The 18 things to do in the Pyrenees

They are sublime, breathtaking, grandiose and intimate. Visiting the Pyrenees promises wonder and surprise!

An exceptional natural border, the Pyrenees dazzle by their admirable majesty and authentic setting. At a loss of sight, there is a shimmering nature in front of you combining magnificent waterfalls, crystalline lakes, rocky swells and majestic peaks. The exceptional setting at the edges of the Pyrenees National Park , in a mountain atmosphere, intermingled charming villages and character bastides. Between sea, countryside and mountain, visit the Pyrenees will surely spare you!

1. Cirque de Gavarnie

Cirque de Gavarnie, probably one of the most impressive and magnificent places in the French Pyrenees. Located in the Pyrenees National Park, it was even registered in 1997 UNESCO World Heritage in the ensemble Pyrénées-Mont Perdu. Composed of three levels of snow, majestic cliffs and countless silver cascades, Cirque de Gavarnie has something magical. Visiting the Pyrenees will leave you without a voice!

2. Neouvielle Nature Reserve

Voisine du Parc national des Pyrénées, the Neouvielle Nature Reserve is a site of great natural wealth. Its exceptional fauna and flora make this place an enchanting place where walking is synonymous with discovery. Modeled by the imposing pine forests, magnificent meadows, crystal clear waters of lakes and rivers, glaciers, the Neouvielle Nature Reserve offers breathtaking views.

3. Les Pics du Midi

Le Pic du Midi de Bigorre

Visit the Pyrenees without discovering the Pic du Midi de Bigorre is unthinkable! It is part of the 129 main summits of the Pyrenees chain thanks to its highest point located at 2877 meters above sea level. This natural balcony offers an exceptional view of France and the Spain to all those who ascend.

However, this is not his only asset, it is also a point of observation of stars Very popular! When the chain of the Pyrenees collapses in the dark night, after the clutch of the twilight, magic continues to operate.

Le Pic du Midi d’Ossau

Slightly less known than the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau is a must-see in the Pyrenees. Located in the beautiful Ossau Valley , it dominates the plain of Pau and the Pyrenean villages.

4. The Col de Tourmalet

Uncontournable to visit the Pyrenees, the Col de Tourmalet offers a remarkable panorama especially on the summits of the slope of Barèges. Mythical road that winds in the valley of Escoubous, it is a flagship stage of the Tour de France .

Today, this path is only accessible to hikers who, at the start of the pass of the Tourmalet, want to reach the peak of the Midi de Bigorrre.

5. Mont Canigou

A sacred mountain of Catalans, Mont Canigou dominates the landscape of the Pyrénées Orientales. Only the Pic Carlit surpasses him. It thus offers a remarkable panorama on the Roussillon, the Mediterranean, the Catalonia but also the successive chains of the Eastern Pyrenees! Visiting the Pyrenees is above all discovering breathtaking views!

6. The waterfalls

How to visit the Pyrenees without admiring its magnificent and majestic cascades. Among the most famous are Gavarnie or Ars.

• Cascade de Gavarnie : This waterfall is surrounded by snowy summits, green vallons, huge rocky promontory and fir tufts. Jailing over 430 meters high, it will impress you! The latter is accessible via a path hiking.
• Cascade d’Ars : nestled in the hollow of Ariège, in Aulus-les-Bains, the Ars waterfall extends over three monumental floors culminating at 246 metres high. This is a spot to be made in the Pyrenees.

7. The lakes

If you want to visit the Pyrenees through the lakes, head to the Cauterets valley where most lakes are grouped. Indeed, the region has no less than 2500 lakes! Among the most famous in the Pyrenees are:

• Lake Agalops: nestled in the Neouvielle reserve, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes to visit in the Pyrenees! You may have the chance to cross a marmot there.
• Lake Gaube: In the heart of the Cauterets Valley, Gaube Lake is home to exceptional fauna and flora. In addition, it houses a whole hotel on its right bank.
• Lac du Pourtet: located above Cauterets, Lac du Pourtet peaks at 2428 metres above sea level. From Pont d’Espagne, go to discover its basin with turquoise water and its wild environment.
• Lake Oo : renowned in the Pyrenees, this artificial lake is a high place of hiking. Walking, you can admire the Oo dam, walk along the river of the Neste d’Oô and contemplate the beautiful waterfall of the Espingo lake (see the trace).
• Lake Bouillouses: located at the foot of the Carlit massif, the listed site of Lake Bouillouses offers exceptional mountainous landscapes. In addition, its integration into the Natura 2000 network is a testament to its remarkable European biodiversity.

8. Lourdes

A city of Catholic pilgrimage, Lourdes welcomes from Easter to Toussaint, millions of faithful who want to gather in the cave of Massabielle, where Bernadette Soubirous saw the Blessed Virgin. Top tourist and religious place, stop to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes .

9. The villages

Traditional, authentic, simple and warm are adjectives that perfectly define the small Pyrenean villages. To visit the Pyrenees in peace, this is the ideal solution. Among the most famous are:

• Guzet : in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ariégeoise Pyrenees, the chalets and fir trees are the same. In an enchanting setting, enjoy the mountain tranquility.
• Arreau: The village is dotted with rivers and hangs on a steep cliff in the Aure valley. This typical Pyrenean village of the region is full of small wooden chalets both typical and authentic.
• Viey: Not far from Luz St Saviour, it is a village to visit in the Pyrenees. Indeed, hanging on the mountain, it dominates the Bastan valley! So, what do you expect to admire this magnificent panorama?

