Saint-Savin

Saint-Savin is a small village situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées in France.  About 400 people live here, and the village is situated just above the floor of the Lavedan valley at an altitude of 433 meters.  The village is dominated by the Abby of Saint-Savin, built in 945.

Saint Savin was a Spanish monk who was born into a wealthy family in Barcelona.  At some point he moved to France, where he was sent to the monastery.  However, he chose to live the life of a hermit above the village.  During this time, he preformed several miracles.  His sarcophagus now forms the base of the altar in the Saint-Savin church.

Saint-Savin is also the home of the Velo Peloton Holidays and the Lanterne Rouge Cycling Lodge, run by Olive O'Connor and Paddy Sweeney.  The Lanterne Rouge caters to cyclists and opened its doors four years ago.  If you are a cyclist, the Pyrénées is a fabulous place to ride and the Lanterne Rouge is a great place to stay.  I have spent a week to ten days here every summer since they have opened.  You can be at the base of many of the famous climbs of the Pyrénées in a few minutes:  the Tourmalet, Hautacam, the Soulor-Aubisque, and Luz Ardiden to name a few.  And after four years, there are still a few climbs that I have yet to do.