Things to see and do in the area
You can go sailing with the friendly folk at Lac de Thoux St. Cricq (05 62 65 75 45; http://www.club.de.voile.thoux.st.cricq.over-blog.fr/), who hire out catamarans, dinghies, pedalos, canoes and wind surfers. Canoe en Gascogne (06 85 13 77 63; http://canoe.en.gascogne.blog.free.fr) arrange unaccompanied trips with a choice of two rivers – the Save and the Gesse, one easy and relaxing, good for beginners, the other slightly more challenging. If you're interested in fishing there are a number of lakes nearby, all within easy reach of Aux Mêmes. Horse Riding/Trekking can be arranged via Aux Ecuries de Manaou at St Michel (05 62 67 10 36; www.manaou.fr) and there’s a 9-hole golf course (it’s a little hilly but very relaxed with no dress restrictions) not far away (05 62 66 03 10; www.golfdegascogne.eu). There are a number of spa towns and thermal baths locally and in the Pyrenees, for example Les Grands Thermes de Bagnères- de-Bigorre – Aquensis (05 62 95 86 95; www.aquensis.fr). Bagnères du Luchon is also a beautiful spa town: you can take the cable car up to the ski resort of Super Bagnères for magnificent views then walk or if you're feeling daring mountain bike down again.
Marciac Jazz/Blues festival in August Mirande Country Music Festival in July. Tour de France in July. Vic-Fesensac Latin Music Festival in July.