The Hautes-Pyrénées, the jewel in the crown of the Bigorre region, welcomes hikers, spa visitors and pilgrims with open arms. The department offers a multitude of attractions, from Lourdes to the Pic du Midi, via Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cauterets and Pont d'Espagne. The Hautes-Pyrénées offer a wealth of charms: well-being, breathtaking mountain scenery, soothing valleys and humid plains, spiritual sites and a rich local gastronomy, with specialities such as Tarbes duck or beans and the famous spit-roasted cake. All in all, the Hautes-Pyrénées is a destination where you can savour the sweetness of life, ideal for recharging your batteries, indulging in a treat, coming with your family or as a romantic getaway, hiking, soaring, soaring and meditating. So, what's there to do and see in the Hautes-Pyrénées? Petit Futé gives you the 17 most beautiful places to visit.
1. Lourdes
Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, Lourdes has become one of the world's leading pilgrimage sites since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Every year, the town welcomes over 6 million pilgrims to the sanctuaries of Notre Dame de Lourdes, the Basilica of Saint Pius X and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire de Lourdes. In addition to religious tourism, Lourdes offers numerous attractionsincluding a funicular ride up to the Pic du Jer, as well as a visit to its castle and museums. One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Pyrenees!
2. Climb the Pic du Midi
Classified as a major national natural site, the Pic du Midi rises to 2,887 meters and majestically dominates the Pyrenean landscape. It is considered the region's most emblematic beacon. The Pic du Midi adventure begins with a cable car ride up from La Mongie station, departing every 15 minutes. This fifteen-minute ride offers a unique aerial experience, leading to the dome of the astronomical observatory, where you'll find a center for scientific research and study. Since 1873, the Pic du Midi has been equipped to enable scientists to observe solar and atmospheric activity in an exceptional way. The center houses the Lyot telescope, used to observe and study stars and galaxies.
3. La Mongie for hikers and bikers
Hikers and cyclists are no strangers to this emblematic site in the Hautes-Pyrénées, which provides access to the Pic du Midi and is one of our favorite winter vacation destinations. In summer, when you cross the mythical Col du Tourmalet from the east or west, you'll see ski lifts, but it's hard to imagine that you're in the heart of the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. And yet you are, despite the greenery and the animals grazing peacefully. In winter, skiing and snow sports take over. This magical region offers grandiose panoramas and is also a land of transhumance, living to the rhythm of the seasons all year round.
Discover our Top 13 hikes in the Pyrenees.
4. The village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, the Luz-Saint-Sauveur valley is home to exceptional sites such as the Pont d'Espagne, the majestic Cirque de Gavarnie and the village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, which, surrounded by breathtaking panoramas, is one of the most charming in the Pyrenees one of the most charming in the Pyrenees. These romantic landscapes have inspired poets such as Georges Sand and Victor Hugo, who, dazzled by the town, wrote: "Three great rays of daylight enter through the three embrasures of the three mountains. This village, they named it Lumière, Luz." Luz-Saint-Sauveur has a splendid heritage. From the remains of the Château Sainte-Marie to the 12th-century church and fortified walls built by the Templars, not forgetting the little wash-houses lining the narrow streets, everything is enchanting.
5. Take a walk in the Cirque de Gavarnie
Here the mountain closes in on a glacial valley to create the Cirque de Gavarnie, a splendid natural site. Its breathtaking splendor and impressive dimensions: 6.5 km in circumference, a wall 1,500 m high, and at its center, a waterfall 427 m high, one of the largest in Europe and one of the most beautiful in France. For centuries, the site has aroused admiration, inspired legends, attracted artists, enthralled scientists and seduced mountain lovers. It also defies the climbers who have explored this stone wall, a mecca of Pyreneanism. The classic hike to the start of the cirque takes three hours, but to reach the waterfall, allow four hours. It's possible to extend the hike by branching off onto a number of other trails.
6. Pont d'Espagne, one of the most beautiful spots in the Hautes-Pyrénées
Located at the entrance to the village of Cauterets, the Pont d'Espagne is a must-see destination, offering remarkable landscapes made up of dense forests, bubbling torrents, tumultuous waterfalls, sparkling lakes and flower-filled meadows. Rich in flora and fauna, it is an ideal starting point for hikes to major sites such as Lac de Gaube and Vallée des Oulettes. Thanks to its exceptional natural beauty, this jewel at an altitude of 1,500 metres is one of the most visited sites in the Hautes-Pyrénées, and is particularly popular in winter for tobogganing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
7. Visit the Pyrenees National Park House
The Pyrenees National Park's mission is to make its heritage accessible to all, and the Maison du Parc contributes to this. Here you'll find information on trail networks, refuges and wardens, as well asa museum area featuring temporary exhibitions. Themed exhibitions on the Pyrenean forest, birds of prey, bears and pastoral activities are also organized here. In summer, outings enable visitors to discover the valley's marvellous landscapes, observe the flora and fauna, meet the shepherds and watch cheese being made. Most hikes are accessible to all, with levels of difficulty clearly indicated by the Maison du Parc. All year round, a fabulous 250-meter-long interpretation trail lets you discover the different species of mountain plants. One of our favorite spots in Occitanie!
