toy

The Valley of Luz

4 saisons
Relaxation
In nature
Sport and thrills

Beyond a simple valley, the Luz valley is the keystone of an entire country, the “Pays Toy”. The latter extends from Barèges to Gavarnie passing through the charming little villages of the surroundings to finally find in Luz much more than a point of convergence. This valley rich in a beautiful historical heritage also shines with its effervescence and vitality in all seasons. It is like its inhabitants: sparkling and warm. Between ski station, Baths and local life, it's a whole art of living that awaits you in this country!

Luz-Saint-Sauveur

A VILLAGE IN THE HOLLOWS OF THE MOUNTAINS

Crossroads of the Gavarnie Valleys, Luz-Saint-Sauveur is a pretty little village in the hollow of the mountains, 677 meters above sea level. It is an ideal stopover for strolling along the narrow streets where the old walls contrast perfectly with the more modern buildings. Its architectural heritage, largely influenced by Napoleon III, takes you on a journey through the history of the Luz of yesteryear.

Château Sainte-Marie

REMAINS FROM THE MIDDLE AGES

Perched 630 meters above sea level, the remains of the St. Mary's castle take us back to medieval times. Although there are only two defense towers, these dress the landscape with their old stones and allow you to enjoy from their foot a clear view of the villages below: Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Esquièze-Sère and Esterre .

Tristan Buchot

Visit of Château Sainte-Marie in Luz-Saint-Sauveur in the Pyrenees

Château Sainte-Marie overlooking the Luz Valley

The Solferino Chapel

ON THE HEIGHTS OF LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR

Built in 1859 on the orders of Napoleon III, this pretty chapel perched on its promontory overlooks Luz-Saint-Sauveur and offers a lovely view of the surrounding area.

It is accessed from the village, its location is ideal for a small improvised picnic or for a simple walk.

Saint Andrew's Church

Known as “the Templars”

This fortified church located in the heart of Luz-Saint-Sauveur is worth a look! Walking through the old quarter, you can't resist the urge to go inside. We wander around its ramparts to discover their little secret corners then we continue the visit with the interior of the very well preserved church. This visit is as pleasant in summer as in winter, when the peaks are snow-capped.

Napoleon Bridge

HIGH PLACE OF BUNGEJUMPING

This imposing bridge fits perfectly into the landscape of the territory. Its so representative red “N” refers to Napoleon III who, during his visit to the valleys, ordered the construction of this building.

In summer, many people go there to live a unique experience: the Bungee jumping.

The hilltop villages

THE AUTHENTICITY OF TOY COUNTRY

Here, the villages follow each other, but are not alike. Each of them is a new reflection of the surrounding mountains. Depending on the season, these villages are transformed and rediscovered again and again. Each stone and each slate is a fragment of history, that of the people who shaped these places and who contributed to their wealth. Enjoy the panorama from the St. Mary's castle, let yourself be guided during the visit of the mills of Sazos, contemplate the religious monuments, stroll through the flowery alleys of Viscos…

Esterre, Esquièze-Sère, Vizos, Viscos, Saligos, Sazos, Chèze, Grust or even Sassis: local village names that are worth the detour! As you will have understood, each of these small villages is an invitation to discover a new facet of the Pyrenees, the opportunity to take part in the local cultural life and to appreciate its charms and its joviality.

Visit three of these villages

Visit of a Pyrenean village above Luz-Saint-Sauveur

The activities

ESCAPE INTO THE OUTDOORS

Luz is also the starting point for many activities. Hikes on foot or by bike, skiing, snowshoeing, zip lines and many other sporting moments await lovers of the great outdoors.

Luz Ardiden Station

Friends doing a snowshoe hike in the mountains

Anthony Garcia

Snowshoe walk above in the resort of Luz Ardiden

Melanie Mengarduque

Luz on hikes and snowshoes

Occasional walkers looking for easy short walks can take advantage of the pretty walk to discover the remarkable monuments of Luz. For the great explorers in search of altitude, there are in the valley a multitude of places to escape by summer : Pic du Bergons, Pic du Viscos, Lac de Bastampe...

Hiking in Luz

En winter, it is good to put on your snowshoes and set off to meet the expanses of white snow with the guides and mountain guides.

Turning in the powder snow on skis in the resort of Luz Ardiden

Skiing in Luz Ardiden

In skiing, the Luz Ardiden station welcomes the novices like most confirmed for great days of skiing. On the Aulian side, little skiers can practice in the beginners' area while the more seasoned can try their hand at the snowpark. The Béderet sector offers beautiful slopes for more sporty moments with a panorama clear.
Finally, fans of freeride will be able to set off in the company of guides and instructors on the descent of Bernazaou with its 1250 m drop. To end these eventful days, why not treat yourself to a wellness break at Luzea ?

Discover Luz Ardiden

Anthony Garcia

Fill up on sensations

If the Pont Napoléon is a feast for the eyes, it is also the ideal spot for a baptism of the void. From the top of its 65 meters, lovers of thrills pump up their adrenaline by jumping into the void, hanging from the end of a rubber band. A unique moment!

Still in the sensation category, Luz Zipline makes us visit the gorges of Luz from an unusual angle. Between zip lines, nepalese bridges et via via ferrata, it is a course of 2km over the water that opens in front of us.

Zipline course and Via Ferrata above the Gave de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees

Ride on mythical roads

The Luz valley also shines with its proximity to legendary passes such as the Ardiden, the Tourmalet in Barèges or the Col des Tentes in Gavarnie. These will delight cyclists looking for new challenges.

These roads mythical are also ideal for motorcyclists who are looking for pleasant outings during which they can be amazed.

Spotlight on...

Jazz in Luz

Every year in July, a four-day Jazz festival takes place in the heart of the mountains. Fanfares, musical walks, or even aperitif-concerts await the curious and music lovers in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Programming