Travel guide Hautes-Pyrénées

The quality of Pyrenean lamb is recognised by the PGI Pyrenean Milk Lamb. Sheep farming is the economic lung of these mountains. The ewes give birth to young that are slaughtered before they are weaned. The milk is also used to make delicious cheeses, which reflect the richness and variety of the natural diet.

Bernadette Soubirous, the most famous and popular personality in the Hautes-Pyrénées, had her life changed when she saw the Virgin Mary at the entrance to a cave in Lourdes. Our Lady appeared to her 18 times in all, showing her the location of the miraculous spring. The little peasant girl, who could neither read nor write, became a source of veneration.

The pastoral tradition is still to lead the animals to the high pastures in summer. Some shepherds practice transhumance on foot, from the stabling area to the grassy plateaus. The animals are driven to higher altitudes at the end of spring when the grass has grown back, and brought down again at the end of summer before the cold weather arrives.

This typical Bigourdan dish is a kind of peasant soup which combines winter vegetables, Tarbais beans and meats. In this region of France, black pork shank and duck confit are often used. Considered as the poor man's soup, the garbure is reputed to give strength. It is eaten with soup and separate meats.

In the Pyrenees, the term "gave" refers to a watercourse or torrent that flows directly down from the mountains, first tumultuously, then lazily down the valleys. The gaves form a dense irrigation network that is essential for farming in the Pyrenean foothills, and allow electricity to be generated.

Europe's largest bird of prey can be seen in the remote valleys of the Hautes-Pyrénées. There are only 14 pairs of this critically endangered bird left. It is the subject of an important scientific monitoring and preservation program. It can be recognized by its rust-coloured belly and its slate-grey back.

Cousin of the chamois, the isard is exclusively Pyrenean. In summer, it grazes above the tree line on the high slopes. In winter, it goes down into the forests, where the snow cover is less pronounced. Threatened with extinction in the 1950s, the Pyrenees National Park was created for it. Its population amounts to 4,000 individuals.

The peak is the term used locally to designate a mountain. The Pic du Vignemale or Pic Longue dominates the massif from its 3,298 metres. The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is the most famous, which can be reached by cable car. It houses a scientific observatory where planets and stars can be studied and where it is possible to spend the night.

The numerous hiking trails, undergrowth, wide ridges, plateaus and summer pastures become ideal playgrounds for snowshoeing as soon as the first snow falls. The snowshoe fixed under the shoe increases the bearing surface and avoids sinking into the fresh snow.

This term was coined to designate the balneo centers and spas that have taken over the Pyrenean spas. They have revived the interest of holidaymakers in the benefits of sulphurous waters and have dusted off the ageing image of the cure. Jet pools, swan necks and bubble baths allow you to relax and have fun at the same time.

When you think of Pyrenean gastronomy, lamb and black pork come to mind. But we must not forget fish, and in particular trout, which has been given pride of place in the repertoire of local flavours. The fario or rainbow trout served at the table come mainly from two local farms: the Pyrenean trout and the trout of Nistos.

The roads in the Pyrenees run through deep valleys, following the rivers in a north-south direction. The valleys are dotted with villages and hamlets. Some of them have become large spa and ski resorts. Others have retained the authentic charm of yesteryear and enjoy a breathtaking natural setting.