Hautes-Pyrénées

In Occitanie, the Hautes-Pyrénées are the promise of breathtaking vacations, on summits that are among the most beautiful in the south of France.

In the heart of the Pyrenees, the Hautes-Pyrénées conceal exceptional natural sites. From the peaks of Pyrenees national park up to Tarbes, via the unmissable Lourdes, the Hautes-Pyrénées promise a dizzying journey, sensational, but also cultural.

The essentials of the Hautes-Pyrénées department

Among the essentials of the Hautes-Pyrénées, let us quote from now on Gavarnie, its impressive circus and its waterfall so famous. Then place at vertiginous Pic du Midi in Pyrenees national park and in Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne. Néouvielle nature reserve and its myriad of lakes, each more beautiful than the next, is a must see. By car, set off on the high mountain lakes route. It is the highest in the Pyrenees. You will discover for example the lake of Aumar and the lake of Aubert. In Lourdes, a spiritual stopover awaits you, discovering the religious history of this city.

Remarkable natural sites

As you will have understood, the Hautes-Pyrénées offer many exceptional natural sites. The peaks, cirques, canyons, passes, lakes and rivers amaze visitors. Do not miss the circus of Gavarnie of course, but also the Añisclo canyon, the great canyon of Ordesa, or the Trou du Toro and the Pic du Midi.

Outdoor sports 

In the Hautes-Pyrénées, high mountain hiking is absolutely magical. The trails also allow unforgettable mountain biking sessions. On the road, cyclists set off to attack the famous Col du Tourmalet. In winter, the ski resorts welcome winter sports enthusiasts. All mountain sports are accessible here, from paragliding to via ferrata! Do not wait any longer…

Historic sites

For a dive into the history of this territory, go to the Pic du Midi observatory. It has indeed existed since the XNUMXth century. The halls of Bagnères, the mills of Gedre-Dessus or even the Pont d'Espagne also recount some episodes from the close past of the inhabitants of these mountains. Religious heritage is also in the spotlight in the Hautes-Pyrénées, with the sanctuary of Lourdes, the chapel of the Templars, the chapel of Solférino and many other buildings spread over the department.