Welcome to Hautes-Pyrénées in the French region of Occitanie.
The ideal place for exploring the Pyrenees with major sites like the Pic du Midi, roads that lead to Spain, legendary mountain passes such as Aspin, Peyresourde and Tourmalet and, just a short distance away, places like Lourdes, Gavarnie and Cauterets.
This land facing the Pyrenees also offers a wealth of diversity. For example: the Gascon atmosphere of the hillside villages, the fabulous panoramic views of the Pyrenees from the Lannemezan Plateau – truly a balcony overlooking the mountains, the preserved authenticity of the Neste valley and the Baronnies region, and the healing waters and lush greenery of Capvern-les-Bains.
There’s something for everyone in the Pyrenees where, unmistakeably, that feel-good sensation awaits nature lovers, hikers of all levels, stone heritage and history enthusiasts, would-be adventurers and seasoned explorers, epicureans and the simply curious. Here, every visitor can find heaven on earth!
Unique for its variety and abundance of concretions, with real aragonite (rock crystal) formations, the Esparros Chasm is truly a subterranean garden that you can visit in a spectacle of sound and light.
This castle used to guard the Toulouse-Bayonne route. If you find that hard to believe, the 360° view from the top of the crenelated keep should convince you.
The abbey of Escaladieu can be found in a small wooded valley of the Baronnies region, mid-way between the spa towns of Capvern and Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Inviting you on a journey, its straightforward, sober architecture promises a sense of serenity.
N’Co Park is an adventure park in the great outdoors of the Lannemezan plateau. You’ll find a wide range of activities here, such as treetop adventure trails, paint-ball, slip ‘n slide, barefoot trails and orienteering, enough to keep any adventurer happy, young or old.
The Demi-Lune is a vast amusement park located at Lannemezan in Hautes-Pyrénées. Its huge variety of activities includes water features, visiting the farm animals, and treetop adventure trails for both children and adults.
In a decor of stone and sculpted wood surrounding an incredible centrepiece in the form of a “viking” hammam, the Edenvik spa centre is a Nordic-style wellness facility that offers a complete change of scene.
Major Sites
Cœur des Pyrénées is surrounded by prestigious places and tourist attractions, including some of the most famous sites in the Pyrenean mountains.
The Pic du Midi
Officially recognised as a “Grand Site” (major site) of Occitanie, the Pic du Midi is a unique mountain tourism destination for holidaymakers and weekenders.
Lourdes
Totally detached from the daily grind, the cosmopolitan, magical, legendary city of Lourdes is one of those places of timeless beauty.
Gavarnie
Backing onto the Spanish canyons of Añisclo, Piñeta and the legendary Ordesa, the Gavarnie-Gèdre region belongs to the “Pyrenees & Monte Perdido corrie & canyon country”, declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1997 thanks to its natural landscapes and cultural wealth.
The Néouvielle Natural Reserve
Neighbouring the Pyrenees National Park, the Néouvielle Nature Reserve extends across 2,000 hectares, offering an extremely beautiful landscape of lakes and mountaintops.
Spain
Less than an hour away from Spain and the beautiful region of Aragon. Breathtaking scenery, villages of stone with a medieval feel...
Saint Bertrand de Comminges, a key stop on the Way of Saint James, is rated among the "most beautiful villages in France” with its famous Sainte-Marie Cathedral that seems to hang between heaven and earth.
