Walk up to the waterfall
From the village square walk through the archway next to the Hotel des Pyrenees. Follow the lane upwards as it snakes past several houses before becoming a footpath up and out of the village. At the main road continue upwards until you see the footpath to follow off to your left. Its about 20 mins from the house.
This waterfall is active most of the time and at its most ferocious when the spring meltwaters come off the mountains. Well worth a visit if just for the pleasant walk.
During the summer you can make your way up the river bed to the base of the waterfall, where it is normally deep enough for a quick dip. Its great fun and the kids love it!
Maison des Sources
Evidenced by the many drinking fountains scattered around Mauloen Barousse the local water supply is fresh and pure. The local water here is bottled and sold throughout France.
Some of the profits are ploughed back into the area at the Maison des Sources, a delightful park in the village itself. A delightful picnic spot it has built in BBQ sites, a childrens play area, a stream to mess about in, walks through the grounds and a field for ball sports.
There is also a little museum on site well worth a visit on the local history.
Getting there - Walk down to the main square and turn left following the signs to Ferrere and Port de Bales. Walk up the road for about 10 mins and the turning is off on your right.
Bramevaque Castle
This 6th century hilltop castle is a 30 minute walk. Join the path behind the Maison des Sources museum building. The shaded track passes through woodland until you join an ancient road with clearly defined walls either side, reminiscent of something out of the Hobbit before you reach the castle itself.
The castle is open all year, free to enter and well worth climbing the steps up to the rooftop turrets. The views over the Barousse valley from this elevated position are spectacular.
Walk down the other side of the castle to Bramevaque village, a quaint, peaceful place from where you can join the main road back to Mauleon if you want to make it a circular route.
Over the last 20 years, Bramevaque has hosted international volunteer projects every summer to renovate this ancient castle.
Quartier du Lac & Tennis
On the edge of the village you will find the well maintained 'Quartier du Lac'. A delightful picnic spot next to the lake with views up into the mountains and 2 reasonably well kept tennis courts for use.
From the house walk through the village past the filling station. Take the next right turn and follow the signs to Quartier du Lac. It is a 15 minute walk with parking there should you choose to drive.
The keys to open the tennis courts are held at the village shop. It is rare that both courts are used simultaneously, so it is not normally necessary to book in advance.
Pyrenees Ho!
This great adventure park is just 10 minutes away by car set in a delightful woodland surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Come and have fun among the trees with plenty to do for all ages, in fact they cater from as young as 3 years old all the way up to adults.
There are Go karts, tree walks, amazing 250m zip wire, tree top walks, Base jumps, underground maze, BMX track and much more!
