Bagnères-de-Luchon
1 / 6

Bagnères-de-Luchon, Thermal Baths - by Angel Hernandez on Google





Description
Bagnères-de-Luchon (often shortened as "Luchon") is a spa town at the foot of the Pyrenees and the ski resort of Superbagnères (cabins leave from the edge of town). It developed around thermal baths as far back as the 1st century BC but really became fashionable in the mid-19th century with the train reaching there in 1873 and a casino opening in 1880. Architectural highlights include the château Lafont-Lassalle (houses the Musée du Pays de Luchon - closed at the time of this review), the casino complex (no games, only shows nowadays), some 19th century villas and the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption.
Access & Transport
The village is 40km south of Montréjeau (exit 17 on the A64 expressway), 100km southeast of Tarbes and Lourdes, and 140km southwest of Toulouse. The closest train station is in Montréjeau, on the Toulouse-Tarbes line.
Instructions & Recommendations
This is a natural base for skiing the Superbagnères domain in the winter and, in the summer, for cycling and hikes towards the Venasque lake or pass and the scenic Lac d’Oô.
Environmental & Social
We deem a visit of the town to be environmentally neutral. Tourism brings in some economic activity that is much needed outside of the winter/ski season.
Conclusion
The town has lost a lot of its allure as a destination over the last decades but not as a base for activities. This means there is actually not that much to see in the town itself but worth a quick look on the way to somewhere/something else.
Key positive
Some attractive 19th-century villas & buildings
Great setting at the foot of the Pyrenees
Key negative
Lack of sights in town
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
February 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 50m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo