Part 25 (2/2)

URRUGNE.--A village in the Ba.s.ses-Pyrenees, 2-1/2 miles from St.

Jean de Luz.

USTARITZ.--The name of two villages, formerly separate, in the Ba.s.ses-Pyrenees, 8-3/4 miles from Bayonne, on the carriage-road thence _via_ Elizondo to Pampeluna (63 miles).

VALCABReRE.--A small village in the Haute-Garonne, 2 miles from Loures station on the Luchon-Montrejeau line, celebrated for the Church of St. Just, a venerable pile in the vicinity.

VENASQUE.--A small and prosperous town in Spain, 9 hours from Luchon (21 miles) by the _Port_ of the same name. There are some baths similar in their uses to those of Luchon, fed by sulphurous springs at some distance from the town, and 2-1/2 hours nearer Luchon.

Excellent accommodation can be obtained at the Casa san Mimi (Antonio Saora) for travellers.

VERNET-LES-BAINS (2050 ft.), a bathing resort situated in a hollow in the Eastern Pyrenees, 7 miles from the nearest railway station.

There are several springs which supply the large Bathing Establishment and the smaller Thermes Mercader. The water is largely charged with sulphate of lime, and possesses properties similar to other waters of that type. It is especially useful in affections of the air-pa.s.sages and skin complaints, and is more or less exciting according to the springs. The climate is mild, and therefore Vernet has some reputation as a winter resort, being very little colder than Amelie (to which refer in Appendix).

Hotels.--Des Commandants (in the bathing establishment), Du Parc, Ibrahim Pacha et des Bains, Du Canigou, &c.

Villas furnished to be let.

Carriages and Horses.

Post and Telegraph Office, Theatre, Clubs, &c.

Guide.--Michael Nou.

Chief Excursions:--

The Canigou (9144 ft.)--11 hours up and down. Guide recommended, also provisions. Horses 10 frs., guide 10 frs. Horses can go within a mile of the top, from which the view is splendid. The ascent is long but not difficult.

The Fountain des Esquereyres.--_Via_ Castell, 1/2 hour; a pleasant walk.

Tour de Goa.--4 hours up and down. An interesting battlemented tower, with a fine view.

Vallee de Sahorre.--3 hours there and back; an enjoyable trip.

Cascade de Cadi.--6 hours there and back; guide recommended.

The Abbey of Canigou.--2-1/2 hours there and back; guide unnecessary. An interesting ruin.

Vieuzac.--A suburb of Argeles, in the Hautes-Pyrenees, possessing a donjon tower. The station on the line from Lourdes is called Argeles-Vieuzac.

Villelongue.--A small village in the Argeles valley, in the Hautes-Pyrenees, near Pierrefitte. See Chapter IV.

APPENDIX B

RAILWAY INFORMATION AND SKELETON ROUTES TO THE CHIEF RESORTS IN THE PYRENEES.

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