The finest base camp in the Pyrenees

The Ossau Valley

The finest base camp in the Pyrenees

Maison Harmonie sits ideally at the entrance to the Ossau valley: hiking, skiing, food and wide open spaces, organised by mood. Here is your host’s guide.

In Buzy, 25 minutes from Pau and 35 km from the Gourette slopes, you’re at the ideal starting point to explore the Ossau valley and the Béarn. Whether you’re looking for a large house in the Pyrenees for 20 people, a family rental in the Ossau valley or a house near Gourette to ski, it all starts here. Choose your mood below — each selection gathers our best addresses, with the host’s tip.

Hiking & wide open spaces

From Buzy, at the entrance to the Ossau valley, the most iconic Pyrenean trails are less than an hour away.

  • The Ayous lakes

    Bious-Artigues · ~40 km

    THE signature hike: a chain of lakes reflecting the Midi d’Ossau peak (≈15 km loop, 5–6 h, moderate).

    The host’s tip — Set off before 8:30 am (the car park fills fast), windproof even in summer. Road closed in winter.

  • The Bious-Artigues lake loop

    ~40 km / ~1 h

    A flat, easy walk by the water with the first reflections of the peak. Perfect to warm up or with young children.

  • La Pène de Béon

    Aste-Béon · ~18 km

    A loop to a viewpoint over the griffon vultures — a superb photo spot above the valley.

    The host’s tip — Binoculars essential; keep away from the edge.

  • The ridge path from Buzy

    On site

    An easy family walk at the valley entrance, with views over the foothills — ideal on arrival day.

  • The Midi d’Ossau circuit

    Bious-Artigues · ~1 h

    A great multi-day route via mountain refuges (Ayous then Pombie) around the emblematic summit, over 2–3 days.

    The host’s tip — Book the refuges well ahead in summer.

Skiing & snow

Maison Harmonie is an ideal base for skiing with family or friends: three resorts 35–40 km away and Spain at the end of the road.

  • Skiing at Gourette

    ~35 km / ~50 min

    A large family resort, 39 runs from 1,350 to 2,450 m — the most complete for a mixed group.

    The host’s tip — Fit the car for snow: the Aubisque pass is closed in winter.

  • Skiing at Artouste

    ~38 km / ~50 min

    A quiet resort, around twenty runs, 100% natural snow. For calm and powder.

  • Skiing at Formigal (Spain)

    ~1 h 15

    A large ski area on the other side of the Pourtalet pass, perfect for a full day.

    The host’s tip — ID required.

  • The snow garden & sledging at Gourette

    ~35 km / ~50 min

    First steps on the snow for children: a resort with a family label.

  • Snowshoeing & ski touring

    Marked trails through unspoilt nature, close to the house.

    The host’s tip — Rent gear on site and go with a guide if you’re a beginner.

Food & local produce

Mountain cheeses, garbure stew, Jurançon wines: the Béarn table is a wonderful match for the house’s long dinners.

  • The Buzy & Laruns markets

    Buzy on site · Laruns ~22 km

    Fresh produce and valley specialities. The Saturday morning market in Laruns is the best for a big group meal.

  • The Ossau-Iraty AOP cheese route

    Aste-Béon · ~18 km

    Meet the shepherds, taste and buy direct at the farm. True mountain cheese is nothing like a supermarket one.

    The host’s tip — Taste before you buy.

  • Jurançon & Madiran wines

    Sweet or dry (Jurançon), characterful reds (Madiran). A sweet Jurançon pairs perfectly with Ossau-Iraty.

  • La Miellerie de la Montagne Verte

    Aas · ~30 km

    Mountain honey, propolis, royal jelly; a fun, indoor visit — an excellent rainy-day backup.

  • The ventas, Spanish side

    ~48 km / ~1 h 10

    Border shops with attractive prices, over the Pourtalet pass.

    The host’s tip — Bring ID.

Families & children

A great family house at the foot of the Pyrenees calls for activities for every age — here are the safe bets with children.

  • The Artouste Little Train

    ~38 km / ~1 h

    The highest train in Europe: a cable car then 10 km at ~2,000 m to the Artouste lake.

    The host’s tip — Book online in July–August and arrive 45 min early.

  • Lake Castet (paddle, rowing)

    ~15 km / ~20 min

    A small, easy-access lake for fun on the water — gentler than the high lakes, perfect with young children.

  • Frady Farm

    Louvie-Juzon · ~12 km

    Farmhouse goat cheeses and a mohair shop; farm visits in summer. A two-in-one outing.

  • Kids’ canyoning (from age 8)

    Family-friendly routes in July–August: guaranteed thrills in complete safety.

    The host’s tip — Small groups: for a large party, book several slots.

  • The swing & the pool

    On site

    Before setting off to explore, the garden, swing and pool keep children busy all day.

