Pyrenees Travel Guide

Discover the best natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scenes, lodging options, and insider tips in Pyrenees, Europe. Plan a week-long itinerary and explore the nearby destinations.


Pyrenees is a stunning mountain range situated between Spain and France, offering exceptional opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. From towering peaks to lush forests and picturesque villages, Pyrenees has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will walk you through the top places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, local food and drink scene, where to stay, and insider tips for Pyrenees. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide will help make the most of your time in Pyrenees.

Introduction to Pyrenees

The Pyrenees mountain range runs 430 km from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. It forms a natural border between France and Spain, with the highest peak, Pico de Aneto, standing at 3404 meters. Pyrenees is full of scenic beauty, wildlife, rich culture, and an outstanding view of some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. It is an ideal destination for outdoor activities, nature lovers, history buffs, adventurers, and anyone looking to experience the best of European culture and nature.

List of Places to Visit in Pyrenees

To help you plan your Pyrenees itinerary, we have compiled a list of top attractions to visit in Pyrenees:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Altamira Caves
  • Museum of Catalan Art
  • Lourdes Sanctuary
  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Natural Attractions of Pyrenees: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
  • Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
  • Canigou Peak
  • Nature Trail of Vall de Nuria
  • Pic du Midi Observatory

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pyrenees

Pyrenees is famous for its stunning mountain trails, offering various activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding. Some of the best hiking/biking routes to explore in Pyrenees include:

  • GR10
  • Pyrenean Haute Route
  • Camino de Santiago
  • La Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos

Best Things to Do in Pyrenees: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Pyrenees offers numerous activities and tours to explore, including:

  • White Water Rafting
  • Paragliding
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Wine Tasting Tours
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides

Week-Long Itinerary for Pyrenees

If you are planning a week-long visit to Pyrenees, here is our suggested itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to Pyrenees Day 2 - Explore Lourdes Sanctuary and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Day 3 - Hike through Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park Day 4 - Take Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Park trek Day 5 - Discover the Canigou Peak, considered the “sacred mountain of Catalonia” Day 6 - Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the surrounding vineyards of Pyrenees Day 7 - Depart from Pyrenees

Food and Drink Scene of Pyrenees

Pyrenees is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, which reflects the unique blend of French and Spanish influences. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cassoulet
  • Paella
  • Ratatouille
  • Croquettes
  • Creme Catalan

Local Beverages

  • Cava
  • Wines from Somontano or Emporda regions

Where to Stay in Pyrenees: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pyrenees offers a range of lodging options ranging from luxury hotels to rustic mountain cottages. Here are some of the best places to stay in Pyrenees:

  • Hotel St. Martin in Saint-Martin-de-Caralp
  • Hôtel Restaurant L’Echaillon in La Grave
  • Refugi d’Ulldeter in Catalonia
  • Casa Marti in Ainsa

What to Buy in Pyrenees: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pyrenees boasts of a great range of souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the must-buy products include:

  • Herbal Liqueurs
  • Handcrafted pottery and Woodcraft
  • Leather items
  • Sheepskin rugs

Local Culture and Customs of Pyrenees

Pyrenees culture is influenced by both French and Spanish traditions. Local customs include:

  • Festival of Summer Solstice
  • Strolling on Sundays along the Promenade des Anglais
  • Carnival of Limoux

Best Time to Visit Pyrenees

The Pyrenees is an all-year-round destination, but the best time to go is from June to September and December to March for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pyrenees

Here are some things to keep in mind while visiting Pyrenees:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions
  • Learn some basic French and Spanish phrases
  • Try the local cuisine and wines

Don’t:

  • Leave litter on hiking trails
  • Wear hiking boots inside a house
  • Pick flowers or plants without permission

Safety and Health

Pyrenees is generally a safe destination, but here are some things to keep in mind:

Safety in Pyrenees

  • Stay on designated hiking trails
  • Check the weather forecast before going on a hike
  • Be careful while hiking or mountain biking in bad weather conditions

Health in Pyrenees

  • Take tick precautions when hiking in Pyrenees
  • Stay hydrated while doing outdoor activities

Getting to Pyrenees: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Pyrenees:

Airports Near Pyrenees

  • Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF)
  • Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
  • Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)

Bus Stations Near Pyrenees

  • Perpignan Bus Station
  • Toulouse Bus Station

Other Options

  • Renting a car
  • Taking a train to Lourdes

How to Get Around in Pyrenees

The best way to explore Pyrenees is by car, but it’s best to have a map, and get a GPS or travel app. There is also a train network covering most of the Pyrenees.

Where to Go Next from Pyrenees: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you finish exploring Pyrenees, you can explore the nearby destinations include:

  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Andorra la Vella and the ski resort of Soldeu in Andorra
  • Toulouse, France

Conclusion

Pyrenees is a perfect destination for those seeking nature, culture, and adventure. With its incredible landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Pyrenees is an excellent destination to explore. Hopefully, this comprehensive tour guide for Pyrenees will help you to plan an unforgettable trip to this amazing part of Europe.