The Pyrenees form a majestic 430 km natural border between France and Spain. On the French side, this mountain range offers remarkable diversity: lively ski resorts, secret valleys, hilltop villages, thermal springs and one of the wildest national parks in Europe.
The Pyrenees National Park
Created in 1967, the Pyrenees National Park stretches 100 km and covers 45,707 hectares. It shelters iconic species including the isard (Pyrenean chamois), brown bear, golden eagle and griffon vulture. Its summits exceed 3,000 m, with the Vignemale (3,298 m) as the highest peak on the French side.
Ski resorts
The Pyrenees are home to many family-friendly and sporty ski resorts:
- Saint-Lary-Soulan — the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, full guide →
- Piau-Engaly — the highest resort, exceptional snowfall, full guide →
- Peyragudes — two slopes linked by gondola, full guide →
- Pyrénées 2000 / Font Romeu — 300 sunny days, full guide →
- Guzet-Neige — closest resort to Toulouse, full guide →
- Artouste — mountain lake and Europe’s highest railway, full guide →
- Grand Tourmalet — the famous Tour de France col
→ Compare all Pyrenean ski resorts →
Hiking and the GR10
The GR10 crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean over 866 km, passing through legendary passes and authentic villages. It is one of France’s great long-distance trails, renowned worldwide.
The Azun valley in the Hautes-Pyrénées is a perfect example of the preserved Pyrenees: alpine meadows, glacial torrents and hamlets such as Argelès-Gazost and Arrens-Marsous.
Pyrenean thermal spas
The Pyrenees are France’s leading thermal spa region:
- Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne) — the queen of the Pyrenees, legendary thermal resort
- Cauterets — sulphurous waters renowned for respiratory conditions, full guide →
- Ax-les-Thermes — three natural springs right in the town centre
- Bagnères-de-Bigorre — thermal baths and mineral waters
Pyrenean gastronomy
Mountain cuisine draws on local produce:
- Garbure — hearty peasant soup with cabbage and duck confit
- Cheeses: Ossau-Iraty (sheep), Bethmale (cow)
- Foie gras and duck from the Gers
- Wines: IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Irouléguy (Basque Country)
When to go
- Winter (Dec–Mar): skiing, snow-covered landscapes
- Spring (Apr–Jun): snowmelt, spectacular waterfalls, alpine flowers
- Summer (Jul–Aug): hiking, cycling, mountain lakes
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): blazing colours, fewer crowds
Getting there
- By car: from Toulouse in 1h30 (Luchon, Saint-Gaudens) or 2h (Cauterets)
- By train: Tarbes, Lourdes and Foix are served from Paris-Montparnasse
- By air: Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport (direct flights from several European cities)