Sally Simmonds

Walking and cycling holidays

Originally from Sussex in the UK, I moved to the Pyrenees with my husband and two boys in 2004.
We settled in the beautiful village of Arrens-Marsous, which is nestled below the famous Cols of Solour and Aubisque, with the Pyrenean National Park on the doorstep. By happy coincidence this is where La Balaguère and Purely Pyrenees are based .
We had been attracted to the area when we discovered it during a holiday, and just knew we had to come back. Since living here I have indulged my passions for mountain walking, cycling, and skiing, and have worked very hard to learn French ! 
I started working for La Balaguère in 2016 and, since the creation of Purely Pyrenees, have had the privilege of sharing my knowledge of, and love of, the Pyrenees with our English speaking customers. It is not difficult to sell our beautiful region to those who have not yet discovered it, I know that when they visit they will not be disappointed. 

Ses articles

Where are the Pyrenees ?
Rising to heights above 3000 metres, this magnificent mountain chain forms one of the world’s natural borders between the European countries of France and Spain.
Walking in the Pyrenees - Two Lesser Known Regions that you Need to Discover
If you love walking in the great outdoors and are thinking of including some easy, or not so easy, hiking in your holiday plans this year, read about two areas in the wider Pyrenees that you may not have discovered yet. Definite hidden gems.....
Five Things You Need to Know About Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is walking in winter, it’s as simple as that. If you imagined it was still about struggling through the snow with tennis rackets attached to your feet then read on my friend - here are five things you really need to know about snowshoeing !
What is the Highest Mountain in the Pyrenees ?
As you probably already know the Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain, with the little addition of Andorra tucked away in the middle. When it comes to the competition about who has got the biggest it turns out that Spain is the outright winner!
How long does it take to walk the Camino ?
This is a question often asked but there is no one simple answer . The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St James, has a history that reaches back into the depths of time. It is also surrounded by myths, legends and stories…. Here we explore what we know about these ancients pilgrimage routes.
Visiting Barcelona ? Complete the experience with a visit to the Pyrenees
Are you already planning to visit Barcelona ? Of course there are many reasons why you would be, this Catalan city has so much to offer. A rich and diverse culture, the colourful Ramblas, the amazing architecture and cultural heritage, the Castellars, Gaudi, Puig I Cadafalch, the football, and I haven’t even mentioned the wine or the tapas !
Why were so many famous artists drawn to the Mediterranean coast ?
There is a special magic about the Catalan coast, near the border of France and Spain. Far from the crowds and the sandy beaches, this is a wild coast with a fusion of light, wind, sunshine and rock, the brightly painted houses, the exotic plants and the pretty fishing boats have worked together to create the atmosphere that has drawn many a famous artist to the region.
Walking holidays Atlantic Coast To Mediterranean Coast
The first thing that usually springs to mind when you think about a passage on foot across the whole of the Pyrenean chain is the famous GR10. This is a trail that runs close to the border between France and Spain, from Hendaye on the Basque Atlantic coast to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Catalan Mediterranean coast.
Staying in a Mountain Refuge in the Pyrenees
However, the best part of any holiday can sometimes be experiencing something new and a bit different, and if you’ve never stayed in a mountain refuge before then it is really worth putting on your bucket list ! So, what can you expect ?
The Spanish Lakeland - The National Park of Aigüestortes
If you can imagine a harmonious collection of mountains, lakes and valleys, interspersed with lush green meadows, thick forests and crystal clear streams, huge rock walls and beautiful waterfalls, an area with a particular geography and many different microclimates, then you can imagine the National Park of Aiguestortes and the lake Saint Maurice, the Spanish Lakeland.
Where to go in the Pyrenees ? 3 Unmissable sites
Where to go in the Pyrenees ? 3 of the Unmissables : the Cirque de Gavarnie (one of the most beautiful places in the Pyrenees), Lourdes (visited by well over five million pilgrims every year) and the Royal Monastery of San Juan de la Peña (a beautiful Monastery) !
The amazing Cathar Castle of Montségur
We have probably all heard of the Cathars, but do you know who they really were or where they came from ? In fact the Cathars were a religious group that flourished in region of France known as the Languedoc from the 11th Century. One of the most famous of these castles is the Château de Montségur. If you decide on a walking holiday in this area, From Cathar Castles To Mediterranean Collioure, for example, a visit to this castle is an absolute must.
Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao, set deep in the Basque country, is a truly captivating city in Northern Spain that has been regenerated in recent years to become a cultural hub and a gastronomical delight. With a juxtaposition of old and new on every corner, Bilbao offers Gothic architecture and historical bridges that straddle the River Nervión, nestled next to dazzling new buildings made of titanium, glass and limestone. Quintessentially Spanish, but with its own unique identity, the coastal city of Bilbao is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the real Spain.
Pic du Midi de Bigorre - The Observatory In The Pyrenees
With views that extend across the entire Pyrenean Mountain range and far beyond, the Pic Du Midi de Bigorre is one of the most majestic summits in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Standing proud at 2,877 metres above sea level, the mountain is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, high octane sporting events, fine cuisine and a world famous observatory and museum.