Barèges

Barèges is a commune with 188 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Hautes -Pyrénées in the Midi-Pyrénées region. The small resort situated on the western ramp to the famous Col du Tourmalet.

Geography

Barèges located in a tributary of the Gave de Pau, which is north dominated by the Pic du Midi and south by the Pic de Néouvielle. Through the valley flows to the west of the Bastan, a small river which rises on the Tourmalet.

The nearest large towns are Luz -Saint -Sauveur, about eight kilometers to the west on Dale gateway, and Campanian, about 33 kilometers from the foot of the eastern ramp of the Tourmalet.

History

In the small mountain village of the Pyrenees has been operated until the springs were discovered and used locally for centuries extensive agriculture and animal husbandry. According to tradition, there were shepherds who noticed that sheep injured in the warm and sulphurous springs became healthy faster.

The hot springs were first in 1675 nationally known as Madame de Maintenon and Auguste I, Duke of Maine and visited son of Louis XIV, the Baths of Barèges for a cure.

In 1680 Louvois had, Secretary of State and Minister of State, in Barèges treat his broken leg. After his return to the court of Versailles, it approved a loan for the first hospital in the region and for the expansion of the thermal baths.

Economy, infrastructure and tourism

The village lies on the edge of the national park. Accordingly, the economy of the town is fully geared to tourism. In and around the village all mountain sports are offered: paragliding, hiking, biking, canyoning, caving, rock climbing, mountain biking and much more.

Barèges is also the second oldest ski resort in France and in 1936 built funicular avencierte the place a year-round tourist destination and spa. The link to La Mongie the region is the largest ski resort in the French Pyrenees.

The fabric of silk or cotton and wool called Barege was produced for the first time and therefore has its name from this place.

Demographics