High Pyrenees

Discover the landscapes must-haves

Pyrenees National Park

Founded in 1967, the National Park The Pyrenees National Park is a natural treasure nestled on the border between France and Spain, spanning the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments. This park, one of France’s eight national parks, preserves a vast portion of the Pyrenees mountain range and is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.

It stands out for its mountainits majestic, its lakes crystal-clear waters, refreshing waterfalls, dense forests, and spectacular cliffs. Natural cirques, such as the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cirque de Troumouse, offer exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Major natural sites

The Hautes-Pyrénées region is home to exceptional natural sites that attract visitors from all over the world. The Cirque de Gavarnie, famous for its impressive circular cliff face, is particularly iconic.

An easy walk from the village of Gavarnie leads to this site, a must-see for any nature lover.

The Pic du Midi, rising to 2,877 meters, offers spectacular panoramic views of the Pyrenees and is renowned for its astronomical observatory, which is perfect for stargazing.

The Campan Valley is also popular for its diverse landscapes and charming villages, such as Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, which attract hikers and nature lovers.

Nature activities

The Hautes-Pyrénées is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Pyrenees National Park offers a multitude of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely walks through the valleys to more challenging routes like the GR10, which crosses the Pyrenees for 887 km.

Winter sports also have their place there, with resorts in ski such as Saint-Lary-Soulan, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Cauterets, which offer slopes suitable for all skill levels.

For a more peaceful experience, the lakes and rivers are perfect for fishing and boat rides, while the thermal baths The spas of Bagnères-de-Bigorre and Luz-Saint-Sauveur offer relaxation and wellness in a breathtaking natural setting.

Exploring the heritage cultural and historical

Charming towns and villages

In the Hautes-Pyrénées, a multitude of charming villages and towns boast a unique cultural heritage. Arreau, a historic town, served as an important administrative, political, and judicial center during the Middle Ages. Its Château des Nestes, which served as a seat of justice from the 16th century to the mid-18th century, is a remarkable example of this.

Bagnères-de-Bigorre is also known for its fine arts museum and its rich architectural heritage, including the fortified castle of Lourdes and the castle of the Counts of Comminges in Bramevaque.

The Aure and Louron valleys, designated as “Lands of Art and History,” preserve an authentic rural heritage featuring historic fountains and washhouses, such as the Azereix washhouse.

Religious heritage and pilgrimages

The Hautes-Pyrénées also stand out for their religious heritage and pilgrimage sites. Lourdes, one of the most visited cities in France, is a global pilgrimage center for Christians, attracting millions of worshippers each year thanks to its sanctuary, its churches and its fountains of sacred water.

The churches and chapels scattered throughout the valleys and villages—such as the Church of Saint-Germé d’Ilhan in Bordères-Louron and the Church of Notre-Dame de Bourisp—bear witness to the region’s rich religious history.

Local festivals and events

A vibrant cultural scene brings the Hautes-Pyrénées to life, with a variety of local festivals and events. Tarbes, the prefecture, is famous for its Tarbes Tango Festival, a unique celebration of tango music and dance. The Saint-Lary-Soulan Silent Film Festival, which features silent films accompanied by live music, and events such as Jazz à Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the Equestria Equestrian Festival in Tarbes enrich the region’s cultural and sporting calendar.

Gastronomy and specialities of the Hautes-Pyrénées

Presenting local products

Richness and diversity are the hallmarks of gastronomy in the Hautes-Pyrénées, which showcases high-quality local products. Among these, the Bigorre Black Pig stands out—a breed renowned for its tender and flavorful meat. This meat is often featured in Bigorre ham, which has held a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 2015.

Cheese also plays a prominent role in this region, with specialties such as Tomme des Pyrénées, an uncooked pressed or semi-pressed cheese that has been protected by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) since 1996. Ossau-Iraty, an uncooked sheep’s-milk cheese, is also very popular and has held a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1996.

Local fruits and vegetables also take center stage, particularly the sweet onion from Trébons, which has been grown since the 18th century and is prized for its mild flavor and its tendency to cause minimal tearing. Tarbais beans, known for their thin skins and subtle flavor, are often used in traditional recipes such as garbure, a soup rich in vegetables and meat.

The best gourmet addresses

The Hautes-Pyrénées are home to many places where you can enjoy local specialties. In Tarbes, restaurants such as UP2Play offer a diverse and welcoming dining experience. In Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Le Schuss invites you to enjoy a warm and welcoming experience featuring regional dishes.

Le Brasero restaurant in Argelès-Gazost serves hearty dishes inspired by the Southwest, while Le Hautacam in Beaucens offers a varied menu, including daily specials and homemade desserts.

Establishments such as the Mercure Peyragudes-Loudenvielle Hotel in Loudenvielle offer local specialties in their restaurants, combining culinary delight with relaxation.

Unique culinary experiences

The Hautes-Pyrénées is home to unique culinary experiences, such as the gâteau à la broche, a traditional dessert prepared for special occasions. Its cooking method—in which the batter is baked over an open fire in a conical mold—makes it an iconic specialty.

Garbure, a traditional soup made with vegetables and meat, varies depending on the season and the ingredients available, offering a truly authentic culinary journey.

Pyrenean fondues, with their unique touch of Tomme des Pyrénées cheese, offer a culinary experience all their own—perfect for warming up after a day of skiing or hiking.

Conclusion

The Hautes-Pyrénées offer a unique and memorable adventure for adventurers and vacationers alike. With breathtaking natural scenery, a rich cultural and historical heritage, and, of course, delicious local cuisine, every aspect of this region invites you to explore.

Whether you’re drawn to snow-capped peaks, picturesque villages, sacred sites steeped in history, or culinary delights, the Hautes-Pyrénées has something to satisfy every taste.

Don’t wait to plan your getaway to explore the treasures of this region. Whether you’re seeking adventure in nature, an immersion in the local culture, or simply a moment of relaxation in an exceptional setting, the Hautes-Pyrénées promise you an unforgettable stay. Discover this French gem and enjoy an extraordinary experience.

FAQ

What is the largest town in the Hautes-Pyrénées?

Tarbes, the capital of the Hautes-Pyrénées department, is the region's largest city. Compared with other communes, it is distinguished by its large population.

What are the different valleys in the Hautes-Pyrénées?

The Hautes-Pyrénées department, located in southwestern France, is renowned for its remarkable valleys. Among them are the Aure Valley, the Louron Valley, the Neste Valley, the Campan Valley, and the Cauterets Valley.

These valleys offer exceptional scenery and a variety of tourist activities.

What do we call the inhabitants of the Hautes-Pyrénées?

Residents of the Hautes-Pyrénées are known as Bigourdans, a term derived from the town of Tarbes, often seen as the capital of the department and the historic region of Bigorre.

Where to walk in the 65?

The Hautes-Pyrénées department (65) is full of places perfect for hiking. Hiking enthusiasts and lovers of outdoor activities will be delighted to discover the Pyrenees, while picturesque valleys such as the Louron Valley and the Aure Valley invite exploration. Charming mountain villages like Saint-Lary-Soulan and Cauterets are also worth a visit.

The department's lakes and rivers offer wonderful opportunities for relaxing walks and fishing trips.