Walking
We can offer a variety of excursions including the opportunities to walk alone, or
using a professional local guide. The
GR10, GR36 and Haute Route Pyrenees all run very close to Chalet Isard and
the magnificent glacial "cirque du Cambre D’Aze" rising to 2750m can be
viewed from the lounge. Identified by red
and white markers the GR
routes are meant for anyone in good physical condition.
The GR10 has numerous shelters and refuges along its route which welcome you overnight with varying degrees of hospitality - from simple shelters through to well equipped refuges that provide full meals with wine. Summer and autumn are the best times for walking as during springtime many peaks will still be covered with snow.
Local walks include botanical discoveries in the nearby valley of Eyne in which famous botanists such as Gouan, Bourgat and Razoul worked and studied. With over 500 plants, among which are rare protected species, 30 species of bumblebee and 60 species of butterfly there should be plenty to enthral all nature lovers.
In addition to providing guide books and maps we can pre book any guide you require. We also offer transport to the start/finish of your planned local walks. With over 3000km of walks, 15 summits above 2800m, and 66 refuges in the Pyrenees Orientales region, there is plenty to inspire the walking instinct.
Climbing
There are numerous climbing opportunities around St Pierre dels Forcats including our “own” rock just 250m down the road from the chalet. Several of the local climbing sites are bolted thus reducing the amount of equipment you need.
For the less experienced climber there is a chance to try out Via Ferrata in a nearby village. This enables you to walk, scramble and climb a route while constantly attached via safety ropes to the rock face. All equipment can be hired at the site and a guide is available to lead the route.
Parapent
and Kite
Several local companies offer the opportunity to experience flight over Targassonne, Font Romeu and Les Angles. You can take lessons or simply fly in tandem with a qualified instructor. Obviously the weather plays a very important part in parapenting and you will only be permitted to fly in safe conditions. Ground training sessions are also available.
You can also try kite, mountainboarding, and buggy with a kite school operating from their base in Targassonne, near to Font Romeu.
Fishing
Fishing is very popular in this area and is available at a number of
nearby lakes and rivers.
Mountain lakes rich in salmon and rivers with trout, in addition to the
perch, carp, pike and roach to be found altogether offers fisherman the
opportunity to partake in a high tech. sporting activity or simply relax
on the banks.
Horse
Riding
We have an excellent riding centre just 1.5km from the chalet. It is possible to take out horses and trek around the area for anything from one hour to several days-including overnight bivouac. Guides are available or are happy to allow you find your own way around the locality.
Mountain
Biking
With the French VTT championships held in this region in 2001 you are assured of many routes to test your skills and fitness.
Bikes are available to hire from a number of local shops, which can also perform repairs. Specialist maps can be obtained from VTT centres and tourist offices locally to assist with route planning. We can provide transport for you and your bikes to/from venues and suggest the use of the Petit Train Jaune for a one way excursion.
Thermal Baths
If
reading about all these activities has exhausted you then consider the
wonderful calming effects of the local thermal baths. Water heated
naturally to over 50ºC is then cooled for comfort and pumped into pools
in beautiful
surroundings. You can laze in the
sun, top up the tan, laze
a bit longer in the warm waters, then
get a freshly squeezed juice from the bar. Wonderful!
All the bains have naturally sulphur heated water at about 35˚C. St Thomas and Llo have additional facilities in the form of steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis and massage available. Dorres maintains its Roman history offering simple bathing in natural surroundings.
Water Sports
A number of water sports are available locally including
windsurfing, pedalos, sailing and canoeing on
Lac Matemale. Courses are available at very
reasonable prices in both windsurfing and catamaran sailing.
You can join a group canyoning for a day with one of the local companies or try out rafting or canoeing on some wilder rivers. There is often a minimum age limit of around 10 years for these activities.
With the Mediterranean a mere 1 1/2 hours away sea sports are also within reach.