WELCOME TO THE HAUTES-PYRENEES
Visit the Hautes-Pyrénées during your holidays
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, in the heart of the Pyrenees and near Spain, the department of Hautes-Pyrénées extends a territory that used to correspond to the county of Bigorre. Here, nature seems to have kept all its rights, like the national park of the Pyrenees and its lighthouse peak, the Pic du Midi. Needless to say, this land of Occitania is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The Hautes-Pyrénées can be visited all year round. During the beautiful days, you will cross marked trails on foot, horseback or mountain bike. You will do your baptism of rafting, canyoning or paragliding and climb the mythical passes of the Tour de France, including the Tourmalet. You will meet on the way fabulous landscapes like the circus of Gavarnie, the valleys of Aure and Louron. You will cross picturesque villages such as Saint-Savin, Saint-Sever-de-Rustan, not forgetting Tarbes and Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède Cathedral. In winter, put on your skis and join one of the nine resorts in the department, including Cauterets and Luz-Ardiden, or treat yourself to a spa treatment in Luz-Saint-Sauveur.
Camping L'Arriou, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, is named after the word for river in local dialect: Arriou.
Soak up everything our Bigorre land and culture has to offer during your stay. There are countless hikes suitable for all levels of ability so you’re bound to meet the local marmots, izards and maybe even cows, llamas and horses.
Experience something new and take a big gulp of fresh Hautes-Pyrénées air as you gaze at the world’s most stunning views from Pic du Midi or visit Lourdes, famous for its grotto and miracles.
Step into a wonderland at Payolle Lake near the campsite. The 10ha artificial lake lies at the foot of Aspin Hill in one of the most beautiful pine forests in the Pyrenees. Payolle Lake is the perfect place to get active: mountain biking, orientation courses, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, horse and pony riding, paragliding, fishing and sailing!
Be sure to visit the nearby Médous grottoes.
Other attractions:
- Bétharram grottoes
- Cirque de Gavarnie
- Donjon des Aigles castle
- Pyrénées wildlife park