Where to Go

At the foot of the Pyrénées, St Jean Pied de Port marks the start of the Spanish Camino de Santiago and the end of the French Way of St James

Pass countless Romanesque churches and monasteries, including the Church of Argagnon, the Chapelle of Caubin and La Sauvelade sanctuary, which bring to life the unique history of the Camino Trail

The Béarn region is home to many historic relics including the abbey church of the XII Century St Pierre Larreule, the Romanesque church of St Quitterie and the church of St Jacques and château in Pomps

One of the official most beautiful villages in France, riverside Navarrenx was the first in the country to be fortified with Italian-style ramparts

Set in the heart of the Basque country, St-Palais plays host to colourful festivals and a weekly market

Experience mountain life in the small traditional mountain village of Barèges, a ski resort boasting the highest spa in France at the foot of the Col du Tourmalet and Pic du Midi

Take a cable car to the iconic Pic du Midi observatory for unrivalled views of the Pyrénées

Hike to St Justin viewpoint for stunning views towards the Ardiden Massif and Barèges

Explore the Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be awed by the highest free-falling waterfall in Europe

Sample local produce including honey, cured sausage and ham, and sheep’s cheese in the pretty spa town of Argeles-Gazost , which farmers from all over the region journey to every market day

Lap up the views at the scene of many Tour de France finishes, the Col du Tourmalet

Situated in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Luz-Saint-Sauveur is best known for its spas and the ruins of the 12th century Château Sainte-Marie

Located on the banks of the Gave River, Lourdes attracts the highest number of Catholic pilgrims after Rome

The Haute Route Pyrenean trail criss-crosses the mountainous French-Spanish border across the region’s wildest peaks and passes of the Pyrénées

Weather

The walking season in the Pyrenees is short in the higher sections, from mid June to mid-September, and many of the mountain refuges are closed outside this time. At the beginning of the season and on the higher stages you may experience snow underfoot and therefore the walking can be harder and slippery. Temperatures in summer range from around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day, sometimes a little cooler. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common.

In spring and autumn there are some excellent walking opportunities at lower altitudes with superb wildflowers in spring. Autumn and spring offer temperatures ideal for walking and are similar to temperatures experienced mid-summer at higher altitudes (6 - 20 degrees Celsius during the day).

At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen, even in summer.