8. Cauterets, a historic Pyrenean village
Perched at an altitude of 967 meters, Cauterets is a charming village nestled in a valley, and one of our Top 15 family ski resorts where you can ski with children. Since the 1960s, Cauterets has been a fully-fledged winter sports resort, offering downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking trails suitable for snowshoeing, and a host of leisure facilities in the village for active winter vacations. In summer, the magic continues to happen at Pont d'Espagne, one of our mountain destinations for spending the summer in the great outdoors. If you're a gourmet, be sure to visit one of the many stores where excellent berlingots are handcrafted.
9. The Col du Tourmalet, a must-see in the Hautes-Pyrénées
Renowned as a formidable challenge in high-altitude cycling, the mythical Col du Tourmalet lives up to its evocative name, the "mauvais détour". From its summit, at an altitude of 2,115 metres, the majestic Bastan valley unfolds before you, creating a truly bewitching landscape. The exhilarating sensation of being on top of the world sets in, especially if you've climbed this pass by bike, following in the footsteps of the Tour de France athletes. With gradients reaching 7 or 8%, the ascent of the Col du Tourmalet remains intimately linked to the epic of cycling, spawning many legends. Pedal or effortlessly, come and touch the Pyrenean sky as you cross this mythical pass!
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10. Néouvielle reserve
The Néouvielle massif is a unique mountain natural area. Founded in 1936, it is one of France's oldest nature reserves. Over 570 species of algae have been recorded here, and more than 70 lakes (Aumar, Aubert, Orédon, Cap de Long...) mark the landscape with their limpid waters. Nature and biodiversity lovers will find a paradise here, with numerous hiking possibilities and the Néouvielle tour, which can be done from refuge to refuge. The massif has 5 guarded refuges, making it possible to hike from one refuge to the next. Not only can you do the Néouvielle tour from hut to hut, but you can also attempt the ascent of the 3,091-metre Pic du Néouvielle, a panoramic peak that takes 6 hours to reach. Local guides also offer hiking and snowshoeing tours throughout the year.
11. Tarbes, a city of traditions
Tarbes is a dynamic city that harmoniously combines heritage, culture and nature. The Jardin Massey, awarded the Jardin Remarquable label, is a haven of peace where you can stroll among exotic trees, a rose garden and a pond. The impressive National Stud bears witness to the region's equestrian tradition, while the Massey museum presents important collections on local history and regional art. Food lovers will delight in the Brauhauban market. Tarbes is also a festive town, with events such as the "Equestria" festival and "Tarbes en Tango". A trip to Tarbes is an immersion in a lively city, rich in tradition.
12. Argelès-Gazost, a charming stopover in the Hautes-Pyrénées
Bathed by the Gave de Pau, Argelès-Gazost is a charming stopover in the Pyrenees. The town center, with its spa park, casino and handsome mansions, exudes the elegance of the Belle Époque. The Saint-Saturnin church, with its remarkable stained-glass windows, is a jewel of the local heritage. The weekly market, rich in local produce, is a must-see. Nearby hiking trails offer splendid panoramic views. In winter, Argelès-Gazost's proximity to ski resorts makes it an ideal destination. Argelès-Gazost, with its quiet charm and many attractions, is an unforgettable destination in the Pyrenees.
13. Bagnères-de-Bigorre: the Athens of the Pyrenees
Nicknamed the "Athens of the Pyrenees", Bagnères-de-Bigorre embodies harmony, delicacy and grandeur. Ahead of its time while remaining true to its roots, this town is a living legend that hasseduced the world through the ages. George Sand, Lamartine and so many other illustrious names succumbed to its charms long before you did! You might think you know it, but it surprises you with a museum dedicated to bats, a symbol of its nature set in marble. The surrounding valleys open the way to mythical peaks that the most courageous sportsmen and women love to tackle, whether by bike or on skis: La Mongie, Tourmalet, Pic du Midi...
14. Campan: unique charm in the Hautes-Pyrénées
Campan, perched on the heights of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, exudes a unique charm, combining strong character, strong traditions and a heritage as rich as its environment is exceptional. Three villages come together under the village banner: Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, Campan and la Séoube. To cross them, there is only one road, well known to cyclists. One authentic landscape follows another, and the panoramas are breathtaking, in a natural setting of unrivalled purity. You're in the realm of master cheese-makers, shepherds leading their flocks to summer pastures, and romantics.
15. Saint-Savin, a picturesque village
Saint-Savin is a picturesque village that boasts an abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art dating back to the 12th century. Its majestic architecture and impressive frescoes make it a real treasure. The village is adorned with flower-filled gardens and cobbled streets, offering a serene and pleasant atmosphere. From the abbey's promontory, the panorama of the Pyrenean peaks is breathtaking. Nearby hiking trails allow you to explore the Vallée des Gaves and the natural beauty of the Pyrenees. Saint-Savin is also famous for its local festival,the "Fête de la Transhumance", a memorable traditional event.
