If the Hautes-Pyrénées is a department known internationally for the Marian city of Lourdes and its pilgrimages, it conceals many other treasures. The city of Tarbes, incredible natural treasures and ski resorts that will soon open their doors, complete the rich tourist offer of a department too often forgotten in tourist brochures.
Lourdes and Tarbes, two cities not to be missed
The whole world knows the Marian city of Lourdes. World centre of pilgrimages, it is the second largest hotel city in France. It was the 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 that gave this city its fame well beyond the borders of France. Peaking at an altitude of 420 m, the site of Lourdes and the surrounding area has been largely shaped by the sliding of a glacier descending from the peaks of Vignemale. It invaded with its moraines the outskirts of the town and dug the important lake of Lourdes.
Lourdes takes all its brilliance and its radiance when the 5 million faithful who come each year to gather on the banks of the gave de Pau animate the city. Many religious monuments are then invaded: the sanctuaries, impressive in spite of architectures of various inspirations, the gigantic underground basilica Saint-Pie X (it can accommodate 20,000 people on its 1.2 ha), the Byzantine basilica of the Rosary and its 15 chapels dedicated to the mysteries of the rosary and the neo-gothic upper basilica which dominates the cave as well as swimming pools and hospitals. Even today, in front of the miraculous grotto, so modest, with its many plaques of thanksgiving, the emotion is great: pilgrims and visitors from all over the world gather and piously parade in front of the statue of the Virgin, while holy water is collected by everyone.
But, when it comes time to organise your Pyrenean escapade, you should not neglect Tarbes, the county capital. Capital and gateway to the Bigorre, the second largest town in the Midi-Pyrénées, Tarbes is a central, university and important town in the region. Above all, it is ideally situated facing the Pyrenees mountain range, providing an attractive panorama, whatever the season! An ideal starting point to discover the wonders of the region...
Breathtaking natural sites
The best place to start is with the Pyrenees National Park, created in 1967 in the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, about a hundred kilometres along the Spanish border. It is one of the seven French National Parks and the central area, with an area of 45,700 hectares (valleys of Aspe, Ossau, Azun, Cauterets, Luz and Aure) is totally uninhabited.
One of the park's attractions is the Cirque de Gavarnie. It forms a magnificent amphitheatre that stretches 800 m wide and 1,000 m high. Its grandiose walls and snow-covered landings are known the world over. Stemming from the icy waters of the pond of Mont Perdu, the great waterfall throws itself into the void with a dizzying leap from 420 m and gives birth to the Gave de Pau. The circus path leaves the village to the circus hotel (45 minutes walk), on foot or on horse or mule back. From the hostelry of the circus, where one can quench one's thirst and eat, another itinerary leads to the village of Gavarnie: the Pailha path, very rich in flora, and which offers a beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding peaks, such as the Marboré (3,250 m).
Speaking of peaks, how not to mention the famous Pic du Midi de Bigorre. An unmissable getaway. So, are you ready for an escape to the city céleste ? On board the cable car, we're off for an unforgettable ascent to the Pic du Midi observatory which, at an altitude of 2 877 m, will make us discover the sky, the sun, the stars... like nowhere else. Famous site of observation and research, the observatory offers us a wonderful cultural adventure around museum spaces, exhibitions, models, observation equipment and films. Its telescopes point their gaze deep into the universe and the Siderostat, through a set of mirrors, lenses and filters, allows us to touch with our eyes the sacred fire of the solar star. Its two large terraces will also allow you to embrace with a single glance more than 300 km of Pyrenean summits, the plains of the great South and the first foothills of the Massif Central. The panorama is unique and grandiose..
From the Grand Tourmalet to Saint-Lary-Soulan, quality ski resorts
... and makes you want to put your skis on as soon as the resorts reopen their ski lifts! Because the department also offers its share of snowy slopes.
The Grand Tourmalet first of all, because choosing to enjoy the Grand Tourmalet ski area from Barèges means choosing the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees. While enjoying the charm and facilities of an authentic mountain village! The list of possibilities is well-filled: downhill skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, snowshoe walks, dog-sled rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, paragliding, relaxation and fitness. The plateau of Lienz, on the Barèges side, offers beautiful snowshoe trails, part of which is in the forest. Enchanting under the fir trees loaded with snow! Numerous sporting and festive events are organised throughout the winter season. From La Mongie, it is also an access to the Pic du Midi for a simple visit, or a ski descent, accompanied by a mountain professional because you are no longer on the secure area of the domain but in the middle of the mountains.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Saint-Lary-Soulan ski area. Saint-Lary, which combines extension with sustainable development! No more endless queues of cars to reach the slopes, in Saint-Lary, you can breathe! From the village, there are two possibilities to reach the first area of the domain, the Pla d'Adet at an altitude of 1,700 metres: the Pic Lumière cable car and the gondola lift. At the Pla d'Adet, the family is king with the Snow Garden, the toboggan runs and the "Kidpark" play area for beginner skiers, walking areas for pedestrians... Experienced skiers can meet up at Espiaube (1,900 metres), with free shuttle buses. Don't miss the famous "Mirabelle", a long piste with 700 metres of vertical drop and fun! At an altitude of 2,400 m, there is the snowpark, the mogul stadium but also, for walkers and nature lovers, snowshoe walks near the Lac de l'Oule accessible by the lake chairlift. Of course, other small family resorts have also made the reputation of this department which rhymes winter with the great outdoors?
Smart Info
When? All year round, but obviously in winter to enjoy the pleasures of skiing as soon as the ski resorts reopen their lifts. In the meantime, walks are waiting for you
Get there. Tarbes is the gateway to the territory.
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