You want to reconnect with nature and live a dream vacation? Go to the Hautes-Pyrénées to discover great sites that attract many tourists every year. Between lush green landscapes, water and snow, an adventure in the Pyrenees will stay with you forever.
The circus of Gavarnie
Of unequalled beauty, the Gavarnie cirque is a natural amphitheater located in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is the first destination not to be missed in the Pyrenees.
This Unesco World Heritage site offers visitors a unique experience and a complete change of scenery. Its gigantic peaks of over 3,000 metres and its 432-metre-high waterfall promise exceptional hikes.
The circus of Gavarnie welcomes every summer the festival of Gavarnie. This event has been bringing together theater lovers for the past thirty years. To get to this colossus of nature, a walk, horseback ride or donkey ride along the Gave is very interesting.
The natural reserve of Néouvielle
For a natural and original getaway, nothing beats a visit to the Néouvielle nature reserve. With almost 370 animal species, 570 species of algae and 70 lakes, this reserve falls into the category of national nature reserves. The great wealth of flora and fauna of this site leaves the foreigners and natives who venture there speechless.
There are many ways to visit it, including hiking andclimbing, parachuting and paragliding, canoeing and rafting. Come and experience an exceptional vacation in this paradise on earth!
The peaks of the Midi
What do you think of visiting the Pic du Midi de Bigorre on board the cable car? This is another way to explore the Pyrenees. At 2,877 meters above sea level, panoramic views of the mountain ranges and lake below await you. At the top, discover the planetarium which offers a unique stellar journey.
You can also sit on the terrace for a pleasant sunbath. Finish your adventure with a ride on the sky bridge. This is a metal structure perched 1,000 metres above the void: a must for thrill-seekers!
Another lesser known peak also finds refuge in the Pyrenees, the peak of Midi d’Ossau. It is located further west, in the Ossau valley. A hike to the top of this ancient volcano will make your trip unforgettable.
The Tourmalet pass
There’s a love affair between the Col de Tourmalet and cycling. The ascent of this 2,115-meter-high pass has long been the biggest nightmare for participants in the Tour de France.
Join the legends and set off on an adventure with your bike to follow in the footsteps of the famous cyclists who have already climbed this pass. As always, after the effort comes the comfort, with breathtaking scenery and vegetation awaiting you at the summit.
Mount Canigou
During your visit to the Pyrenees, don’t miss the hike to Mount Canigou! Also called the peak of Canigou, Mount Canigou is known as the sacred mountain of the Catalans. This 2,784 meter high peak is a popular destination for fans of outdoor activities.
A place rich in history, fauna and flora, this mountain reserves an exceptional adventure to its visitors who climb it by bike or on foot. A breathtaking view of Roussillon, the Mediterranean and Catalonia awaits them on the summit.
The waterfalls
For a trip to the Pyrenees to be complete, a visit to the waterfalls is a must. Walking in the undergrowth, admiring the giant green trees, listening to the lapping of the water…
These are excellent ways toescape the constraints of everyday life. Ranging from gentle to tumultuous, the waterfalls of the Pyrenees Natural Park are the ideal destination for cool,exotic fun.
Whether you’re looking for a bit of romance or a complete change of scenery, the Gavarnie and Ars waterfalls are among the most famous not to be ignored.
The lakes
The Pyrenees Natural Park is famous for its many lakes. Indeed, more than 2,500 lakes are scattered at the foot of this mountain range. Direction the valley of Cauterets to make their discovery! After a hike through the forests, enjoy a refreshing moment on the shores of Lake Agalops in the company of marmots.
To admire an extraordinary landscape, head for Lac d’Oô, a man-made lake running alongside the Neste d’Oô river and the Lac d’Espingo waterfall. If you want to find yourself in the middle ofimmense mountains with breathtaking scenery, you can visit Lac des Bouillouses. The lake of Pourtet, as for him, offers to the explorers a more wild atmosphere.
Lourdes
Lourdes and the Massabielle grotto are among the most popular pilgrimage destinations for French Catholics. Located in the mountains, the holy city of Lourdes welcomes countless visitors from all over the world every year.
The cave of Massabielle, also known as the cave of the apparitions, is a popular destination for tourists wishing to visit the place where the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous. Don’t miss an opportunity to discover this place of peace and brotherhood during your trip!
The villages
Make your trip authentic by discovering France’s most beautiful villages. Nestled in the Pyrenees, these villages offer a simple and warm welcome. Find below the most famous of them:
- Sers: This is the highest village in the Pyrenees. Located in the Bastan valley, at an altitude of 1,130 meters, Sers is a traditional place where the streets are steep and paved.
- Guzet: This is the place to be for winter sports fans. In a green and snowy setting, enjoy a moment of total change of scenery.
- Betpouey: Situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters, this Pyrenean village is renowned for its charm. With its cobbled streets and its architectural style church, Betpouey offers you an original welcome.
Discover the most beautiful villages in Ariège and make sure you don’t miss these unique places when you visit the region.
The castle of Montsegur
During your trip to the Pyrenees, don’t miss the opportunity to discover a place rich in history: the castle of Montsegur. This illustrious Cathar castle was the refuge of the last heretics persecuted by the Church during its crusade in the 12th century.
Since then, this place has become a popular destination for tourists. After a guided tour through the castle, a short stop at the Montsegur museum will transport you far into the past.
