The Pyrenees
Why not start with the presentation of the Greats Sites of Occitania present in the Hautes-Pyrénées department?
The first one, only 150 meters from our hotels, is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. A major place of worldwide Catholic pilgrimage, this Marian sanctuary is also a collection of architectural achievements. The estate has 3 basilicas with very different styles, both in construction and in ornamentation. Every evening, the Torchlight procession is a moment of fraternity and contemplation rich in emotions not to be missed.
Then gain height to reach the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Accessible on foot for the more experienced, or by cable-car from La Mongie, you will enjoy the 600m² of panoramic terraces of the highest observatory in Europe at an altitude of 2877 meters. Trace the history of its construction, admire this breathtaking view, and if you feel fearless, walk onto a glass walkway for a suspended moment above the clouds.
Back on dry land for an equally accessible colossus : the Gavarnie's Cirque ! A natural 1500 meters high cirque (almost 5 times the Eiffel Tower), extend 6.5 km long and surrounded by peaks over 3000 meters. Listed as a UNESCO World Site, it presents traces of the evolution from the Ice Age to the present day. Its 422 meter high waterfall is the highest in France but also one of the highest in Europe.
Waterfalls, you will find lots of on our 4th site, Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne! Typical village in the heart of the National Park, discover the fauna and flora of the Pyrenees, the calm of its forests, and the power of its torrents and waterfalls. A few kilometers away, the Pont d'Espagne. A stone bridge built in 1886, which once allowed commercial exchanges with Spain by paths and donkeys.
Land of bikes and legendary passes
For more than a century, and thanks to the visibility brought by the Tour de France, our passes have built an international reputation. The Tourmalet, the Aubisque and the Ardiden are the best known for their technical characteristics, their elevation differences and their landscapes. Land of cycling, the Pyrenees also offer you the opportunity to discover our greenways with your family, and our downhill trails to hurtle down our mountains. From Lourdes, set off to conquer the Pyrenees in the footsteps of legends.
The lakes
From the first lakes accessible for a family picnic, to the most confidential ones requiring a good level of hiking, you will not find 2 identical. The lakes road is also one of the most beautiful walks for bikers. A curvy walk in the heart of the national park which will introduce you to numerous lakes.
Relaxation activities
Here, enjoy the mountain in all its forms.
First on the ground, by discovering the fauna and flora during hikes, at the animal park, at the eagle dungeon, or during bike rides. Then, gaining height, with the Pic du Jer funicular, the Cauterets eggs or the Pic du Midi cable-car, the Pyrenees will offer you their views. Another more unexpected approach : the underground with a visit to the caves of Bétharram which will give you an insight into what is happening beneath our feet. And why not end up in the water! Thanks to our spa towns, their spa areas, enjoy bubble baths and our naturally hot spring waters.
Les Activités Sensations
For the bravest, and through landscapes each more marvelous than the last, there are numerous outdoor activities. Canyoning, hydrospeed rafting, climbing, via ferrata, caving... Race down our mountains on scooters, karting, fat bikes, even in buoys and mechanical sleds, or pedal on a wire like a tightrope walker, tree climbing, zip line, paragliding, jump the elastic... In brief, enough to make your head spin! So don't wait any longer and take on the challenge of the Pyrenees.
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Local Gastronomy
Like each region, we also have our specialties; and here, they are the best! Land of agriculture and breeding, visit our sheepfolds, our cheese factories, discover the beehives, the salmon trout of the Pyrenees, but also the Védère biscuit factory, the Francis Miot's sweets or the Lindt chocolate factory. Everything is there for a good meal. Garbure, an emblematic dish of our region! Taste our black pork meat from Bigorre, or a smoked trout tartare. Some grilled Barèges lamb chops served with Tarbais beans. A piece of local cheese before moving on to dessert with blueberry pie and spit cake. Let's not forget the small glass of Jurançon or Madiran to accompany this either. Leave with everything you need to relive a bit of your vacation when you return home.
A unique heritage
Exceptional natural sites, but not only that... The Pyrenees and Lourdes in particular, have always been a commercial crossroads for trade with Spain. From its medieval fort which stands proudly in the heart of the city, Lourdes kept watching on the valley. Throughout the valley there are numerous advanced watchtowers which were used to monitor the territory of the tales of Bigorre. From the basilicas of Lourdes to the most distant churches, such as of the Templar Knights one in Gavarnie, including the beauty of the St-Savin abbey, our lands hide architectural gems.
