Aragnouet includes Piau-Engaly, a resort for winter and summer sports. The Chapelle des Templiers was part of a complex with a hospice for travelers at the mountain passes, which has since been destroyed. The RĂ©serve naturelle nationale du NĂ©ouvielle draws attention to landscapes shaped by the Ice Age and to rich biodiversity. When looking for accommodation in Aragnouet, you can first consider whether active pursuits, heritage or nature exploration will shape your trip.
Sports activities at Piau-Engaly
Piau-Engaly is a winter sports resort at an altitude of between 1,850 and 2,600 meters. It caters to families, athletes, mountaineers and fans of nature-based winter sports. The altitude and the groups it welcomes provide a clear picture of its sporting focus.
Family areas at Piau-Engaly include the Jardin des découvertes, the Jardin des neiges, the Aire de la marmotte and a toboggan run. In summer, Piau Aventure offers a Corde-Game adventure course and an orienteering course. As the seasonal program may change, check which activities are scheduled for your travel dates before you go.
Edénéo features a 130 m² balneoludic pool, a hammam, a sauna, hydromassage jets, whirlpools and heated benches. It brings together water and thermal experiences in a dedicated leisure area. This is a different focus from Piau-Engaly’s sporting orientation, which you can bear in mind when planning your trip.
The Chapelle des Templiers and the history of travel over the passes
The Chapelle des Templiers was built between 1160 and 1170. It belonged to a complex that included a hospice, which has since been destroyed. The Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem ran the hospice until the 17th century; it could provide shelter to travelers crossing the passes. For those interested in historic travel routes, the site offers not only a history of the building but also an account of the hospice’s former role in accommodating travelers.
The chapel is partially protected as a historic monument. The protection was established on January 3, 1939, and February 6, 1952. The timeline distinguishes three stages: construction in the 12th century, the history of the hospice up to the 17th century, and the later protection dates.
Landscapes and biodiversity of the RĂ©serve naturelle nationale du NĂ©ouvielle
The RĂ©serve naturelle nationale du NĂ©ouvielle offers nature exploration amid a striking range of elevations, from 1,800 to 3,091 meters. Granite cirques shaped by the Ice Age, moraines and 70 lakes define its landscape. The reserve is also home to at least 1,250 species of vascular plants and 180 animal species; examples mentioned include the Pyrenean desman, capercaillie and isard. Today, the RĂ©serve is an important destination for hikers exploring nature.
The elevations and landforms describe the terrain, while the species numbers convey its biological diversity; together, they offer different ways to experience the RĂ©serve. In choosing a theme for your trip, this is a different focus from the sports activities at Piau-Engaly: here, the emphasis is on landscapes and species, while there it is on sporting activities.
Discover more destinations: Créchets, Pinas, Saint-Savin, Odos, Vic-En-Bigorre, Argelès-Gazost, Betbèze, Villelongue.
For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Pyrénées.