16. The charming village of Arreau
At the confluence of the Neste d'Aure and the Neste du Louron, nestles the charming village of Arreau, former capital of the Quatre-Vallées. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the village boasts traditional architecture, with half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century and the Saint-Exupère church with its emblematic bell tower. Every Thursday, the heart of Arreau beats to the rhythm of the local market, offering a myriad of local produce. The Maison des Lys, with its delicate wooden decorations, is a gem not to be missed. When snow covers the region, Arreau is transformed into an ideal gateway to winter activities.
17. Saint-Lary-Soulan, a must for mountain lovers
Wondering where to go on vacation in the mountains? Welcome to Saint-Lary-Soulan, a family-friendly ski resort in the heart of the Pyrenees, with its cobbled streets and lively winter and summer seasons. The church of Saint-Hilaire, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, is well worth a visit. Thermal baths also play an important role, with the Sensoria thermal baths, a veritable oasis of well-being after a day of exploring. The ski area is one of the most extensive in the Pyrenees, offering a diversity of exposures for skiing in all weather conditions . In fine weather, cyclists set off to conquer the legendary cols in the wheel of the Tour de France, hikers traverse the summer pasture trails, enjoying sublime panoramic views, and paragliders fly over the village. The Patou, a Pyrenean dog once responsible for the safety of the herd, has become the endearing emblem of Saint-Lary.
What to do in the Hautes-Pyrénées when it rains?
When it rains in the Hautes-Pyrénées, there are plenty of indoor and cultural activities to enjoy your stay despite the weather. Here are a few suggestions:
Visit museums and historic sites
- Musée Massey in Tarbes: Discover collections on local history and regional art.
- Château de Mauvezin: Explore this medieval castle and its rich history.
- Musée du Marbre in Bagnères-de-Bigorre: Learn more about the history and art of marble.
Relax in thermal baths
- Les Thermes de Bagnères-de-Bigorre: Enjoy the benefits of thermal waters and wellness treatments.
- Les Thermes de Cauterets: Relax in the thermal baths and spas.
Explore religious sites
- Lourdes Sanctuary: Visit the basilicas and pilgrimage sites, even in the rain.
- Saint-Savin Abbey: admire the Romanesque architecture and impressive frescoes.
Discover caves and caverns:
- Les Grottes de Bétharram: Explore these fascinating caves and discover their geological formations.
- Les Grottes de Médous: Explore these natural caves and their subterranean landscapes.
What unusual places to visit in the Hautes-Pyrénées?
The Hautes-Pyrénées is full of unusual and fascinating places that are well worth a visit. Here are a few suggestions for discovering unique and surprising places:
- Located near Lourdes, the Grottes de Bétharram:offer a spectacular underground trail with impressive geological formations. A guided tour by small train and boat makes the experience even more memorable.
- Although a popular tourist attraction, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre astronomical observatory at 2,877 meters above sea level is an unusual place to visit because of its telescope and scientific facilities. The panoramic view of the Pyrenees is also breathtaking.
- The Musée du Marbre in Bagnères-de-Bigorre is a unique museum presenting the history and art of marble, a local specialty. You'll discover magnificent works of art and marble working techniques. The Musée des Chauves-Souris in Bagnères-de-Bigorre is another unusual museum dedicated to the discovery and protection of bats. Learn all about these fascinating mammals and their role in the ecosystem.
- The Musée de la Mine in Vielle-Aure takes you on a journey of discovery into the region's mining history. You can explore underground galleries and learn more about ore extraction techniques.
What are the most beautiful villages in the Hautes-Pyrénées?
The Hautes-Pyrénées is home to many picturesque and charming villages, each offering a unique atmosphere and a rich heritage. Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages in the Hautes-Pyrénées:
- Classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is a medieval gem. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Sainte-Marie cathedral and Roman ruins add to its historic charm.
- Saint-Savin is a picturesque village famous for its abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art dating from the 12th century. With its cobbled streets and flower-filled gardens, Saint-Savin offers a serene and pleasant atmosphere.
- Situated at the confluence of the Neste d'Aure and Neste du Louron rivers, Arreau is a charming village with half-timbered houses dating from the 16th century and a Saint-Exupère church adorned with an emblematic bell-wall. The weekly market is a must for discovering local produce.
- Bathed by the Gave de Cauterets, Cauterets is a spa and ski resort renowned for its Belle Époque architecture. The spa park, casino and beautiful mansions add to its charm. The nearby Pont d'Espagne is a magnificent natural site.
- Located in the heart of the Luz valley, the village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur is one of the gateways to the Pyrenees National Park. With its breathtaking panoramas, picturesque streets and fortified church, Luz-Saint-Sauveur is a real gem.
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