From Eylie, the GR10 climbs steeply to the spectacular wide open scenery at the Col de l’ Arech, coinciding in places with old mining pylons.
Continue readingWalking the GR10 in the Ariege, France (2 – Eylie d’en Haut→Col de l’Arech)
Category: Destinations
Walking the GR10 in the Ariege, France. (1 – Etang d’Araing→Eylie d’en Haut)
The GR 10 is one of France’s iconic walking tracks. From Hendaye on the Atlantic to Banyuls-sur-Mer in the Mediterranean, it follows the Pyrenees for 866 km, or 536 miles, in a spectacular succession of little villages, valleys, high cols and wild mountain scenery.
Continue readingMy 5 Favourite Troughs in the Ariege, France (September 2017)
Straight from the horse’s mouth: Otter tells us all about his life, and favourite watering holes, in the Ariege, France.
Continue readingCrustades in the Couserans: a corner of the French Ariege (September 2017)
The Ariege is an oft-overlooked department of France, containing the Couserans region: nestled in the fresh mountain landscape of the Pyrenees, it has a timeless beauty and charm all of its own.
Continue readingA Very Small Capital City: Exploring Vientiene, Laos (December 2016)
Vientiene is the low key capital of Laos. Situated on the banks of the Mekong, with handy overland links to Thailand, it is a pleasant introduction to the country with some interesting sights.
Continue readingCycling in the Pyrenees, Ariege, France – 6 Great Circuits (August 2017)
The Ariege is a sleepy backwater in the heart of the French Pyrenees: its principal town is St. Girons, about 2 hours south of Toulouse. The Tour de France regularly visits the department and there are many great circuits to delight both the professional and the amateur rider.
Continue readingThe Jewel in the Crown – Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos (December 2016)
Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers, Luang Prabang in northern Laos has survived turbulent times to become Laos’ must-see destination, with its unique combination of vernacular buildings and colonial-era architecture.
Continue readingA Walk in the Ariege, France: Pic Rouge de Bassies (August 2017)
The summit walk to the Pic Rouge de Bassies is one of my favourite Pyrenean walks in the Couserans area of the Ariege, France. It encapsulates all that is attractive about this mountain chain: the historic upland grazing lands, pretty lakes, stupendous views and the desolate yet starkly beautiful grey, rocky landscapes of the high peaks.
Continue readingSpoilt for Choice – Exploring Vang Vieng, Laos (December 2016)
Vang Vieng is a great stop between Luang Prabang and Vientiene in northern Laos. Its wild days behind it, it now offers a wide choice of adventure activities and there is much to explore in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Continue readingBruges: a Taste of the Good Life in Belgium (April 2017)
Beer, chips and chocolate – and a beautiful UNESCO city with great architecture and pretty canals. Bruges in Belgium hits all the right spots.
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