Autumnal hiking in the Pyrenees

The months of October and November are ideal for hiking in the French Pyrenees – providing a chance to enjoy the explosion of colour before everything gets covered in a thick blanket of snow in December.

L’Ancienne Poste, a six bedroomed lodge in the village of Avajan, is owned and run by Englishman James Dealtry, who is also a professionally qualified mountain guide.

The house was originally built in 1864 and was the village post house until the late 1940's with the animals being kept on the barn side of the building.

James purchased the house in 2006 and over the last two years it has been totally renovated to a very high standard.

The price of a two night break in October or November is from €120 pp on a B&B basis which includes complimentary guided walks with James.

If a massage is required at the end of a long day’s walking, the lodge can book treatments at the Balnea Spa which is located just a short stroll away in the village.

In addition to guided walking and trekking other activities available include road cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, quad biking, pony trekking, archery, golf and gliding (some activities are dependent on the weather).

The area is well served by three main airports Pau, Lourdes-Tarbes, and Toulouse and can be accessed using low cost airlines (transfers to and from L’Ancienne Poste available on request).

For more information, visit ancienneposteavajan.com.