How can I get to Lescun?
Lescun is easily reached by 'plane, car or public
transport.
The nearest airport is Pau, which is served year-round by several airlines. From here, you can hire a car from any of the major rental companies, or travel by train and bus to the foot of Lescun. From here it's a three hour hike uphill, or you can do what we do and call the local taxi driver.
Please note that French driving laws include a requirement for a reflective vest to be stored inside the vehicle (not in the boot), as well as a warning triangle. On the spot fines for drivers who fail to produce these items when requested to do so start at €90.
The nearest airport is Pau, which is served year-round by several airlines. From here, you can hire a car from any of the major rental companies, or travel by train and bus to the foot of Lescun. From here it's a three hour hike uphill, or you can do what we do and call the local taxi driver.
Please note that French driving laws include a requirement for a reflective vest to be stored inside the vehicle (not in the boot), as well as a warning triangle. On the spot fines for drivers who fail to produce these items when requested to do so start at €90.
How quiet is Lescun?
Lescun is a living mountain village. Unlike many
hamlets which are no longer inhabited year-round,
or dominated by holiday homes, Lescun has a vibrant
and friendly community.
People live and work here, and consequently you are likely to hear morning church bells, farmers working distant fields, and activity in the nearby menuiserie (carpentry yard).
We feel that these traditional sounds are easily outweighed by the advantages of staying in one of the most unspoilt mountain villages in Europe, being a 60 second walk from beautiful woodland trails, and a five minute stroll from a local shop, bar and restaurant. You won't need to drive anywhere to buy your breakfast croissants, lunchtime sheep's cheese or evening soup.
People live and work here, and consequently you are likely to hear morning church bells, farmers working distant fields, and activity in the nearby menuiserie (carpentry yard).
We feel that these traditional sounds are easily outweighed by the advantages of staying in one of the most unspoilt mountain villages in Europe, being a 60 second walk from beautiful woodland trails, and a five minute stroll from a local shop, bar and restaurant. You won't need to drive anywhere to buy your breakfast croissants, lunchtime sheep's cheese or evening soup.
Where are the shops?
Much to everyone’s relief, Lescun once again has a
well-stocked shop called ‘Multi-Services’ in the
centre of the village. You can buy almost
everything you need during your stay including
food, toiletry items and small gifts. We do our
utmost to buy the majority of our supplies from the
shop as its survival is vital to the village. We
hope that you will choose to do the same. Fresh
bread (including croissants and pain au chocolat)
is delivered each morning.
8.30am to 12.30pm and 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday (plus some Sunday mornings in July & August)
The village shop sells sheep, cow (vaché) and a mix of the two (‘mixte’), all of which are made locally. Alternatively, you can buy cheeses, milk and eggs straight from the farm at a few houses in the village. The cheeses are fantastic and we hope you will decide to try some.
In the spring and autumn, a fishmonger brings excellent fresh fish to the village on alternate Wednesdays. In the summer, he visits every Wednesday. On Thursday evenings in the summer, a chef from Olive Pizza in Bedous sells superb pizzas in the square.
The post office is located behind the shop.
Various opening times, Monday to Saturday
The library is located above the village shop.
10am to noon, Wednesday and Saturday
If you need items above and beyond what is available in the village, head for the main LeClerc supermarket in Oloron. In addition, there are two organic greengrocers called L’Epicerie Vert and la Vie Claire in Oloron, and a renowned charcuterie in Bedous.
The Lindt chocolate factory in Oloron has a factory store. Follow your nose to find it! This is the only place in the world that produces the legendary 'Pyrénéens' chocolates in white, milk, dark and coffee flavours.
8.30am to 12.30pm and 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday (plus some Sunday mornings in July & August)
The village shop sells sheep, cow (vaché) and a mix of the two (‘mixte’), all of which are made locally. Alternatively, you can buy cheeses, milk and eggs straight from the farm at a few houses in the village. The cheeses are fantastic and we hope you will decide to try some.
In the spring and autumn, a fishmonger brings excellent fresh fish to the village on alternate Wednesdays. In the summer, he visits every Wednesday. On Thursday evenings in the summer, a chef from Olive Pizza in Bedous sells superb pizzas in the square.
The post office is located behind the shop.
Various opening times, Monday to Saturday
The library is located above the village shop.
10am to noon, Wednesday and Saturday
If you need items above and beyond what is available in the village, head for the main LeClerc supermarket in Oloron. In addition, there are two organic greengrocers called L’Epicerie Vert and la Vie Claire in Oloron, and a renowned charcuterie in Bedous.
The Lindt chocolate factory in Oloron has a factory store. Follow your nose to find it! This is the only place in the world that produces the legendary 'Pyrénéens' chocolates in white, milk, dark and coffee flavours.
Where's the nearest internet connection?
The closest reliable internet connection is in
Oloron. An internet café is located in the LeClerc
technology shop / Loisir Sports / Espace cultural
centre on the outskirts of Oloron. Take your own
laptop and hook up to their WiFi connection for a
small charge, or use one of the provided computers.
Printing is also available.
Alternatively, you may be able to piggyback onto a free ‘Astrolabe’ connection whilst having a drink in the café opposite the Orange shop in the centre of Oloron.
Alternatively, you may be able to piggyback onto a free ‘Astrolabe’ connection whilst having a drink in the café opposite the Orange shop in the centre of Oloron.
Is there an outdoor store nearby?
The village shop in Lescun sells socks, trekking
poles and snowshoes. For a comprehensive selection
of outdoor gear, head to Loisir Sports in Oloron.
Where are the nearest petrol stations?
