The 10 most beautiful places in the Hautes Pyrénées

Are you wondering what to do in the Hautes-Pyrénées? Where to go for a walk in the Pyrenees Massif? How to visit the Pyrenees by car? We'll take you to see the most beautiful places in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the steepest passes, the most natural valleys, and the nicest villages... Let's go for a walk to the must-see sites in the Hautes-Pyrénées!

Photos of the article © Guide Toulouse Pyrénées, unless otherwise stated

Opening photo: The sumptuous Lac d'Oô, to be found in our article on 4 hikes to do around Loudenvielle

1) The Pont d’Espagne and Lake Gaube

The Pont d'Espagne spans the Lac de Gaube, downstream from the town of Cauterets. It is a magnificent and preserved natural site. A family walk, around the lake, will allow you to admire the Pyrenean peaks. You will also see waterfalls and cascades, nestled in this natural setting. With a length of 6 kilometers, it is not very difficult. A car park is at your disposal.

Gaube Lake - Photo @Lesley Williamson

2) Lourdes

Lourdes is a " sacred " city. If you don't expect miracles from its waters, you can still visit its religious heritage, which is recognized worldwide! Each year, 6 million visitors enter this holy city. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica of Saint Pius X are among the must-sees. There is also a castle and a museum to learn more about the history of the city. The funicular will allow you to climb to the Pic de Jer, perched at an altitude of almost 1000 meters, to admire the panorama of Lourdes.

3) The Gavarnie Circus

The Gavarnie cirque is one of the most beautiful in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Dug by erosion since the ice age, it is particularly impressive. This site is even listed as a UNESCO heritage site. It has the advantage of being very well signposted and easy to access. Each season gives it a particular charm and is worth a visit. You can also discover the pastoral traditions, anchored in Pyrenean culture.

Cirque de Gavarnie - Photo @ Lesley Williamson

4) The Col du Tourmalet

The Col de Tourmalet peaks at 2115 meters. You can get there from the town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur or from the other side. If the panorama at the summit is very beautiful, this pass is especially famous among cyclists, for the sporting challenge it represents. The Tour de France passes there and attracts many visitors. The climb is quite difficult with steep gradients.

Col du Tourmalet - Photo © Georges Maurice | Adobe Stock

5) The Pic du Midi

With an altitude of 2877 meters, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre offers you a snowy landscape of great beauty. At the summit, you can visit the Planetarium. Sky observations are possible there and conferences are held there regularly. However, remember to check the site's agenda beforehand. You can access it very easily and effortlessly, thanks to a cable car. During the winter, unusual activities take place there, including ice climbing.

Pic du Midi de Bigorre - Photo © Noogler | Adobe Stock

6) The Esparros Chasm

The Gouffre d'Esparros is a cave of concretions in the Vallée des Baronnies. It is simply magnificent. It is compared to a " crystal garden ". The atmosphere of these underground universes is always a little strange and hushed. It is a very exotic journey. A guided tour allows you to understand this geological phenomenon and the works of nature.

The Esparros chasm - Photo @Lesley Williamson

7) Lake Génos and Loudenvielle

Lac de Génos is a large 32 ha body of water in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées. It is located near the Val Louron ski resort. Many activities are available around the lake. During the winter, the tour of the lake is a very pleasant walk and hikes allow you to discover the surroundings. The Balnéa center also allows you to relax and enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters of the region. In summer, inflatable structures are installed for the greatest pleasure of families. It is also possible to rent a pedal boat or canoes, to take a trip on the water. The most unusual activities are paragliding above the lake or axe throwing...

Lake Loudenvielle

8) Argelès-Gazost

Argelès-Gazost is a charming spa resort. It is renowned for the benefits of its waters, coming from the Pyrenean peaks. It is dynamic and lively. A market is held there every Tuesday, where you will find local products. Located along the banks of the Gave de Pau, many opportunities for walks along the water or in its forests are at your disposal.

Argelès-Gazost - Photo © Thomas Launois | Adobe Stock

9) Hautacam

Hautacam is located in the Argelès-Gazost Valley. It is close to the ski resort. It is a very fun tourist site, in an idyllic setting. This outdoor leisure park offers sports activities, in all seasons. It is in the summer that the site is the most unusual place. You can try your hand at summer tobogganing or discover its park of all-terrain vehicles, such as the " déval'kart " or the " sherpa ", a scooter with big wheels. Thrill seekers will love it!

Hautacam - Photo © Lesley Williamson

10) Payolle Lake

The pretty lake of Payolle is a very preserved natural space, nestled at the foot of the mountains. It is very close to the Col d'Aspin, ideal for beautiful walks. The forest surroundings are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. And you can even try a dog sled ride! In summer, there are many activities. You can go fishing, canoeing, kayaking or pedal boating!

Lake Payolle - Photo © Philipimage | Adobe Stock

We hope we have amazed you with these beautiful natural sites in the Hautes-Pyrénées!

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