France

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=190 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03e8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="0458e5d0.png" border=0 width="142" height="93" ALT="Wu Shi Dancing Dragon" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dakare.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dakare.com"><U><B>Home (Main Site)</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dakare.com/Movies/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dakare.com/Movies/"><U><B>Dakare Movie Clips</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dakare.com/MedCruise/cruising.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dakare.com/MedCruise/cruising"><U><B>Cruising </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dakare.com/Cruising1999/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dakare.com/Cruising1999/index"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" 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ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Summer 2006</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dakare.com/CY2007/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dakare.com/CY2007/"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">CY2007</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CY 2008"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">CY2008</B></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">France</B></div> <div> <A HREF="balearics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Balearics"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Balearics</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="gibraltar.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gibraltar"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Gibraltar</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="madiera.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Madiera"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Madiera</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="canaries.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canaries"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Canaries</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="verde.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Caper Verde"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Caper Verde</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <B>France</B></div> <div> <B>France</B>   |   <A HREF="balearics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Balearics"><U>Balearics</U></A>   |   <A HREF="gibraltar.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gibraltar"><U>Gibraltar</U></A>   |   <A HREF="madiera.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Madiera"><U>Madiera</U></A>   |   <A HREF="canaries.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canaries"><U>Canaries</U></A>   |   <A HREF="verde.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Caper Verde"><U>Caper Verde</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>W</B></I></FONT>e named our home here in Esparros <B>"La Savonniére" </B>reflecting the nature of the ancient wash basins built into the stone floors (Arruscadé) in our home.  During our winter stay here we built a wine cave and totally redid our back and front yards.  In addtion, we made many upgrades to the interior of the house, including a second fireplace and a new staircase.  Despite all of that, we did take time out to do other things than work:.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="813" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF80 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 352 ><NOBR><div> <B>About our location in France</B></div> <div>  <B>France</B>--><B>Midi-Pyrenees </B>--><B>Hautes-Pyrenees</B>--><B>Les Baronnies</B>--><B>Esparros</B>--><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>La Savonniére</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Towns and Places in the </B><A HREF="http://www.pyreneesguide.com/cats.asp?cID=18" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.pyreneesguide.com/cats.asp?cI"><U><B>Midi-Pyrenees</B></U></A><B>  </B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="344" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFCC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 240 ><NOBR><div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="152" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="148"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ariege     </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="148"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Bagneres</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Comminges</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="148"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Esparros</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="148"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Foix</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Haute Garonne</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="148"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Guchen, Vallee d’Aure</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Lannemezan</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="200" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Les Baronnies</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Lourdes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Parc National des Pyrenees</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pays de Sault</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Saint Girons & Saint Lizier</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tarascon sur Ariege</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tarbes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="196"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Toulouse</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="773" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 546 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="08b62cd0.jpg" border=0 width="354" height="461" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Esparros & the Baronnies Vally with </B></div> <div> <B>Pic du Midi in the background</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="08d125e0.jpg" border=0 width="274" height="350" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>The Baronnies Coat of Arms</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="419" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="407"><div> <B>Local Weather Information</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="407"><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <A HREF="http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:8583339" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages."><U><B>here </B></U></A>to see the Average Monthly Weather Conditions</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <A HREF="http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocations=wc:8565929" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealoc"><U><B>here </B></U></A>to see the Current Weather Conditions</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <A HREF="http://weather.msn.com/localmaps.aspx?&wealocations=wc%3a8565929&map=14" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://weather.msn.com/localmaps.aspx?