LeClerc in Oloron has competitive prices and we
suggest that people fill up there whenever
possible: petrol stations in the Aspe valley
between Oloron and Lescun are few and far between,
with sporadic opening times.
Alternatively, there is a petrol station on the other side of the border, just after passing through the Somport tunnel. The price of fuel in Spain is significantly lower than in France.
Alternatively, there is a petrol station on the other side of the border, just after passing through the Somport tunnel. The price of fuel in Spain is significantly lower than in France.
Credit card, travellers' cheques or cash: what's best?
There is a small Crédit Agricole bank in Bedous,
and numerous banking facilities in Oloron. Note
that some village shops & restaurants either do
not accept credit cards or have a relatively high
minimum spend. Cash is still king in this region.
Where are Lescun's medical facilities?
The emergency ambulance can be called on tel: 15,
or 112 from a mobile ’phone. For less serious
conditions, there are two doctors in Bedous; Dr
Buron (tel: 05 59 34 50 11), and Dr Darsonville
(tel: 05 59 34 72 27). There are pharmacies in
Bedous and Oloron. The regional hospital is in
Oloron. Mr Castetson is an excellent dentist in
Bedous, tel: 05 59 34 74 57.
Is there a BBQ?
Absolutely. A small BBQ is stored in the shed.
Charcoal can be bought in Oloron.
What about a cot and high chair?
Maison Willert is equipped with one cot and one
high chair. In addition there are four single beds,
one of which is a pull-out at floor level.
Do the owners live in lescun?
Sadly, we are not currently able to live in Lescun
year-round. However, the wonderful Madame Lopez
will welcome you to the village, and will be around
to answer any questions that you might have about
the house.
Any suggestions for places to stay in other mountain regions?
Absolutely! Here are some of our favourite places
to stay around the world.
Ecuador
The Black Sheep Inn (Chugchilán)
This award-winning, eco-friendly hotel is located in a spectacular corner of the Andes (about five hours from Quito). It is run by Andreas Hammerman & Michelle Kirby.
India
Karmi Farm (Darjeeling)
Run by Andrew Pulger-Frame this beautiful family home is set amongst cardamom groves, and has a stunning verandah over the Indian Himalaya. Andrew also runs a small medical clinic with the support of organisations such as Nomad Travel and The Deboché Initiative to help families in the local area who would otherwise not have access to medical facilities.
Oriental Hotel (Ladakh)
An eco-sensitive, family-run guesthouse owned by Nawang. The best Tibetan momos and Italian pizzas in town. His son Dawa runs a trekking and tourism service.
Nepal
Shivapuri Heights (Kathmandu)
Escape the bustling streets of Kathmandu at this idyllic lodge overlooking the city. Set in the foothills of the Himalaya, Shivapuri Heights offers a personal chef who serves excellent western and Nepalese cuisine.
Rhododendron Lodge (Deboche)
Just down the hill from Tengboché, on the way to Pangboché, lies the secluded hamlet of Deboché, from which the Deboché Initiative takes its name. The rustic Rhododendron Lodge is owned by the wonderful Ang Kanchi, who is also the local medical assistant.
Peru
Los Niños Hotel (Cusco)
Run by Jolanda van den Berg, the profits from this delightful establishment are ploughed into a foundation to help street kids in the city.
Switzerland
Apartment Pauline (Zermatt)
The previous owners of Maison Willert, Pauline and John, own an apartment in the shadow of the Matterhorn in the Swiss resort of Zermatt, as well as an eclectic collection of beautiful rental properties on the enchanting Greek island of Zakynthos.
Please note that all links on this website are provided only because we believe that they may be useful or interesting for you: Maison Willert receives no financial revenue from clicking through or making a reservation.
In addition, Maison Willert appears on several websites that promote holiday homes in France and further afield.
Ecuador
The Black Sheep Inn (Chugchilán)
This award-winning, eco-friendly hotel is located in a spectacular corner of the Andes (about five hours from Quito). It is run by Andreas Hammerman & Michelle Kirby.
India
Karmi Farm (Darjeeling)
Run by Andrew Pulger-Frame this beautiful family home is set amongst cardamom groves, and has a stunning verandah over the Indian Himalaya. Andrew also runs a small medical clinic with the support of organisations such as Nomad Travel and The Deboché Initiative to help families in the local area who would otherwise not have access to medical facilities.
Oriental Hotel (Ladakh)
An eco-sensitive, family-run guesthouse owned by Nawang. The best Tibetan momos and Italian pizzas in town. His son Dawa runs a trekking and tourism service.
Nepal
Shivapuri Heights (Kathmandu)
Escape the bustling streets of Kathmandu at this idyllic lodge overlooking the city. Set in the foothills of the Himalaya, Shivapuri Heights offers a personal chef who serves excellent western and Nepalese cuisine.
Rhododendron Lodge (Deboche)
Just down the hill from Tengboché, on the way to Pangboché, lies the secluded hamlet of Deboché, from which the Deboché Initiative takes its name. The rustic Rhododendron Lodge is owned by the wonderful Ang Kanchi, who is also the local medical assistant.
Peru
Los Niños Hotel (Cusco)
Run by Jolanda van den Berg, the profits from this delightful establishment are ploughed into a foundation to help street kids in the city.
Switzerland
Apartment Pauline (Zermatt)
The previous owners of Maison Willert, Pauline and John, own an apartment in the shadow of the Matterhorn in the Swiss resort of Zermatt, as well as an eclectic collection of beautiful rental properties on the enchanting Greek island of Zakynthos.
Please note that all links on this website are provided only because we believe that they may be useful or interesting for you: Maison Willert receives no financial revenue from clicking through or making a reservation.
In addition, Maison Willert appears on several websites that promote holiday homes in France and further afield.