10 very good reasons to visit the Hautes-Pyrenees

One of the most amazing place in France

Advised by Sabine , Holiday planner

World famous ‘Grand Sites’, with UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the supreme destination for cyclists and Tour de France followers, the protected landscapes of the National Park and the many nature reserves, sun-soaked valleys, walks and treks for all tastes and abilities, relaxation and wellbeing in the naturally hot spa waters… Welcome to the mountains of the south!

Des promeneurs sur le chemin du Cirque le long du gave

Lever de soleil sur la coupole avec la mer de nuages sur les sommets

Quelques rochers et des sapins le long du gave qui s'écoule de la montagne

1 - Spectacular sites of international renown in a carefully protected environment

The Cirque de Gavarnie is a UNESCO World Heritage site which also has thousands of visitors each year, a good road leads to Gavarnie village from where one can admire the Cirque. It is an extraordinary natural arena whose summits reach over 3000 metres, a waterfall with a drop of 420 metres tumbles over the walls of the Cirque. Gavarnie is often referred to as the ‘Chamonix of the Pyrenees’. Together with Mont Perdu it forms the site ‘Gavarnie-Mont Perdu’, a magnificent mountain range classed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Pic du Midi with its panoramic observation terraces and stellar observatory at nearly 3000m of altitude, welcomes thousands of visitors each year.It is a high mountain environment easily accessible by cable car from the valley, similar to the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix. 10 minutes by cable car.
Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde … Legndary Pyrenean cols
The Pyrenees National Park and Cauterets Pont d’Espagne, to be explored on foot, by cable car or chairlift. It is a site of exceptional natural beauty with easy access for all to enjoy.

2 - Lourdes is the leading Christian pilgrim destination in the world

Each year Lourdes welcomes millions of visitors of every nationality and from all religions. Pilgrims and tourists alike come to Lourdes to experience its particular spirituality.

3 - A superb region for Spas

The 10 spa centres with natural thermal waters offer a new way of relaxation, helping you stay healthy, to take care of oneself, to enjoy moments of gentle relaxation, both fun and pleasurable, the spas welcome many thousands of visitors each year.

Vue des bassin d'Aquensis depuis en haut avec les galeries en fond

Balnea les bains japonais, bassin exterieur entoure par les montagnes

4 - A wonderful open air playground

A huge range of activities for all the family, for all ages and all abilities : mountain biking, paragliding, trekking…

5 - Head for the South West

On the border with Spain, for its way of life, its ambience, its sunshine, the warm welcome from the locals.

6 - A strong culinary identity, with many local products and dishes to be savoured

The Bigorre Black Pig
Tarbes Haricot Beans
Barèges-Gavarnie lamb (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)

The Madiran wine area: is shared between the departments of the Hautes Pyrenees, the Gers and the Bearn. Madiran is a rich and generous red wine there is also a sweet white.

And also the surprising gateaux a la broche, cooked on a skewer over a wood fire…

7 - An important cultural heritage with a rich local history

Bastides, castles, churches

8 - Comfortable accommodation, typical of the region and on a human scale

Our range of Gîtes and Chambres d’Hôtes ‘Art de Vivre’: These properties are of a unique character and are representative of the agricultural, historical and cultural richness of the region. They are perfect examples of the true character of the region with their typical architecture and decoration. They are the real patrimony of the area.
Our range of Hotels ‘Charm and Character’ : Cosy welcoming hotels, small intimate establishments in protected rural settings. Your clients will be greeted as friends, the welcome is personalised, the decoration is in style with the use of traditional materials, the furnishings are refined, colours are chosen in harmony with the character of the valley or village in which they are set.

9 - The Pyrenees without frontiers

Situated between the Basque Country (1h30), the Gers (1h), Toulouse (1h30), Carcassonne (2h30), Spain (2h) and Bordeaux (2h30).

There is direct access into Spain via the Bielsa tunnel, to reach Lérida and Zaragoza. Two other possibilities are the Vielha tunnel via Luchon and the Col de Pourtalet south of Pau.

10 - 5 international airports within a radius of 200 km

Tarbes Lourdes Pyrénées • Pau Pyrénées • Biarritz Anglet Bayonne • Toulouse Blagnac • Carcassonne en Pays Cathare.