&w"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> </B>to see the Precipitation Forecast</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="203" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFCC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 122 WIDTH="191"><div> <B>View a 3 minute introductory film on the  <a href="HTMLobj-113/HautesPyrenees.wmv" target="_blank"><u>Hautes-Pyrénées</u></a>  </B></div> <div> <B>Please Note:  </B>Depending upon your connection speed, this may take a bit of time to download (as much as a minute or so) but we think you might like it!</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Flowers:  </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>W</B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >ild and domesticated flowers abound in the in this region of the Pyrenees. The pastures and mountainsides are completely carpeted with Alpine daiseys, purple Pyrenean irises, wild blue aquilegia, indigo gentians, silver thistles,  yellow gentians, maroon fritillaries, pink orchids, white asphodels, white Pyrenean buttercups and scented narcissi, ramonda, clusters of Pyrenean white and pink saxifrage and of course, thyme. La Savonniére's walkways (built out of rose stone from Brazil and yellow stone from the River Lot) are lined with Lavender and its fragrant aromatic scent can e enjoyed each time you walk up and down our paths.</FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="08f60080.png" border=0 width="352" height="264" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="09460080.png" border=0 width="352" height="264" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="0965ffd0.png" border=0 width="351" height="253" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="09861fd0.png" border=0 width="353" height="253" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="682" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF80 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 307 ><NOBR><div>  <img src="HTMLobj-114/aniGif.gif" alt="La Savonniére Flowers" border="0" align="bottom" width="300" height="300">  </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="092632d0.png" border=0 width="355" height="301" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="320"><div> <B>Flora of the Barronies</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="343"><div> <B>Camelia</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 402 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="075158c0.jpg" border=0 width="277" height="396" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0771a8c0.jpg" border=0 width="282" height="396" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="320"><div> <B>Cascade de Pointhil - Waterfall in Esparros</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B>Mediterranean Fountain - La Savonniére</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 238 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="079e1e70.png" border=0 width="225" height="231" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="343"><div> <B><IMG SRC="07be0e50.png" border=0 width="224" height="229" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="320"><div> <A HREF="http://www.plant-encyclopedia.net/2312-leucanthemopsis-alpina.aspx" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.plant-encyclopedia.net/2312-l"><U><B>Alpine Daisy - Apenmargerite</B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="343"><div> <A HREF="http://caliban.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/thome/band4/tafel_129.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://caliban.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stuebe"><U><B>Silver Thistle - Carlina Acaulis</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 241 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="07d12ea0.png" border=0 width="274" height="234" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="07f1ce90.png" border=0 width="284" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="320"><div> <A HREF="http://www.nybg.org/botany/mori/ecotours/Dolomites/Dolomites07_flyer.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nybg.org/botany/mori/ecotours"><U><B>Mountain Azaela - Rhododendron ferruginea</B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="343"><div> <A HREF="http://www.iberianwildlife.com/wildlife-books/travellers-nature-guides-spain/plants-fungi.htm#top" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.iberianwildlife.com/wildlife-"><U><B>Saxifraga Praetermissa</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Hikes</B></I></div> <bR> <div> There are many hiking and biking trails very close to La Savonniére, some as close as our front door.  Below we provide a small sample of a few of those hikes to give you a feel for the area.  Needless to say, these snapshots are only a small sample of all that is available.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Examples of the Hikes Near La Savonniére (Google Earth)</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="04d8a080.jpg" border=0 width="650" height="520" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="280" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#330066 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000ff00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cascade Hike           </B><B>Click Here</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ff00ff00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Valley Hike                </B><B>Click Here</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000ff0000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Mountain Hike          </B><B>Click Here</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000ffff00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Labastide Hike         </B><B>Click Here</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0ffff0000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Movie Film Hike        </B><B>Click Here</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="268"><div> <A HREF="http://www.google.com/earth/download-earth.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.google.com/earth/download-ear"><U><I><B><IMG SRC="04ea0300.png" border=0 width="160" height="48" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></U></A><I><B> </B></I></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Valley Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="04f586e0.jpg" border=0 width="600" height="366" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The GR 58 is shown in yellow highlight.  </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>An alternative is to take the purple leg if one likes.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> This hike, officially labeled the GR58 (Marked with one Red and one White Stripe), starts immediately outside our home and circumscribes the valley around  Esparros.  The hike is rated very easy and is entirely on Chemins (local lanes).  It is likely that you can do the entire hike in about 1 hour without ever seeing a motorized vehicle.  The hike takes one past the Marie's Office, the local ceramicist, the restaurant & bar (good for a refresher) and all the beautiful views of the Baronnies valley in the vicinity of Esparros.  One can expect to see owls (Hiboux) and birds of many species, horses (Cheveaux), cows (Vasches), sheep (Mouton), fox (Renard), deer (Venaison), and wild boar (Sanglier.)  When we came across the sangliers, they were in a small group of about 6-7 and they were as surprised to see us as we were them.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="582" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 24 ><NOBR><div> <I><B>Option:  The Esparros Hike can be seen in Google Earth (GE) </B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Hike 3.