Part 19 (1/2)

Carriage on Hire (from the stand).--The ”course,” 1 franc; the hour, 3 frs. for one horse; and 1 fr. 30 cents, and 3 frs. 75 cents respectively, for two horses--by day. By night, for one horse, 2 frs.

50 cents the ”course,” and 4 frs. the hour; for two horses, 3 frs. 25 cents and 5 frs. respectively.

For all excursions there is a recognised tariff, which may be seen at the Mairie; and an excellent local guide-book and map is published for 2 frs. by Lafont.

The Chief Excursions:--

For Superbagneres (horses and guide 5 frs. each respectively, hay on the summit 1 fr. out of the season, but 2 frs. more each person in the season), Vallee du Lys (20 to 25 frs. for a landau), Bosost (carriage _via_ St. Beat, 45 frs., horses via the Portillon 5 frs.

each, guide 6 frs.), Montauban (an easy walk), the Orphanage of Notre Dame du Rocher (a short and pleasant walk), St. Mamet (little more than 1/2 mile), the Rue d'Enfer (an easy climb from the Vallee du Lys), the Tour de Castelvieil (about two miles from Luchon), &c. &c. Refer to Chapter X.

The Val d'Esquierry (4839 ft.), 11 miles.--Carriage-road as far as Grange d'Astos (25 to 30 frs.) very rich in flora.

To the Hospice de Prance and the Cascades--des Demoiselles, et du Parisien, 9 1/4 miles. Carriage-road all the way. Landau, 25 frs.; but 4 frs. per seat in the Hospice diligence there and back.

To the Port de Venasque and the Pic de Sauvegarde, returning by the Port de la Picade; 10 miles to the Port de Venasque--1 hour further to the summit of the Pic de Sauvegarde; 11 miles from the Port de la Picade to Luchon. Time, 10 to 11 hours there and back; but this fine excursion is rendered more enjoyable by sleeping at the Hospice (_vide_ above), and starting early next day for the summits.

The Valley Of Oueil and the village of Bourg (9 1/3 miles). Carriage there and back, 30 frs. From Bourg the Pic de Montne can be ascended. Splendid sunrise view from summit. Guide recommended if ascension is made by night; horses 7 frs., guides 10 frs.; or by day 7 frs.

Lac d'Oo (10 miles).--Carriage-road for 8 miles. Landau, 25 frs.

This lake, also called Seculejo, is full of salmon-trout, and there is a very fine cascade (820 ft.) on the far side, to which visitors can be ferried. Fare for one person 1 1/4 frs.--for more, an arrangement can be made. There is a small toll levied on every person who visits this lake--no matter whether they patronise the little inn or not!

Saint Beat.--By carriage 25 frs., or by rail to Marignac and diligence afterwards (12 1/2 miles). Refer to Chapter XI.

L'Antenac.--6 1/2 hours to the summit and back. Horse and guide each 6 frs. An enjoyable excursion; and the whole distance can be ridden.

Pic Spijoles.--4 1/2 hours from the Lac d'Oo--a difficult ascension.

Pic de Crabioules.--13 hours up and down. Guide necessary.

Splendid view.

Pic Quairat.--5 hours from the Lac d'Oo. Guide necessary.

Le Cecire.--8 hours up and down. Guide and horses 6 frs. each.

Pic Sacroux,--8 1/2 hours to the summit and back. Very fine view.

The Peaks Bacanere and the Pales de Burat (11 3/4 miles).--9 hours there and back. Horses and guides from 5 to 8 frs.

each, according to season. One of the most charming of all the excursions from Luchon.

L'Entecade.--7 hours in all. Guides and horses 6 frs. each. A much-regimented climb. Splendid view from summit.

Pic de Poujastou.--8-1/2 hours in all. Guides and horses 6 frs.

each; an easy climb.

The Mont Maudits or Maladetta Group, the highest in the range, including the Pic de Nethou (11,169 ft.), Pic 'du Milieu (11,044 ft.), Pic de la Maladetta (10,867 ft.), Pic d'Albe (10,761 ft.), and the Pic Fourcanade (9456 ft.), are so difficult and perilous, and require such excellent guides, that the reader is referred for information to Mr. Packe's and Count Russell's books, previously mentioned.

_Note_.--Carriages from Bigorre to Luchon, 43-1/2 miles, _via_ Arreau, 80 to 100 frs., 5 to 10 frs. pourboire, out of the season; 100 to 130 frs., and pourboire 10 frs., in the season.

BAREGES (4084 ft.), situated in a barren rocky gorge above Luz, in the Hautes-Pyrenees. It may be called the ”Old Soldier's Resort,”