The Pyrenees travel

The Pyrenees

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Overview of stepped farmland and Pinnacle of Pic du Jer.

Matt Munro

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Overview

Spiking the skyline for 430km along the Franco-Spanish border, the snow-dusted Pyrenees offer a glimpse of France鈥檚 wilder side. This serrated chain of peaks contains some of the country's most pristine landscapes and rarest wildlife, including endangered species such as the griffon vulture, izard (a type of mountain goat) and brown bear. Since 1967, 457 sq km has been protected as the Parc National des Pyr茅n茅es, ensuring its valleys, tarns and mountain pastures are preserved for future generations.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Pic du Midi

The Pyrenees

If the Pyrenees has a mustn鈥檛-miss view, it鈥檚 the one from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m). Once accessible only to mountaineers, since 1878 the Pic du鈥�

Grotte de Niaux

The Pyrenees

Most people know about the prehistoric artworks of the Dordogne, but far fewer realise that ancient painters left their mark in caves all across the鈥�

Parc Animalier des Pyr茅n茅es

The Pyrenees

Around 12km south of Lourdes, off the D821 near Argel猫s-Gazost, this fantastic animal park is home to many species that were once commonly sighted across鈥�

Ch芒teau de Pau

The Pyrenees

Originally the residence of the monarchs of Navarre, Pau鈥檚 castle was transformed into a Renaissance ch芒teau amid lavish gardens by Marguerite鈥�

Grotte du Mas d鈥橝zil

The Pyrenees

Twenty-five kilometres northwest of Foix, near Le Mas d鈥橝zil, this rock shelter is famous for its rich finds of prehistoric tools. Visits are by guided鈥�

Rivi猫re Souterraine de Labouiche

The Pyrenees

Deep beneath the village of Labouiche, 6km northwest of Foix, flows Europe鈥檚 longest navigable underground river. Discovered in 1908 by a local doctor, it鈥�

Ch芒teau de Monts茅gur

The Pyrenees

For the full Monty Python medieval vibe, tackle the steep 20-minute climb to the ruins of this hilltop fortress, 32km east of Foix (and don't forget to鈥�

Mus茅e Bernadotte

The Pyrenees

This townhouse is the birthplace of one of Napol茅on鈥檚 favourite generals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (nicknamed 鈥楽ergent belle-jambe鈥�, on account of his鈥�

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

The Pyrenees are known for their spectacular sunsets, ample hiking opportunities and unique landscapes. Here are the top 9 things to do when you visit.

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Plan with a local