Sport & thrills

For groups who love adrenaline, the Ossau valley and neighbouring rivers are a life-size playground.

  • Canyoning in the gorges

    ~25–35 min

    A fun, refreshing descent through the torrents — 17 canyons (Soussouéou, Besse, Arrouges…).

    The host’s tip — Groups often limited to ~8 per guide: book several slots for a large party.

  • Rafting, kayak, hydrospeed

    ~25–40 min

    Thrills on the Ossau, Pau, Oloron and Aspe rivers.

    The host’s tip — Spring and early summer offer the best flow.

  • Via ferrata, climbing, caving

    Equipped vertical routes and underground exploration, all guided — ideal to keep a large group busy.

  • The legendary cycling passes

    Marie-Blanque ~35 min · Aubisque ~1 h

    Aubisque, Marie-Blanque, Soulor: the legendary Tour de France climbs.

    The host’s tip — The Aubisque (1,709 m) is the trophy; set off early.

  • Mountain biking & Mountain Kart at Artouste

    ~38 km / ~1 h

    Trails and downhill machines at the Artouste resort in summer — perfect for teenagers.

Heritage & culture

Between Pau, Oloron and villages of character, the Ossau valley is also discovered through its thousand-year history.

  • The Château de Pau

    ~25 km / ~30 min

    The castle where Henri IV was born, a thousand years of history, a 22-hectare park facing the Pyrenees.

    The host’s tip — Guided visits only: book your slot online.

  • Sainte-Marie d’Oloron cathedral (UNESCO)

    ~12 km / ~15 min

    A Romanesque doorway on the World Heritage list — the closest cultural outing, ideal on a grey day.

  • The Ossau Valley House (Laruns)

    ~22 km / ~30 min

    The valley’s pastoral history and traditions; home of the tourist office. Best visited early in your stay.

  • The villages of character

    Rébénacq, Castet, Sainte-Colome (audio-guided trail), Bilhères, Béost — and Aas, the village of whistlers.

  • The Calhau de Teberno dolmen

    On site

    A Neolithic monument in the heart of Buzy, to see on a stroll through the village.

Wellness & relaxation

After the effort, the valley invites you to rest: a spa facing the peak, thermal waters and gentle strolls by the water.

  • The Artouste wellness area

    ~38 km / ~1 h

    Spa, sauna and outdoor hot tub facing the Midi d’Ossau — the most immediate relaxation option in the valley.

  • The Hourat gorges

    ~28 km / ~40 min

    A spectacular passage between the cliffs at Eaux-Chaudes — a cool, easy walk.

  • The Bénou plateau

    ~25 km / ~40 min

    A vast green pastoral plateau: a gentle walk and picnic, with no high-mountain effort.

  • By the pool

    On site

    Relaxation starts at the house: a 350 m² terrace, ten sun loungers and drinks in the sun.

A rainy day

The house is made for grey days — billiards, table football, a TV lounge, a fireplace and a wood stove. And outside, safe bets under cover.

  • The TV lounge & billiards

    On site

    An evening by the wood stove, games of billiards and table football: the house comes alive whatever the weather.

  • La Miellerie de la Montagne Verte

    Aas · ~30 km

    An indoor, delicious visit, perfect in the rain.

  • A cheese cellar / a farm

    ~18–33 km

    A tasting of mountain cheeses under cover, at Gabas or on a farm.

  • Oloron cathedral & the Pau museums

    ~12–25 km

    Listed heritage and collections, for a cultural day in the dry.

Further afield

From Buzy, Spain, the Basque Country and the ocean are all within a day trip.

  • Spain over the Pourtalet pass

    Pourtalet ~48 km · Zaragoza ~2 h 30

    Jaca, the San Juan de la Peña monastery, the Riglos cliffs, and Zaragoza further on.

    The host’s tip — ID essential.

  • The Basque Country

    ~110 km / ~1 h 30

    Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette: sea and Basque cuisine, a total change of scene.

    The host’s tip — Set off early.

  • Lourdes

    ~50 km / ~1 h

    Sanctuary, fortress and Pyrenean museum — interesting even beyond the religious visit.

From Buzy

Everything within reach

  • 12 km Oloron-Sainte-Marie UNESCO cathedral
  • 25 km Pau Henri IV’s castle
  • 35 km Gourette family skiing
  • 38 km Artouste little train & lake
  • 40 km Ayous lakes the great hike
  • 48 km Pourtalet pass Spain & Formigal
  • 68 km Lourdes sanctuary & museum
  • ~1 hr 30 Basque Country & ocean Biarritz, Bayonne

Drop your bags, we’ll handle the good tips

Book the house and receive your host’s full address book.

Check availability Message us on WhatsApp
WhatsApp