Saint Lary Soulan

Set in France's Aure Valley, just 20km from the Spanish border, Saint-Lary-Soulan is a proper Pyrenean village with deep roots and a warm, lively character. The village sits at 830m on a route used by merchants for centuries, and the whole Aure Valley holds the designation "Country of Art and History" for its beautifully preserved baroque churches and stone farmhouses. An eight-minute gondola ride connects the village to the ski area at Pla d'Adet (1,700m), where 100km of pistes spread across three distinct sectors up to 2,515m, making this the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. Saint-Lary is also the lead resort in Pyrénées 2 Vallées, a four-station pass area that connects it with Peyragudes, Piau-Engaly and Val Louron across the Aure and Louron valleys, with shuttles linking the resorts.

Skiing is spread across three sectors, Pla d'Adet, Espiaube, and the Vallon du Portet, with terrain that's balanced across all abilities. Pla d'Adet is the beginner hub, with gentle greens and wide blues across sunny, open terrain. Espiaube adds north-facing tree runs that hold snow well into spring, with flowing reds that let intermediates build rhythm and cover real ground, including the 3.6km Mirabelle, one of the longest descents in the Pyrenees. The Vallon du Portet opens into steeper bowls above 2,400m with black runs, freeride terrain, and the Col du Col snowpark. Snow cannons keep key runs covered, allowing for good quality throughout the season, which typically runs from early December through to early April.

Saint-Lary's village has a noticeable blend of French and Iberian warmth. Tapas bars sit alongside traditional mountain restaurants, and the Sensoria spa and thermal baths are a natural complement to a day on the slopes. Beyond the spa, snowshoeing through the Pyrenees National Park, snowmobiling, and 10km of cross-country trails add variety, and monthly events like the Fête du Cochon Noir de Bigorre celebrate the valley's heritage with an enthusiasm that gives visitors a connection to the local culture.