Nestled in the spectacular French Pyrenees mountains is the historic 300 year old Maison D’Maitre Le Belvedere. Favoured by the rich and famous, this is a region of renowned natural beauty that puts the very best of the Pyrenees Atlantiques at your fingertips.
Offering an intense authentic French style experience in the Haute Pyrenees Vallée d'Argelès-Gazost, Le Belvedere is the perfect location from which to experience the intensity of the Haute Pyrenees has to offer. The seasons, landscapes, mountains, streams and villages are adorned with unique and different appearances. The light is ever changing and the charming atmosphere seems almost suspended out of time… whilst everything else happens elsewhere at full speed.
Set on a stunning one acre property in Salles Argeles with a location that commands exhilarating mountain views, Le Belvedere has it all. The alfreso/deck area features a gas BBQ, day beds and outdoor dining. A raised deck overlooks the swimming pool and lawned area of the lower gardens which are shaded by giant Horsechestnut trees.
Every room at Le Belvedere offers something magical. The Grand Salon is the perfect place to relax with a glass of port in front of the open fireplace, while the living room on the first floor with its big flop couches, entertainment system and extensive DVD library is the ideal place to unwind with family and friends after a day of site seeing. Each of the bright and airy bedrooms has its own private ensuite with a guest powder room on the ground floor for your convenience. On the first level, the regal master suite features original chestnut parquetry floors, soaring ceilings, antique furnishings and adjoining anti-room with small single bed. Also on the first level is the queen bedroom. On the top floor is a triple bedroom (three single beds) and double room (a double bed and single bed) both with quaint dorma windows that offer breath taking views out across the valley.
Built from local stone and chestnut wood and finished in walnut, Le Belvedere has remained largely in its original state over its 300 year history with very little restoration work needed. Le Belvedere has been a government building, local council house, school, and private residence. The 300 year old wooden staircase is heritage listed for its unique construction as it is entirely free standing without vertical support beams. In 1995 Jean-Marc and Dominique Crampe purchased Le Belvedere and took on a 12 year labour of love, returning it to its original glory. In 2006 Robynne McTaggart purchased Le Belvedere opening the house to special guests from all over the world who are able to enjoy this historic home, restored in all its magnificence with the added luxury of modern day conveniences.
The French Pyrenees is the last remaining wilderness in southern Europe that is as well known for its stunning mountain scenery and beautiful countryside as it is for its distinctive Basque influenced cuisine. The beautiful location of Salles Argeles puts the very best of the Pyrenees at your fingertips. Nestled in the mountains amongst rolling cornfields, the village is home to Le Belvedere. Offering authentic French style, family accommodation in Vallée d'Argelès-Gazost, LeBelvedere is the perfect location from which to experience the best that Haute Pyrenees has to offer including canyoning, hiking, cycling, skiing, exploring the area’s history, a family reunion, a wedding party or a pilgrimage to the historic location of Lourdes.
Le Belvedere is a significant part of the heritage of the 11th century village of Salles located within the ancient noble Fiefdom of Arzaas and was the most important of the 10 villages in the Valley.At the heart of village is the Chateau of Arzaas which is still in use today, and aside from the few new residences, much of the village has remained unchanged for centuries. During this time each village was linked by the small paths, still in existence today, suitable only for walking and it was this foot traffic that led to the importance and name of the village. In the 14th C a new path constructed suitable for carts to Argeles Gazost where the farmers market had stood since the 12th C and consequently the well-used paths in the Valley of Bergons were bypassed through Argeles. These paths to Salles became less used and more neglected in favour of the cart path through Argeles-Gazost which in time became the principle village in the valley. However as Salles was still the seat of the Nobles of Arzaas, their chateau and lands situated in the heart of the village, Salles still remained the second most important village in the Valley. Like many of the Pyrenean mountain villages, Salles is still linked to nearby villages via a network of walk trails that cut through forests, crop fields and streams... well worth exploring.
Aside from offering comfortable accommodation close to Lourdes, LeBelvedere's location also offers range of incredible experiences in the spectacular Pyrenees. Everything from ski stations, restaurants, street markets, adventure parks and world famous events like Tour de France are all right on your doorstep. It really is an adventure playground for the whole family, with everything from downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking and sleigh dogs through to white water rafting or fishing, you can experience it all in the Vallees des Gaves. With no less than six ski stations, countless historic cathedrals and spectacular natural attractions close by, we’ve listed our guests top 10 local attractions on our website.
Tour de France
Le Belvedere is located at the heart of the famous Pyrenees Tour de France circuit and is less than 30 minutes from the Col du Tourmalet mountain pass, making it the ideal family friendly cycling accommodation in the Pyrenees. With private ensuited rooms, multiple living areas and well equipped kitchen, Le Belvedere is a popular choice for cycling groups looking for a convenient, comfortable and well appointed base from which to experience the ultimate cycling challenge.
