The Pyrenees are full of snow and glistening like a child imagines Narnia. It’s a magical time of year down here in deep South-West France, particularly if you love nature, the outdoors – and enjoy your wildlife flying through the air.
Birds of a feather flock together
The impressive bird migrations are in full flight; the flocks moving across the valleys. If you are lucky, sometimes they appear like baubles swooshing and swirling above you. The sight and sound of so many birds is like a soulful thump, reminding you of nature’s magnificence.
Les grues (the cranes) have been flying over us to the mountains for some weeks: destination Spain and beyond. The presence in the skies of these large birds has a prophetic quality: people look up at the sky, see the grues and know that winter is coming.
Similarly, the famous pigeon (la palombe) migrations are on route. Forget your fancy birds of prey, the migration of the humble pigeon is something of wonder in these parts. There is even a specialist magazine, as well as dedicated Facebook pages where you can comment on the migrations and sightings. It’s also a traditional focus of local hunting at this time of year.
The pigeons rest and recuperate in the large oak forests. While the stubble of unploughed corn (maïs) fields – an historical and emblematic crop for this part of South-West France – offer potential food sources for birds passing through.
Night train from Paris
They even named the night train from Paris after the pigeon. If you take the night train from Paris to local stations in Pau, Lourdes and Tarbes, you will “catch the pigeon” and be travelling aboard the aptly named La Palombe Bleue (the blue pigeon).
You can put your pyjamas on at the Gare d’Austerlitz and arrive the next morning, waking up next to the Pyrenees. It’s a charming way to travel in this high-speed instant age.
Summer 2026
As the birds seek their own winter warmth, helping us appreciate the passage of life and seasons, we’re thinking about our own migratory patterns for next year. Who will come to stay with us in summer 2026? Who will arrive on our doorstep to spend time at Peyroulat?
Thinking of staying with us in 2026?
We will be open from 1st May until 30th September. We are now taking bookings for this period. Get in touch with any questions via Instagram, WhatsApp chat or email.
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