| The"vallée de Bethmale" starts at Bordes/s/Lez at about 500 meters above sea level and end 10 km away at the "col de la core " at 1400 meters altitude There is 5 villages in the valley Arien,Villargein , Aret ,Samortein ,Ayet . |
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| Bethmale valley seen from Ayet | Welcome at Ayet en Bethmale |
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The COL DE LA CORE . The col de la core is located at the end of the valley (1400 meters altitude) .It is possible to reach it on late spring by road when the road is freed of snow .From there you can pick wild biberries by walking underneath .If you continue on the lane you can reach meadows covered with raspberries which product in early august .If you continue a little further you arrive in an old gold mine which is not longuer in operation .From the col de la core it is possible to make parachute gliding in the valle de Bethmale .Thanks to the presence of the road it is very easy to make several trials in an afternoon . |
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Te Balam mountain is the main peak which dominates the Vallée de Bethmale .Several highlanders climb it in the summer season . |
| The Tuc de la Sebou is a little bit smaller with its 2200 meters altitude and also dominates the vallée de Bethmale . |  |
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The AYES LAKE ( 1700 meters altitude ) can be reache after 1 hour walk after the end of a forest road starting from BETHMALE LAKE .It is a fine place to take a meal in a beautiful and quiet place and also to fish trouts |
| THE LAC DE BETHMALE The lac de Bethmale is located at 1000 meters altitude .It is for sure the lake well known in the region .It can be reach during all year the rod being freed of snow by the snowplough .It is a fine place for fishing or relaxing .Assuming that the weather is right to can also collect various delicious muhrooms in the woods around |
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THE CHURCH OF AYET
. Several centuries old it can be visited in summer .Its peak frequentation is during the 15th of august for the celebration of the mother of Jesus Christ and the village annual party .Its 18 th century woodwork are worth the detour |
| A native "BETHAMALAISE " in traditional clothing. Half a century ago most people living in the vallée de bethmale were wearing the traditionnal clothing .Nowadays it is only worn for special occasions |
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THE AYET PARTY Every 15th of august ,the village party starts at 11 AM with a singing mess in traditionnal clothing .It last 2 days .Be ready to dance all night long |
| THE WOODEN SHOE OF BETHMALE More than one century ago all people living in the vallée de bethmales where using wooden shoes done locally .A clog maker is still working making wooden shoes which are sent every where in France .It is possible to visit its shop.You will see how to make a clog starting from a wooden root .The BETHMALE CLOG has its own histroy which starts when the arabs were occupying the region in the late 8th century (to arrange a visit call Pascal Jusot 05 61 96 74 39 ) |
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