guide
An overview of the highlights of the Hautes-Pyrénées, from the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie to the Notre-Dame de Lourdes sanctuary, via the Pont d’Espagne and the Néouvielle nature reserve. The article also covers activities: hiking, cycling along the Route des Cols and the legendary Col du Tourmalet, resorts such as Luz Ardiden and Cauterets, for planning a campsite stay in the department.
Have you decided to take a break in the Hautes-Pyrénées? Excellent idea, because the region’s grand natural sites hold wonderful surprises in store for you. Discover the must-sees and stock up on activity ideas.
How can you visit the region without admiring the majestic peaks and cliffs that form a natural border with Spain? Lakes, waterfalls, unspoilt forests… a genuine change of scenery is guaranteed, right at the heart of the Pyrenees National Park.
There’s so much to discover that you’ll struggle to fit it all into a single day. To extend your stay, book at one of the region’s many lively, leafy cheap campsites.
And for a mystical experience in the heart of the mountains, head to the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Lourdes, which spans an area of 52 hectares. The Grotto of Massabielle, the fortress, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Church of Saint Bernadette… this historic town holds many surprises in store for you.
The Hautes-Pyrénées are a haven for hikers and sports enthusiasts (mountain biking and more). Vallée de Lutour or du Bastan, Cirque du Lys, Cascade du Cerisey… there are countless hikes to choose from. Take the Route des Cols or the Vallon d’Escoubous route by bike. And if adventure tempts you, take on the legendary Col du Tourmalet (2,115 m), well known to Tour de France fans. Also consider the resorts of Luz Ardiden and Cauterets-le Lys, where activities abound in every season.
And to recharge your batteries or unwind, head to one of the best-priced campsites in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Not much of a sports enthusiast? Visit the many museums (Lourdes and more) or hop aboard the Yellow Train of the Pyrenees, which promises 63 incredible kilometres.
Food lovers won’t want to miss the small establishments serving up tasty local home cooking. On the menu: Garbure, Bigorre black pork or even spit-roasted cake. Take a detour to the region’s farms to buy confit and Madiran wine at a good price. Enjoy your stay in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
This iconic natural site, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1997, offers a steep-sided valley set between 16 peaks over 3,000 metres, with cliffs exposed since the ice age.
A 52-hectare site comprising the Grotto of Massabielle, a fortress, the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Rosaire and the Church of Sainte-Bernadette.
It rises to 2,115 metres and is a legendary pass well known to Tour de France fans, accessible by bike via the Route des Cols.
Garbure soup, Bigorre black pork and gâteau à la broche are among the traditional dishes, best paired with confit and Madiran wine bought directly from the region's farms.