The Spanish bridge
A visit to the Pyrenees National Park without passing by the Spanish Bridge is unthinkable. This stone bridge stands proudly in the heart of the Pyrenees. Despite its name, this bridge is far from the Spanish border.
Come and admire the tumultuous waterfalls, the endless forests and the grandiose peaks on the horizon. The site’s wealth of flora and fauna attracts more and more tourists every year.
The ski resorts
With more than 70 ski resorts, winter sports fans and enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the Pyrenees. This park is a must-see if you are visiting the area. To help you, here are some famous stations:
- Grandvalira resort: the perfect address for a snow vacation. As the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, Grandvalira offers professional and amateur skiers 132 ski slopes over 210 kilometers and chalets to warm up in.
- Aramón Formigal Resort: In this Spanish resort, 97 ski slopes stretching over 140 kilometers await you for your vacation. Have you ever heard of snowbikes? It’s time to try it.
- Tourmalet resort: After long walks in the Tourmalet pass, go to the famous Grand Tourmalet, one of the best ski resorts in the French Pyrenees. Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or dog sledding… Your schedule will be very busy during your stay in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The resort of Tourmalet is waiting for you with its 68 slopes that stretch over 100 kilometers.
The ski resorts of the Pyrenees await you for an unforgettable vacation!
The thermal spas
What could be better than to take a dip in a spa to treat yourself or just to relax! Eight famous resorts await you after your long treks through the Pyrenees.
Being in these centers dedicated to the health, well-being of the body and mind will only make your day. Cauterets, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Lary-Soulan… These are just some of the resorts you can visit during your stay in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Outdoor activities
The Pyrenees extend for about 430 kilometers, shared between the French and Spanish territories. Visitors can take part incountless activities. From hiking, biking and quad biking to paragliding and parachuting, rafting and canyoning, the Pyrenees National Park is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts.
In the mood for more adrenaline? Take a helicopter tour to admire the beauty of the Pyrenean landscape. With family or friends, visit the Pyrenees mountain range in a different way by exploring the waters, villages and mountains that make it up.
The Tour de France
Live the Tour de France during your stay in the Pyrenees. Bringing together cyclists from all over the world, this famous competition has been an unmissable annual event since 1903. The Grande Boucle always passes through some of the mountain passes in the Pyrenees.
The Tour de France and the Pyrenees have a long history together. Join us on the Tourmalet, Portet d’Aspet or Aspin passes to be part of history and support your favorite cyclists.
Yellow train of the Pyrenees
Come aboard the yellow train and travel through the heart of the Pyrenees mountain range. You will cover 63 kilometers linking Villefranche-de-Conflent and Mont-Louis. This train, nicknamed the Canary, travels at 30 km/h and takes in breathtaking scenery.
In summer, sit on the open wagon and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding villages and forests. Don’t forget to take a few photos to immortalize your passage over the Gisclard and Séjourné bridges, two listed historic monuments.
The road to the passes
Why not follow in the footsteps of the Tour de France along the route des cols in the Pyrenees? Visiting the Pyrenees from east to west will make your vacation memorable.
By bike, motorcycle or car, this 900-kilometer route offers a panoramic journey along the path linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
From pass to pass, you will cross villages, mountains and other Pyrenean tourist sites. The Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin, the Col du Soudet… These are only a few of the major passes you can climb.
Local specialties
After discovering the Pyrenean landscapes, it is time to enjoy the local culinary specialties. The Pyrenees have something to delight the taste buds. Here are a few specialties of this region to give you a taste of what to expect:
- Garbure Béarnaise: This soup is made of cabbage, turnips, onions, potatoes, duck leg, sausage and other local products. Accompanied by a good bottle of red wine, it will warm you up during the cold evenings.
- Confits: Preserved in fat, goose or duck confits have an unequalled taste. It is a great classic of the Pyrenees.
- The spit cake: This is an original dessert from the Pyrenees. Reserved for special occasions, the spit cake is eaten with the family. You will have the opportunity to participate in the spit cake festival if your stay in the Pyrenees takes place in July.
- Madiran: This local red or white wine is the perfect accompaniment to all Pyrenean dishes.
How to get to the Pyrenees?
To get to the Pyrenees, you have several options:
By car
This is the most practical means of transport, as many sites are far from stations and airports. However, you need to remember to be well equipped (winter tires, chains…) and to be careful on the road to avoid any unforeseen events. If you don’t want to bring your own vehicle, you can rent one.
By bus
A few trucking companies provide transport between a few towns, such as Pau or Tarbes, and the Pyrenees. It is an interesting means of transportation if you want to travel in a group.
By train
A train trip is full of adventure and discovery. If you choose this means of transport, here are a few stations that are close to the Pyrenees: Pau,Oloron, Tarbes and Lannemezan stations.
By plane
Pau and Tarbes-Lourdes airports are the nearest if you decide to fly.
Where to stay in the Pyrenees?
For an unforgettable stay with family or friends, choose the vacation villages in Ariège with Marc & Montmija. A warm and friendly welcome awaits you in these accommodations in the heart of the Pyrenees. In the mountains or in the countryside, many options are available to you.
Book your accommodation in one of Marc & Montmija‘s vacation villages, most of which are located at altitude. Relax in our fully-equipped rooms. During the day, relax by the pool and in the evening, let off steam in the village’s entertainment venues and clubs. The little ones will be delighted with manual activities or outdoor activities on the slides and in the play areas. Numerous events are planned to help you discover the Ariège Pyrenees and its cultures.
