Way back in 1984, I was inspired by my love of walking in the Pyrenees to start a company sharing my knowledge and enjoyment with others.
I named the company after the warm breeze that blows up from the south – from the Sahara in fact – that gives us such a unique climate making the Pyrenees both warm and green.
And now we help over 13,000 people every year to enjoy walking and cycling holidays in the Pyrenees, and in other equally beautiful and unspoilt parts of the world.
While I am French and a Pyrenean through and through, I have always had, as you say, a soft spot for Britain, and worked there while learning English.
So I am delighted that we are now launching a proper English language holiday programme with itineraries, accommodation, transfers and packages designed exclusively for the worldwide English speaking market.
One of the major differences is this: many English speakers may visit the Pyrenees only once, so we have packed as many highlights into each itinerary as we can. You visit iconic places every day, and stay in truly authentic hotels enjoying some of the best cuisine in France.
So if you ask who we are, we are Pyreneans – and you can be sure we will do everything in our powers to give you the best possible experience of our homeland.
As people say these days, ENJOY !
Vincent Fonvieille
Founder, La Balaguere & Purely Pyrenees
We had an excellent week on the 'Lourdes to the Stars' itinerary. The Pyrenees are magnificent. The walks were superb and the instructions very comprehensive and accurate. We were self- drive so any arrangements were restricted to the hotel bookings (no pick ups required). However, we were always expected and welcomed. The accommodation was just what was needed: not luxurious but clean, comfortable and with hot water and good food! Our trip up to the Pic de Midi was a highlight, it was well organised and much enjoyed although our French was tested to the extreme! I don't hesitate in recommending Purely Pyrenees to walkers who enjoy a challenging walk rewarded by hot showers and good food, we may well be booking another one for ourselves !