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Hike 3.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see this hike's profile  </B></I></U></A><I><B> (See Notes below)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="570"><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Hike 5.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Hike 5.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see the start / end point of the hike</B></I></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 32 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Village.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Village.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see pictures of La Savoniére in GE </B></I></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>(This could take a few seconds)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 1:</B></I></FONT><I><B>  </B></I><I>Don't forget to use the Navigational Control (Upper Right Hand Corner) in GE to tilt the view and see the 3D elevations! </I></div> <div> <I>For best views we suggest changing the elevation exaggeration value in GE to a 3 under the Tools / Options menu</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 2:</B></I></FONT><I><B>  </B></I><I>Take the </I><I><B>Magic Carpet Ride</B></I><I> - In GE, Click on Tools/Take Tour twice</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Pictures Taken from the Hike</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05040d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05140d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05240d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05340d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05440d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05540d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05640d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05740d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros_cascade_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Cascade Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="582" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 24 ><NOBR><div> <I><B>Option:  The Esparros Cascade Hike can be seen in GE</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="570"><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Cascade Hike.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Cascade Hike.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see this hike's profile   </B></I></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Village.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Village.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see pictures of La Savoniére in GE </B></I></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>(This could take a few seconds)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Pointhil Cascade in Esparros</B></I></div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="05877f40.png" border=0 width="375" height="500" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>Cascade Pointhil d'Esparros</B></div> <div> <B>in Esparros, Hautes-Pyrénées (France)</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> </B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros_mountain_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Mountain Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Another hike in the area that starts at the front door of La Savonniére.  Half of it is through the woods on dirt trails, the other half is on paved lanes / roads.  This is very advantagious in that one can do this hike countrcockwise from our doorstep and return downhill on paved surfaces.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="0593a060.jpg" border=0 width="570" height="518" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="582" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 24 ><NOBR><div> <I><B>Option:  The Esparros Mountain Hike can be seen in (GE)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Mountain Hike Trail.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Mountain Hike Tra"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see this hike's profile   </B></I></U></A><I><B>(See Notes below)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="570"><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Mountain Start.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Mountain Start.km"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see the start / end point of the hike</B></I></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 32 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Village.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Village.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see pictures of La Savoniére in GE </B></I></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>(This could take a few seconds)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 1:</B></I></FONT><I><B> </B></I><I> Don't forget to use the Navigational Control in GE to tilt the view and see the 3D elevations!</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 2:</B></I></FONT><I><B>  </B></I><I>Take the </I><I><B>Magic Carpet Ride</B></I><I> - In GE, Click on Tools/Take Tour twice</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="esparros_movie_film_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Esparros Movie Film Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <div> This is the most difficult of all the hikes shown on this page, primarilly because it takes approximately 7 hours to do.  The hike involves elevation, and having achieved the Pointhilil Valley summit, one is rewareded with spectacular views that includes a pavillon documenting the award winning film made here in Esparros. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="05afb140.jpg" border=0 width="507" height="532" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="582" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 24 ><NOBR><div> <I><B>Option:  The Esparros Movie Film Hike can be seen in (GE)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 28 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Esparros Movie Film Hike.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Esparros Movie Film Hike.k"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see this hike's profile  </B></I></U></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><I><B> </B></I></FONT><I><B>(See Notes below)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 1:</B></I></FONT><I><B>  </B></I><I>Don't forget to use the Navigational Control (Upper Right Hand Corner) in GE to tilt the view and see the 3D elevations! </I></div> <div> <I>For best views we suggest changing the elevation exaggeration value in GE to a 3 under the Tools / Options menu</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note 2:</B></I></FONT><I><B>  </B></I><I>Take the </I><I><B>Magic Carpet Ride</B></I><I> - In GE, Click on Tools/Take Tour twice</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="labastide"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Labastide Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="05bbc480.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="328" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The hike around Labastide takes you through the valley and into some elevation. </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Note that Esparros and La Savonniére can be seen on the right hand side of the Google Earth (GE) Map.  