In the heart of the Pyrenees, close to the Spain–Andora
border, Ascou La Forge is like a family-friendly basecamp for a world of
European adventure. Surrounded by forest and mountains and a well-spring for
all things outdoors, it’s a real hub for adventure and extreme sports – exactly
the reason that Adrie Dekker and Helma
Gorter first moved here.
Originally from the Netherlands, but moving to France in 1994, the couple set up
Ascou la Forge driven by their passion for nature and love of outdoor persuits.
They certainly didn’t choose a bad spot. Footpaths riddle the mountain sides,
lakes laze in shimmering pools at the bottom of every valley and peaks spike
the skyline, inviting you to take them on.
The site itself, while
surrounded by by rich, forested vegetation, still retains a surprisingly open
feel and is made up of 55 large, well-organised pitches, most of which can be
provided with electricity. For those looking for a more glamorous option, 2
yurts are also available and a few ‘accommodation’ options like gîtes and
apartments will allow you to convince even your tentophile friends to come
along.
Down one side of the site
a river runs, spilling into a lake where fishing is permitted. Campfires can be
lit along its banks, sending thin whisps of smoke across the site and
marshmallows are sold in the site reception (along with basic food, local wine
and books about the area), so you can indulge to your hearts content. Not that
you need to waste your time crouched around the campfire. A restaurant (open daily
from May to September, and again from December to April for the ski season) serves excellent, locally sourced food and
has a wonderful terrace for admiring the views. A bar can also be found with
the finest Belgium beer on draft.
The list of things to do
in the area is extensive, catering to every interest. From the site there are a
number of fantastic walking trails – Adrie and Helma are more than happy to
recommend the best – and if, as the sun begins to set, you decide you’re not ready
to turn back, you can use your overnight stay and stop at one of the several
Gites d'Etappes in the mountains. Once you set out you’ll
understand the draw. Each turn reveals a new natural wonder, a field of
mountain flowers or a crystal clear lake at the bottom of a deep valley, and
the diverse range of route options leaves a nagging sense that you haven’t seen
it all. Not that you ever can. Be careful though, it’s exactly this sense of
unfinished business that led Adrie and Helma to move out here. You may just end
up wanting to do the same!