The « Pays Toy » is distinguished by its famous peaks, the Piméné, the Pic du Midi, the very prestigious Cirque glaciaire of Gavarnie, the Tourmalet’s pass. Three ski resorts, two resorts of thermal baths, and closed to the Pyrenean National Park, make this region one of the greatest area for tourism in the Pyrenees.
Places to see
Gavarnie and great glaciated cirques
These vast natural arenas constitute the particular natural heritage of the Hautes Pyrenees. Forming the frontier with the Ordesa National Park in Spain, the cirques of Gavarnie, Estaube, and Troumouse are the jewels of the Mont Perdu region : “Pyrénées Mont-Perdu, land of Cirques and Canyons”, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its magnificent scenery and cultural traditions.
Cirque of Gavarnie
Treks with horses and mules
From Easter to the end of October you can discover the Cirque de Gavarnie on horseback, or by mule or pony, they will carry you right into the centre of the spectacular cirque.
Leisure activities
The Gavarnie Festival
This festival is now in its 23rd year and offers shows on the spectacular Plateau de Prade beneath the Cirque de Gavarnie, with theatrical and musical entertainments.
Jazz in Luz
Concerts, creativity, a stage for young artists, improvisation… since 18 years this festival showcases and supports improvised jazz, and welcomes numerous musicians who have marked the history of improvised jazz.
Spa and wellbeing centre - Luzéa
In a setting heavy with history the Luzéa spa will introduce you to all the benefits of water therapy in a building entirely dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing : turkish baths, sauna, pools, Jacuzzi, massages and personalised beauty treatments.
Luzéa Spa Centre
Walks and treks
The GR10
The long distance Pyrenean footpath crosses the chain from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. It passes through Gavarnie and the Vignemale massif towards Luz Saint Sauveur and the Barèges valley.
Thrills
Mountain biking
Over a hundred kilometres of way marked mountain bike trails, graded by the French Cycling Federation.
Climbing
With many of the highest summits of the range, including the Vignemale, Gavarnie, the Neouvielle and the Balaitous, the choice is superb and offers a variety of both granite and limestone routes. 6 natural outdoor climbing walls are available in Gavarnie and Gedre.
Bungee Jumping
Thrilling 90 metre jumps from the famous Pont Napoleon in Luz Saint Sauveur. Jumps twice a week during summer and once a week throughout the rest of the year.
Local heritage
Knights Templar church in Luz Saint Sauveur
Situated in the middle of the fortified remparts of the « Notre Dame de la Pitié » chapel, the church was constructed in the seventeenth century to implore the Virgin Mary to put an end to the plague which was ravaging the valley. A place of contemplation and memories, the lovely gothic panelled arches is made up of three spans and with the altar from the 17th century make this a remarkable building. The church has a museum with paintings donated by famous 'curistes' over the years.
Millaris at Gedre- Visitor Centre for the Three Cirques
The centre offers a unique exhibition of the majestic cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaube. Four themes guide you through a surprising and enriching tour - from the magnificent scenery of Gavarnie-Gèdre, to the importance of water ( water mills, hydro-electric), agriculture, the local way of life and traditions, and the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Chapel of Solferino in Luz Saint Sauveur
The chapel was built on the ruins of the ancient hermitage of St Peter. Napoleon III reconstructed the chapel in recognition of the benefits of the spa waters of Saint Sauveur. The health of the Empress Eugénie improved considerably after the spa cure she took in 1859 and which lasted for 23 days. Above the door you will find two initials - N for Napoleon and E for Eugénie.