Information on Green Bike Pyrenees

We are an English/French family from Berkshire who moved to the Pyrenees Atlantiques seduced by the outdoor life, the spectacular mountain views and the French lifestyle, aiming overall for a better quality of life. We have been cycling for the last four years through all the local cols and we would like to share with you our experience of the local life here.

All the family is keen on sport with various backgrounds:

Nick Green has been a keen triathlete for 24 years participating in a few Iron Man and marathons. He has taken part in The Etape as well as numerous local cyclosportives. He is also a qualified British Triathlon coach, First Aid as well as, RLSS Life Saver certified. In addition to his triathlete background, he has assisted in the foundation of the Thames Valley TriStar junior Club.

Tom, our son is following his dad's footpath being part of Triathlon, cycling and swimming clubs as at 14 he is not short of energy!

Mireille is an ex 800m runner, now reconverted into cycling. She started last year to take part in cyclosportives and is now aiming at longer ones. When she is not on her bike she runs art and textile workshops from the chalet.If your partner is not keen on cycling, he or she can attend a workshop. For more information visit: www.mireillegourbin.com

Location, Location...

The Pyrenean valleys are deep and through them you can access cols opening to Spain. The Vallee d'Ossau offers a variety of landscapes from the valley to the high mountain. It is particularly wonderful with, in altititude, its protected areas such as The National Park of the Pyrenees and its famous Pic du Midi d'Ossau. This is a reserve for nature and animals that you will enjoy either walking or cycling.

25km south (30 min from Pau) and its airport
26km from the ski resorts (Gourette and Artouste)
25km from the National Park of the Pyrenees
40km from Lourdes
50km from Spain (the province of Aragon)
130km from Biarritz

We offer the ideal combination of mountains and sea sites. We receive you in our traditional chalet and because we are a small business we can cater for your individual needs.

The chalet is based in the Vallee d'Ossau, on the outskirts of the village of Louvie-Juzon at a 420m altitude, just on the track of the Tour de France! We are surrounded by cols frequently part of the Tour de France (Marie Blanque (1305m), l'Aubisque (1709m), le Soulor (1474m) and others like La Pierre St Martin (1650m), le col du Pourtalet (1794m).

Some background information on Louvie-Juzon:

The origins of the name Louvie-Juzon come from the presence of wolves in the area. Today Louvie Juzon is more known for its church where certain parts are dated from the 16th century. The Baroque organ is known as a historical monument and Louvie-Juzon is known for holding summer concerts each year with international players and choirs during the "Estives Musicales Internationales."

Within walking distance (800m), you can visit at leisure the local patisserie famous for its cakes and mousses, eat and drink at our local bar "La Taniere" or choose our local restaurant or pizzeria. Within a short drive more restaurants are offering you tempting menus in the surrounding villages.

sitting room with wood burner, TV, books to borrow, social games (such as Monopoly and cards), football table, pool table, dart board, Badminton set, cross trainer, rowing machine and 12ft round swimming pool
an outdoor terrace where you can have your breakfast or enjoy a drink
secure bike storage
bike workshop and repair facilities
possibility to wash cycling clothes for a small charge, €8 per machine load

We cater for individuals, couples, families or small groups. If your partner is not keen on cycling there is a lot to do nearby, from walking to sight-seeing or you can take the benefit of some art and textile workshops at the chalet or simply read and chill out.

If you are looking for individual challenges for the big 30, 40, 50 +. We are there to help you achieve it and reward you with your certificate. There is no small challenge each individual being different.

If as a couple, you struggle to have time to talk between the rat race and the school run, come and join us in a relaxed atmosphere, here there is hope! When was the last time you had a picnic without the kids?

is the link between the Aspe and the Ossau valley
west side from Escot is 9.3km at 7.7% (difference in height:715m)
east side from Bielle is 11.5km at 5.1% (difference in height:585m)
the col has been part of 12 Tour de France, the latest being in 2007

the col is close to the ski station of Gourette
west side from Laruns is 16.6km at 7.25 (difference in height: 1190m)
east side coming from le col du Soulor is 30.1km at 4.1% (difference in height: 1247m)
this is a favourite col of the Tour de France as it has been part of the tour 43 times, last time being in 2007

it is the link passage between the Azun valley and the Ouzum valley
it is in the straight continuation of the col de l'Aubisque
part of the Tour de France 2006

perched above the Baretous valley, it looks out over the pic d'Anie, the Spanish summits and the Béarn plains (14km at a 5.2%)
in summer its numerous trails are explored by walkers, cyclists and horse riders
in winter, it is open to downhill ski while Issarbe (5km away) is best known for cross country ski as well as snow shoes
La Pierre St Martin, has already been part of the Tour de France's third stage in the Pyrenees

it is one of the highest cols on the border between France and Spain, the Ossau valley and the val de Tena
it is close to the cirque d'Anéou and offers a spectacular view on the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2884m)

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