From its slopes to its peaks, this majestic mountain range seems to be supported by the most astonishing landscapes in France. From the Padirac abyss to the Pic du Midi, from the Gavarnie circus to the glacier valleys of the Pyrenees National Park: everything is a delight for green and sports tourism, so here are some trails for unforgettable hikes in the Pyrenees.
From west to east, we can start with the Néouvielle nature reserve. Its natural resources, its lakes and the beauty of its landscapes are the subject of particular attention. There are 1,250 vascular plants, about 20 of which are very rare in the Pyrenees, particularly relict species that bear witness to past glaciations. And, with 70 lakes, water is omnipresent and often offers enchanting landscapes. The lake tour, accessible in summer from late May to early October, is the promise of beautiful hikes. You can also do the Neouvielle tour from one refuge to another or try climbing the Néouvielle peak, a panoramic peak perched at 3,091 metres and accessible in 3 hours.
Another spot is Ordesa Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. At the entrance, Savisé offers a starting point for horse riding, cross-country skiing and superb hikes during the Belle Epoque. Dominated by the Las Tres Sorores massif, with three peaks, Monte Perdido, Cilindro and Soum Ramond, we stroll through an impressive set of cliffs, rocky masses, canyons, gorges, parades and cirques, not to mention the frozen lake of Marbore. A landscape that is reminiscent, all things considered, of the great canyons of Colorado with, here and there, vertiginous plumbs. High mountain areas, devoid of vegetation except edelweiss, alternate with more accessible and wooded areas mainly of fir, beech and shrubs. Here live many chamois, but also foxes and wild boars. More rare, ibexes: these large wild goats of the Pyrenees, observable with binoculars and whose species, very recognizable by its spiral horns, is becoming rare.
On the other side of the mountain range, in Spain, Aigüestortes Park is the only national park in Catalonia. Located between the Vall d'Aran in the west and the Principality of Andorra, the park offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pyrenees, with many lakes, streams, waterfalls and a varied flora, including pines, birches and firs. The park is also an exceptional animal reserve with its chamois, heather cocks, beavers, golden eagles, otters, marmots, white partridges and many other species. And, to enjoy yourself, several hiking and walking routes allow you to discover the Estany Negre (the black pond) and the 150 glacial lakes of the park, the peaks of Agulles d'Amitges or the emblematic Estany de Sant Maurici. In addition, the park has countless waterfalls that, during the winter, turn into ice sculptures
Finally, Andorra has a rich natural heritage represented by breathtaking mountainous landscapes, such as the Madriu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ordino Pass with its snow-covered peaks overlooking green valleys and its small stone villages on the heights of the parishes. All these beauties cannot leave even the most experienced traveller indifferent. Especially since lovers of the great outdoors often improve their physical condition by skiing and hiking, cycling and climbing, among other things. In short, Andorra is an ideal destination for a nature getaway. The Principality has 3 long-distance hiking trails (GRP, GR7 and GR11) and a large number of high-mountain refuges where you can take breaks. It also offers ecotourism tours of varying difficulty, allowing you to discover the fauna and flora of the main natural areas. A unique spot, in the heart of the Pyrenees
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