Campan valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campan valley (Vallée de Campan) |
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| Valley | |
 The hamlet of Artigues-Campan in the Campan valley
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| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | Occitanie |
| Department | Hautes-Pyrénées |
| Communes | Baudéan, Campan |
| Range | Pyrenees |
| River | Adour |
The Campan valley is a beautiful valley located in the Pyrenees mountains of France. It is found in the Hautes-Pyrénées area, which is part of the Occitanie region. The main town nearby is Bagnères-de-Bigorre, which sits at the northern end of the valley.
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What is the Campan Valley Like?
This valley is one of many found in the upper part of the Adour river's watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single river or lake. The Campan valley is on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees mountains.
The valley is formed by three smaller valleys high up in the mountains. These are where the three main streams, called Adours, begin. These streams meet at Sainte-Marie-de-Campan and then in Baudéan to form the larger Adour river. This river then flows past Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
The valley stretches from the northwest to the southeast. It goes from Sainte-Marie de Campan all the way to Montgaillard.
The Three High Valleys
The three smaller valleys that make up the Campan valley are:
- the Payolle valley, where the Adour de Payolle stream starts;
- the Gripp valley, home to the Adour de Gripp stream;
- the Lesponne valley, where the Adour de Lesponne stream begins.
Lakes and Mountains
There are many small lakes in the Campan valley. Some of these are reservoirs, which are man-made lakes built to store water. The biggest of these lakes is the Lac Bleu de Lesponne, also known simply as the Lac Bleu. It covers an area of about 0.51 km2 (0.20 sq mi).
The famous Pic du Midi de Bigorre mountain is also in the Campan valley. On top of this mountain, you'll find an amazing astronomical observatory. This is where scientists study stars and planets!
Fun Activities in the Valley
If you love winter sports, you'll be happy to know that the ski resorts of La Mongie and Payolle are both located in the Campan valley. They are great places for skiing and snowboarding!
Gallery
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Memorial, Campan
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Sainte-Marie-de-Campan church, Campan
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View of La Séoube, Payolle valley
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Lac Bleu (Blue Lake), Lespone
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La Mongie ski resort
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Payolle ski resort
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