The thumbnail picture</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>shown inside the yellow loop in the middle left of the map is the picture we took of Labastide shown below:</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="05d14c60.jpg" border=0 width="276" height="198" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The village of Labastide as shown in GE (Above)</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="587" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 24 ><NOBR><div> <I><B>Option:  The Labastide Hike can be seen in Google Earth (GE)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Labastide Hike 5.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Labastide Hike 5.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see this hike's profile    </B></I></U></A><I><B> (See Note below)</B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="Resource-280//Labastide Hike 6.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resource-280//Labastide Hike 6.kmz"><U><I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f099000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to show the start / end point of the hike</B></I></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <I><B>(</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Note:</B></I></FONT><I><B> </B></I><I> Don't forget to use the Navigational Control in GE to tilt the view and see the 3D elevations!</I><I><B>)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> This hike (Marked with 2 Yellow Stripes - although the guide says 1 Yellow and one Orange, they both appear to be the same color) is rated as "Easy" and the 7 kilometers takes approximately 2.5 hours.  It is about a 5 minute drive from our home (Part of the hike comes so close to our home,  La Savonniere,  that one could easily walk from our front door to that point) and circumscribes the Baronnies village of Labastide.  One departs and arrives  in Laastide.  It has some impressive views of Labastide, The Baronnies and the Pyrénées, including Pic Du Midi.  We did this hike in January on a cold morning.  In the shade it was cold, but in the sun, it was quite pleasant.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>Pictures Taken from the Hike</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05e40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="05f40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06040d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06140d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 220 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06240d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06440d60.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="214" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06540d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06640d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 219 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06740d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="06840d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="tournay_hike"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Tournay Hike</B></I></div> <bR> <div> This was a pleasant 2.5 hour hike around Lac Tournay.  Lac Tournay is a man made dam lake, and as such, it is not too exciting.  With that said, the most compelling thing about this hike are the views of the Pyrenees.  The lake, and the surrounding relatively flat farm land, provide a very panoramic view of the Pyrenees.  There is a new coffee / food shop at the dam.  We stopped by and had some coffee and talked with the proprietress.  She told us aout her cooking, which was very healthy - no frying, no vacuum packed food, no frozen food, etc.  She cooked everything herself.  While we were there, she was in the process of canning.  Oh, by the way, the coffee, made with a press and not a machine, was excellent.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>The Lake (Lac), just Northwest of Tournay</B></I></div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="0692ce10.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="225" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="362" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="file://E:\Documents and Settings\user\My Documents\Tournay Lac Hike.kmz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="file://E:\Documents and Settings\user\My"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000bf00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click here to see the Lac in Google Earth!</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Pictures Taken from the Hike </B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>(January)</B></I></FONT></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="716" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 220 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="06b40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="06c40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 220 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="06d40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="06e40d50.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="213" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Madiran Wineries</B></div> <bR> <div> Within a one hour drive of Esparros and the next wine region south of Bordeaux is the Madiran.  While driving through this region, there seems to be innumerable wineries peppered all over, some within a stones throw of one another.  The wine is robust.  </div> <bR> <div> We were delighted with the area with its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes.  Below we have highlighted 2 of our visits to this wine district.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>Chateau de Viella Winery</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Located on the site of a historic chateau that has undergone, extensive renovation, this vineyard has a formal tasting room and is easy to find.  The proprietress is very accommodating and is happy to share the history of the chateau and to provide background information on Madiran wines as well as detail information on their vignoble.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0805ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0815ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0825ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0835ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0845ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0855ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Domaine de Bassail Winery</B></I></div> <bR> <div> One Bassail, a little Mom and Pop vineyard where we were served in their kitchen (Notice the loaf of bread in the background behind Regina) was listed in Hachette as a two star vineyard.  We were pleased  to find that the wine was very smooth (Liss / Round in French) compared to the previous vineyard we visited (Viella.)  The medium range wine had received a silver medal and was being sold for 2.50 EU / bottle.  You could also buy the same wine in bulk.  Just bring your own jug (which we did) and the wine was yours for well under 2 EU per liter.</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="738" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0865ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0875ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 239 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0885ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div>  <IMG SRC="0895ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <embed src="HTMLobj-153/AlloAllo_BenBateson.mid" autostart="true" hidden="true">  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>