MAISON FLORENCE
GITE ACCOMODATION IN THE WESTERN PYRENEES
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The Bearn, jewel of the Pyrenees Atlantique
Loved by the French and foreigners alike for its unspoilt rural charm, tranquility and traditional lifestyle of mountain farming, the region epitomises " La France profonde" to quote ex president Mitterand.
Inhabited since pre-historictimes, when man first found shelter in the many limestone caves, a spellunkers dream, by 600BC Pau stood on the ancient trading route between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The Romans in turn have left evidence of their occupation, and the history of the area reached its climax with the reign of Henri (subsequently Henry the second of England) and the beautiful poetess Eleanor of Aquitaine, reigning over the area from their magnificent castle in Pau.
The Bearn region still maintains and relishes its unique culture, its renowned gastronomy and historical independence including its own language, still commonly spoken.
It is famous for its cheeses, "foie gras", and "Jurancon" or 'Madiran" wines.
Dining out ranges from sampling the "garbure", a local meal of a soup which even boasts its own World championship in Oloron, to Michelen star dining at Chez Rufet or Auberge L'Abarthe.
These are mountain people who are proud of their pedigree.
For centuries the Transhumance, the seasonal migration of the cattle (Blonde Aquitaine) and horses (Patok) and sheep all clad with bells are taken up in the summer to the high mountain pastures from the lush valleys below. Trekkers will meet the "Patou" (Pyrenean Mountain dog) that are left with the flocks to protect them on their summer rambles, and maybe buy some hand made cheese from the "Bergers", hand milking their sheep from mountain huts in the high pastures.
Cirque de Gavarnie.
"Gavarnie, a mircle, a dream...." This is how Victor Hugo described these incredible rock formations in 1843. It is an astonishing sight. There are sheer cliffs, deep waterfalls and sloping snow covered ledges all surrounding this formation, 800 meters in diameter and widening at the top. The summit of which are more than 3000 meters high and it was recently declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Blonde d'Aquitaine are the local breed of cattle, bred for beef, we farm them on tour property. Making sheep's cheese is one of the other local farming specialities as well as "Foie Gras".
