BAREGES (4084 ft.), situated in a barren rocky gorge above Luz, in the Hautes-Pyrénées. 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° to 112° 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 Pyrénées, 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.