10. The Château de Montségur

Built at 1207 meters above sea level, the Ariegean citadel of Montségur is a high place of the Catharism . After a fierce struggle, the Cathars lost their capital in 1244, after a siege of almost a year. The bloody and tragic history of this place highlights the religious and bellicose policy put in place by the King of France and the Pope who led many cruel executions.

Today you can visit this Grand Site and its museum all year except January. Note that the times oscillate between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. according to periods. The rates are from 5,50€ for adults and 3€ for children.

11. The Pont d’Espagne

Uncontournable to visit the Pyrenees at best, the Pont d’Espagne is a natural site nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Part of the Great Sites Occitania It would be a shame to miss such a marvel!

12. Ski resorts

Visiting the Pyrenees without skiing is unthinkable! The Pyrenees chain is full of ski resorts that will delight both luge fans and snowboard enthusiasts. There are no less than 39 ski resorts in the French Pyrenees, 34 stations in Spain and 3 stations in Spain Andorra .

Among the most famous stations where gliding sports are more than a religion, we recommend:

• Grandvalira
• Luchon-Superbagnères
• Tourmalet
• Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000
• The Angles

13. Thermal resorts

Visiting the Pyrenees can be awkward so a break in the Pyrenees Pyrenean spas is highly recommended! No matter what your desires, you will have no trouble finding your happiness! Whether you are suffering from any harm or want to enjoy a stay dedicated to relaxation and well-being, the Pyrenean thermal resorts are waiting for you!

Among the most famous stations where relaxation is the master word, we recommend:

• Bagnères de Luchon
• Les Eaux-bonne
• Cauterets
• Luz Saint Saviour
• Amélie les Bains

14. Outdoor activities

The exceptional setting of the Pyrenees is conducive to adventure. This mountainous chain is indeed a splendid playground for all sports enthusiasts, enthusiasts of strong sensations and snacks. In both the sea, the countryside and the mountain, everything is possible here.

That you wanted to visit the Pyrenees in paragliding , ski, ATV , sled dogs, canyoning or scuba diving, everything is possible! So, what sport is your choice?

15. The Tour de France

If you have the opportunity to visit the Pyrenees in the summer, don’t miss the legendary Tour de France. More than a love story, the Tour de France and the Pyrenees, it is above all an out-of-the-ordinary sword among the most legendary passes!

16. Yellow train of the Pyrenees

Visiting the Pyrenees aboard the famous yellow train, is it tempting you? Long 63 km and at an average speed of 30 km/h, you will enjoy the Catalan and Pyrenean landscape. Summer like winter, board and go for adventure!

17. Pass road

Do you want to visit the Pyrenees in the long, wide and through? We have the solution for you! Take the pass road and cross the Pyrenees mountain range in its entirety!

D’Hendaye à Cerbère, en passant par Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Saint-Jean-de-Pied-de-Port, Sarrance, Eaux-Bonnes, Argelès-Gazost, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, le Pic du midi, Bagnères-de-Luchon, Aulus-les-Bains, la Niaux Cave , Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer, you will see the beauty of the Pyrenean landscapes.

18. Local specialties

Visiting the Pyrenees has opened your appetite? No panic, the region is full of delicious dishes and dishes that will treat your taste buds! The specialties to be consumed without moderation are:

• Garbide: this vegetable and bean soup in which candied and a "camayou" (the country's ham bones) mijotent is a treat for taste buds.
• The pin cake: cooked on a wooden conical mold, this dessert is gourmet.
• The confits: Oy or duck confits are essentials of the Pyrenean region. Stored in fat, they are renowned for their melting texture and their inimitable taste as only the South-West can do.
• The madiran: carried by pilgrims Santiago de Compostela, Madiran wine is a must to be enjoyed during an aperitif or a meal.

How do I go to the Pyrenees?

Going to the Pyrenees is quite simple since the area is well served.

By plane

If you want to fly, airports Pau and Tarbes-Lourdes are the closest.

From Paris , we have to count about 1:15 to 1:30 Flight. Do not hesitate to consult the website Skyscanner to find flights at the best price.

By train

You also have the opportunity to train to the Pyrenees. The trains serve the stations of Pau, Oloron, Tarbes and Lannemezan.

From these stations, buses serve the valleys. You will need to be informed at the S.N.C.F. and in the tourist offices to obtain the schedules and rates. The second option that offers to you is the car rental , you can rent one in Pau for example.

By car

The car still remains the most convenient way of locomotion once on site because, like all mountainous mountains, some places or ski resorts are more difficult to access and less served by public transport.

Especially be careful in the collars and think of snow tires or chains if you come to visit the Pyrenees in winter!

Where to stay in the Pyrenees?

The Pyrenees region is very touristic and you will easily find many accommodations. De hotel to the cottage passing through the guest house or the Airbnb You must find your happiness!

Whether you like big cities, small villages or thermal resorts, you will find a place to your taste! We recommend the Grand Tourmalet, Ax 3 domains and Guzet station. You can also stay in Cauterets, Font-Romeu and Barèges-la-Mongie.

So, what do you expect to visit the Pyrenees?