The French Pyrenees: Les Fontaines d'Escot

     After El Pueyo de Jaca, we made a brief stop in the town of Jaca before catching the bus to the French Pyrenees. Last summer, my younger brother worked at a bed & breakfast chateau in The Pyrenees for a month. While there, he accrued a couple nights of credit for any family member ever made it to the south of France. Fast forward a year to me, capitalizing on this offer.

     The place, called Les Fontaines d'Escot, is in The Pyrenees national park, far from any town of significant size. It's located on a crystal clear and ice cold river, and nestled between the mountains. It was, to say the least, very peaceful. 

The Aspe river next to the chateau

     We spent our two days there walking around the area, reading by the river, and talking with our hosts.  

The backyard

The chateau (established in the 15th century)

     The second day, we took a trip into the nearest town of any size, Oloron-Sainte-Marie. We ate dinner there and bought a few groceries. It's a nice little town, also situated on the river. I took the opportunity to eat pastries. 

Oloron-Sainte-Marie

     I wish I had more to say, but really the two days passed very quietly. It was so nice to be in a place without any light pollution. I went outside to see the stars and couldn't even see the door to get back inside. We had a fantastic time and I would love to go back, next time with a fishing pole to catch some of the trout. Thanks to Ben for having worked there!