Pic de Poujastou.—­8-1/2 hours in all.  Guides and horses 6 frs. each; an easy climb.

The Mont Maudits or Maladetta Group, the highest in the range, including the Pic de Nethou (11,169 ft.), Pic ’du Milieu (11,044 ft.), Pic de la Maladetta (10,867 ft.), Pic d’Albe (10,761 ft.), and the Pic Fourcanade (9456 ft.), are so difficult and perilous, and require such excellent guides, that the reader is referred for information to Mr. Packe’s and Count Russell’s books, previously mentioned.

Note.—­Carriages from Bigorre to Luchon, 43-1/2 miles, via Arreau, 80 to 100 frs., 5 to 10 frs. pourboire, out of the season; 100 to 130 frs., and pourboire 10 frs., in the season.

BAREGES (4084 ft.), situated in a barren rocky gorge above Luz, in the Hautes-Pyrenees.  It may be called the “Old Soldier’s Resort,” as the waters are specially efficacious for gunshot wounds.

The fine Bathing Establishment contains 30 separate bath-rooms, besides 3 douche-rooms, a spray-room, foot bath-room, &c.  The springs vary in heat from 71 deg. to 112 deg.  Fahr., and are of a similar nature, all containing large proportions of sulphur and baregine.  Dr. Lee says, “The water when drunk has a diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant action; the bath, by its general and local stimulating properties, cleanses foul ulcers,... promotes the exfoliation of carious portions of bone and subsequent cicatrisation, and frequently causes foreign bodies which have been long imbedded ... to make their way to the surface.”  It is also highly beneficial for old bullet-wounds, neuralgic affections, rheumatic pains, and stiff joints.

Hotels.—­Del’Europe, De France, Des Pyrenees, Richelieu.  Board and lodging from 10 to 15 frs. per day in the season (15th of June to September).  No hotels open in winter, as the village is covered with snow.

The Climate even in summer is variable—­great heat is frequently followed by great cold, necessitating the wearing of woollen under-clothing, which should always be taken.

Bathing Tariff, &c.—­Baths and douches from I fr. to 2 frs. 50 cents.  For each visit to the drinking-room 5 cents; subscription for one month, 10 frs.

Apartments.—­One room, from 2 frs. 50 cents to 6 frs. per day, according to position and size.

Doctors at the Establishment, a few independent, and others from Luz.

[Illustration:  TWIXT FRANCE AND SPAIN PANORAMA OF THE HIGHER PYREAN CHAIN.——­VIEW TAKEN FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE PIC DU MIDI DE BIGORRE.]

Post and Telegraph Office in the season.

Carriages, Horses, and Asses in abundance; apply at the hotels.

Guides.—­Of the 1st class:  Bastien, Teinturier, Michael Pontis, Menvielle, &c. &c. for the lofty peaks; several of the 2nd class for minor excursions.

Chief Excursions::—­

For the Promenade Horizontale and the Vallee de Lienz, refer to
Chapter VI.