Hautes-Pyrénées Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, and adventures to embark on in Hautes-Pyrénées, France. Plan your perfect itinerary with this travel guide.


Introduction to Hautes-Pyrénées

Located in the Occitanie region of France, Hautes-Pyrénées is a beautiful destination packed with stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Pyrenees mountain range, which offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about Hautes-Pyrénées, including the best places to visit, food to try, and adventures to embark on.

List of Places to Visit in Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées is home to many culturally significant attractions and natural wonders. Here are some places that you must include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lourdes Sanctuary: A site of pilgrimage for Catholics, it is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the world.
  • Musée Pyrénéen: A museum that is dedicated to showcasing the mountain way of life, culture, and history.
  • Château Fort de Lourdes: This fortified castle offers panoramic views of the town of Lourdes and is a great place to learn about medieval history.

Natural Attractions of Hautes-Pyrénées: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parc National des Pyrénées: This national park boasts breathtaking views of the mountains and provides an excellent opportunity for hiking and wildlife watching.
  • Cirque de Gavarnie: A natural amphitheatre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers stunning views of waterfalls and glaciers.
  • Pont d’Espagne: Known for its glacier-fed streams and stunning mountain scenery, it is a great place to explore.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Here are some routes that you must explore:

  • GR10: This trail traverses the Pyrenees mountain range from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Tour des Lacs: This hike takes you through a series of stunning alpine lakes in the beautiful Pyrenees.
  • Pic du Midi de Bigorre: This trail offers a challenging hike to the summit of a mountain with panoramic views of the surrounding Pyrenees.

Best Things to Do in Hautes-Pyrénées: Activities and Tours

Hautes-Pyrénées offers a range of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Skiing: Hautes-Pyrénées has some of the best skiing in the Pyrenees, with several resorts that offer excellent slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers.
  • Rafting: The mountain streams and rivers in Hautes-Pyrénées make for excellent white water rafting adventures.
  • Balloon rides: A hot air balloon ride offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the stunning mountain scenery of Hautes-Pyrénées.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hautes-Pyrénées

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Hautes-Pyrénées:

Day Activity
1 Explore Lourdes and visit the Lourdes Sanctuary
2 Hike the Pont d’Espagne trail
3 Visit the Cirque de Gavarnie and hike to the waterfalls
4 Enjoy a skiing adventure in the Pyrenees
5 Go white water rafting in the mountain streams
6 Visit the Musée Pyrénéen and the Château Fort de Lourdes
7 Take a hot air balloon ride over the Pyrenees

Food and Drink Scene of Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées has a rich food culture and offers a variety of dishes that are unique to the region. Here are some must-try local dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cassoulet: A hearty stew that typically includes white beans, pork, and sausages.
  • Garbure: A traditional soup that contains lots of vegetables, duck confit, and ham.
  • Tourte des Pyrénées: A savoury pastry that is stuffed with meat, cheese, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Jurançon: A wine that is produced in vineyards around Pau and Jurançon.
  • Madiran: A red wine that is produced in vineyards around Madiran.

Where to Stay in Hautes-Pyrénées: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hautes-Pyrénées offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some recommendations:

  • Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres: A luxurious hotel located in Lourdes that offers stunning views of the mountains.
  • Hôtel de la Grotte: A charming hotel in Lourdes that is reputed for its warm and hospitable staff.
  • Gîte du Lac: A laid-back guesthouse near Tour des Lacs that offers comfortable rooms and excellent meals.

What to Buy in Hautes-Pyrénées: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hautes-Pyrénées is famous for its local products and handicrafts. Here are some things that you can buy as souvenirs:

  • Porcelain from Tarbes: Tarbes is known for making fine porcelain, which makes for great gifts.
  • Pyrenean honey: The honey produced in the Pyrenees is unique and delicious.
  • Cowbells: The cowbells found in the Pyrenees are made of brass and make a delightful and authentic souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées has a rich and diverse culture, with a mix of Basque, Gascon, and Catalan traditions. The region is known for its warm and welcoming locals who are proud of their heritage and love to share it. Expect to hear a lot of Occitan language, one often spoken in the region.

Best Time to Visit Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is mild and the hiking trails are open. Winters can get extremely cold, and many attractions may be closed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hautes-Pyrénées

Do:

  • Embrace the local culture and try the local food and drinks.
  • Respect the environment and wildlife when exploring the national park.
  • Learn some basic phrases in French and Occitan.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural landscape.
  • Disrespect religious sites and traditions.
  • Visit during July and August when it’s peak tourist season, and the crowds can be overwhelming.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées is a safe destination, but visitors should be wary of pickpockets in busy tourist areas. When hiking, be sure to check weather conditions and follow safety guidelines. In winter, check mountain pass road conditions.

Health in Hautes-Pyrénées

Visitors are advised to drink bottled water or boiled water as the tap water may not be safe to drink. Medical facilities are readily available in Lourdes and the larger towns in the area.

Getting to Hautes-Pyrénées: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hautes-Pyrénées is well connected to major cities in France and Europe. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Hautes-Pyrénées

  • Pau Pyrénées Airport: The closest airport to Hautes-Pyrénées, located about 40 km away.
  • Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport: This airport is located in Lourdes and has regular flights to and from several cities in Europe.

Bus Stations Near Hautes-Pyrénées

  • Lourdes Bus Station: Located in the town centre, it offers regular bus services to several towns in Hautes-Pyrénées and other regions in France.
  • Tarbes Bus Station: This station connects Tarbes to other towns and cities in France.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Renting a car is a great option for exploring Hautes-Pyrénées and the surrounding areas at your leisure.
  • Train: The nearest railway stations to Hautes-Pyrénées are located in Tarbes and Lourdes, and both are connected to major cities in France.

How to Get Around in Hautes-Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées is a relatively small region and can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Bus services are available, and taxi services are readily available.

Where to Go Next from Hautes-Pyrénées: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hautes-Pyrénées is well connected to several nearby destinations and makes for an excellent base for further exploration. The following places are worth a visit:

  • Biarritz: A famous seaside town in the Basque Country, located about 170 km away.
  • Toulouse: A bustling university city in the Occitanie region, located about 160 km away.
  • Bordeaux: A historic city known for its wine, located about 250 km away.

Conclusion

Hautes-Pyrénées is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Hautes-Pyrénées has it all. Use this guide to create your perfect itinerary and make the most of your trip to this stunning region of France.

A view of the Chapel of the Marcadau and mountains beyond, from the Marcadau valley, Cauterets A view of the Chapel of the Marcadau and mountains beyond, from the Marcadau valley, Cauterets


    Lourdes
    Pyrénées National Park