21.07
2011 Mountain activities

« I come from this region, and I know it by heart! »

Jacky Iralde, director of Club Belambra « Lou Sarri » in the Gourette station, located in the heart of the Pyrenees at an altitude of 1440 metres, loves her region.  Here, she tells us about this exceptional location, where meetings and discoveries, for parents and children alike, take place every day.

« I come from this region, and I know it by heart! »

Jacky Iralde, director of Club Belambra « Lou Sarri » in the Gourette station, located in the heart of the Pyrenees at an altitude of 1440 metres, loves her region.  Here, she tells us about this exceptional location, where meetings and discoveries, for parents and children alike, take place every day.

France Montagnes: « Lou Sarri » is in an incredible location, in the heights of the Ossau Valley, at the edge of the Pyrenees national park…

Jacky Iralde: « Lou Sarri ». It is the izard, the cousin of the chamois (a goat-antelope species native to mountains in Europe).  Our club is at the heart of the Gourette corrie, surrounded by mountains.  The environment is incredible, one can really feel the force of the mountains.  We are in a place which combines both untamed nature and pastoral landscapes. It is an authentic mountain station, which for a long time was not necessarily open in the summer.  One can go and see the sheep being milked, at around 4 or 5 in the morning.  One watches, without disturbing the shepherd.  The proximity leaves a strong impression.  What is special about « Lou Sarri » is its base-camp concept, offering direct access to the mountains.  One can access a wide variety of activities and discover what the region has to offer, and then come back to the club for an evening among friends.  Whether our guests come for athletic activities or just to relax; alone, with family, or with friends, each can choose his own rhythm.

FM: And everything is organised in order for kids and their parents to have a great holiday…JI: The family vacation is a very special time that allows families to reconnect.  But that is not all…for kids, it is also an opportunity to make new friends and participate in many different supervised activities in a secure, two-hectare area. The activities and facilities are adapted to each age group.  We are careful to also allow parents to enjoy their holidays at their own rhythm, alone or with the kids.  For the kids, we propose an Indian theme, a meeting with our mascot Léo, Léo´s party, clowns, puppets, and weekend performances.  Teenagers can enjoy a range of activities during the day, such as climbing school.  For them we also created the « spot », an ultra-modern space to meet up at the end of the day, with a cinema screen, dance floor, and musical atmosphere. 

FM: What are the benefits for the lucky kids who spend their vacation at « Lou Sarri »?

JI: First and foremost, meeting new friends, it is magical for kids.  On the first day they do not know each other and sometimes feel unsure.  By the end of the week, friendships abound.  Kids have the benefit of spending quality time with their families during the vacation, but also creating different « bubbles », one for parents and one for friends.  Parents get to know each other as well, often thanks to their kids.  All of these different relationships evolve over the course of the week depending on the rhythm and the programme of each day.  In addition, kids learn about the values and spirit of the mountains and discover the natural wealth, learning about the flora and fauna.  Kids enjoy the benefits of an immediate contact with the environment supervised by a monitor.  The whistle of the marmots, the sheep coming down from the pasture, the stories of the bears of the Pyrenees…

FM: There is also the « night of wonder », a unique way to discover the Aubisque pass in the night…

JI: It is an amazing adventure.  We climb to thdisce pass using a headlamp, our feet on the ground but our eyes on the stars!  On nights when the moon is full, it is really exceptional.  This outing is open to families, for kids 6 and up.  We observe the sky, and our guides, who are also exceptional storytellers, delight us with the tales of the land.  There are regional products to taste along with a glass of Jurançon.  It is truly a delicious moment !

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