NEW MODERN CHALET VALEE D'AX LES THERMES

The two of us were delighted to stay in this “xalet”! The view of the Pyrenees and the accompanying clouds and fog kept us looking out the windows. One day we put sunflower seeds in the feeder under the birdhouse on the deck. Two species of small hungry birds patiently waited for their turn to eat.We slept very well during the cool nights.The kitchen was equipped with almost everything I use at home — even a mandoline!When I couldn’t locate the hairdryer in either of the upstairs bathrooms, Laure Eve suggesting checking the bathroom on the lowest level. We thought was a garage! The hairdryer was there, and so were all the clothes hangers. It’s cooler down there. The bedroom on that level would be the best place to sleep on warm nights.Ax-les-Thermes is a drive down the mountain from Ignaux. It is a fun commune to explore. Stroll along the river where botanical information is posted. There is a local history museum in an old church that is filled with posters and maps of the area.These two challenges might affect you:1. If you have balance issues or other physical limitations, be aware that getting to the bedrooms and bathrooms involve climbing stairs without banisters. There is a toilet on the ground floor, but not a shower or bathtub.2. If you arrive late, bring food along because shopping for groceries will not be an option. The grocery store that stays open the latest, the Intermarche, closes at 19:30, and the Carrefour closes at 20:00 on weekdays.