In the south-west corner of France, along the border with Spain, lies a land of peaceful mountains and lakes, dramatic glaciers and foaming rivers. With its fascinating scenery, nature and traditions, the Hautes-Pyrénées is a great year-round destination.
The mountains of this region may be less well known than the Alps, but the scenery is equally magnificent – appealing to walkers in summer, skiers in winter and mountain enthusiasts throughout the year. The Cirque de Gavarnie is a vast amphitheatre of glacial rock with waterfalls while the Pyrénées National Park delights with dense forests and flower-filled meadows.
The best known city is Lourdes, the most popular pilgrimage destination in France, with its reputation for healing. Another town worth visiting is Luz-Saint-Sauveur. In winter it’s a fantastic ski resort and in summer host to an avant-garde jazz festival that attracts world-famous musicians.
Bigorre Black Pig is just one of the Hautes-Pyrénées region’s gastronomic traditions influenced by Spain and Madiran is a rich, generous local red wine. Salut and bon appétit!