Holidays in the Pyrenees

Overview

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A breathtakingly dramatic world, that is visited by ski enthusiasts and snowboarders in the winter months, in springtime the French Pyrénées transform into a beautiful, much gentler place.

Summers tend to be fine and sunny, and the lush green landscapes, fragrant forests, quaint villages and pretty flower-filled valleys that nestle between the massifs provide a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. In short, whether it’s walking, hiking, cycling, canoeing, rock climbing or simply sightseeing at an easy pace, this could be the refreshingly different holiday you’ve been looking for.

In the French Pyrénées, the cuisine is hearty and includes many fresh, local ingredients, with cassoulet, rich pâtés, confits of goose or duck, beef and Toulouse sausages being popular favourites. As you’d expect of France, the desserts are particularly tempting, plus a good selection of Gascon and Pyrénéan wines are readily available.

Places to visit

Cirque de Gavarnie waterfalls

The waterfalls of the Cirque de Gavarnie are just possibly the most spectacular sight in the Pyrénées. Cut out from the surrounding landscape by glaciation, cirques are impressive enough. Add a magnificent deluge of water cascading for several hundred metres, however, and the Cirque de Gavarnie is outstanding. If you don’t fancy the morning or afternoon’s walk to see this spectacle, you can always make the trip by donkey (available from Gavarnie village), but make sure the donkey guides wait for you if you require a prompt trip back.

Bagnères de Bigorre

Built by the Romans, who loved ‘taking the waters’, Bagnères is a relaxing place that is still renowned for its Grandes Thermes. Head over to Bagnères de Bigorre on a Saturday morning and you’ll be able to stock up on freshly baked bread, delicious cheeses and all sorts of other local produce at the weekly market. Then afterwards, why not wander around the narrow streets of the old town before relaxing outside a café in the tree-lined Coustous Square or by the River Ardour?

Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Less than a mile from our Keycamp parc, Camping Pyrénées, this lovely mountain village is a great spot for exploring one of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrénées. Nature walks, rock climbing, lake fishing, paragliding, canoeing and kayaking are all available locally. There is an annual jazz festival in July.

Pic du Midi Observatory

Standing at over 2,800 metres high, the Pic du Midi has to be one of the most spectacular mountains in the French Pyrénées. At the top of this breathtaking peak you will find an observatory with one of the most powerful telescopes in Europe, along with viewing platforms offering breathtaking views.

Jardin Botanique de Tourmalet

If botany’s your thing, don’t miss the chance to explore this wonderful garden. Covering around two hectares, this is the perfect place to discover more about the plant life of the Pyrénées.

Places to visit

Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Nature walks, rock climbing, lake fishing, paragliding, canoeing and kayaking are all available locally.

Places to visit

Bagnères de Bigorre

Built by the Romans, who loved ‘taking the waters’, Bagnères is a relaxing place that is still renowned for its Grandes Thermes.

Lourdes

Overlooked by the Pyrénées, and having three impressive peaks of its own, Lourdes is a major place of Roman Catholic pilgrimage and attracts in the region of 5 million pilgrims and tourists each year. Following the apparitions of the 19th Century, Lourdes became an important venue for Christians from all over the world. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a particularly important destination for pilgrims; with many believing the spring waters from the grotto contain healing properties.