WELCOME TO THE HAUTES-PYRENEES

An exceptional nature destination in the Hautes-Pyrénées

Tarbes, Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Barèges… These are some of the most beautiful destinations in the Hautes-Pyrénées. This department in the south of France is a particular delight for lovers of nature and wide open spaces, with emblematic sites such as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Col de Tourmalet, the Pont d’Espagne and the Lac de Gaube. The region is also renowned for its rich historical heritage and cultural diversity.

Map of Hautes-Pyrénées

The Hautes-Pyrénées is a department in the south of France, in the Occitanie region. The territory, appreciated for the beauty and diversity of its great natural sites, borders the departments of Haute-Garonne to the east, Pyrénées-Atlantiques to the west and Gers to the north. Among the towns that make the Hautes-Pyrénées famous are Tarbes and Lourdes, both located in the west of the département; these towns are also around 27 km from Beaudéan, the town where L’Arriou campsite is located. A stay in Beaudéan is a great opportunity to discover some emblematic tourist sites. These include the Pyrenees National Park (45 km to the west), the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (30.5 km to the south), the Col du Tourmalet (19.5 km to the south), the Pont d’Espagne (64 km to the south) and the Lac de Gaube (70 km to the south).

What is the highest mountain in the Hautes-Pyrénées?

The Hautes-Pyrénées is home to almost fifty mountains, some more famous than others, including peaks over three thousand meters high. Here are four of the peaks that shape the department’s landscape.

• Pic du Midi du Bigorre: With an altitude of 2,877 meters, this is certainly not the highest mountain in the département, but it is the most emblematic of them all. The peak is famous for its astronomical observatory and television relay station.
• Pic du Clôt de la Hount: Also known for its sea of clouds, the site offers a wealth of activity ideas. Thrill-seekers can enjoy freeride skiing or discover the surrounding countryside on mountain bikes. Spending the night at the peak is another idea that appeals to many visitors, especially lovers celebrating a special event.
• Pic Néouville: Also known as Pic d’Aubert and part of the eponymous massif, Pic Néouville has an altitude of 3,091 meters. It’s a great place to hike with family or friends. Visitors also take the opportunity to discover the surrounding localities, in particular the communes of Aragnouet and Barèges, for which the peak marks the border. More broadly, the trip allows you to appreciate the beauty of the scenery, including the seemingly unflappable snowcaps on the mountain’s northern and western slopes.
• Pique Longue or Vignemale: At 3,298 metres, Pique Longue, or Vignemale, is the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. The eastern slope lies in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, bordering the Pyrenees National Park. The southern slope is in Spanish territory, bordering the “Reserva de la Biosfera Ordesa-Viñamala” (Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve) at Torla-Ordesa, in the Autonomous Community of Aragon.

What to see and do in the Hautes-Pyrénées?

• Visit the Pic du Midi de Bigorre: star-gazing at the Pic du Midi is a particularly interesting idea for a romantic getaway in the Hautes-Pyrénées. In the morning, lovers can also admire the beauty of the landscape and the sea of clouds.
• Freeride skiing at the Pic du Midi de Bigorre: Lovers of thrills and spills will be delighted at the department’s most emblematic peak, whether freeride skiing or mountain biking through the countryside.
• Visit the Cirque de Gavarnie: Located in the Pyrenees National Park, the Cirque des Gavarnie impresses with its majestic cliffs and silvery waterfalls.
• Visit the Néouville nature reserve: Not far from the park, you’ll find an enchanting landscape of towering pine forests, beautiful meadows, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and glaciers.
• Hiking on the Col de Tourmalet: The Col de Tourmalet is famous for being one of the Tour de France’s most famous stages.