Lac de Bastan inferieur, French Pyrenees. ()
Looking for some beautiful landscapes or a place to get outside for some memorable hiking this spring? What about interesting gastronomy, plus a little history? While it’s not hard to find amazing landscapes or enticing foods all over Europe, a trip to the Pyrenees is a trip to one of the most unique mountain ranges in the world. The beauty of traveling to this region is the myriad number of ways to explore and take in the area.
Acting as the border between Spain and France, the Pyrenees Mountain range sits along the northwest side of Spain and the southeast part of France. Depending on what you want to see and where you want to be based, you could focus on the various towns on either side of the border or plan around the outdoor opportunities available, or, of course, mix and match. Here is a breakdown of some of the highlights worth seeing in and around the Pyrenees.
French Pyrenees
Parc National des Pyrénées – This French national park is home to beautiful landscapes and many outdoor activities worth seeking out. Lovers of outdoor adventures can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, skiing and mountain climbing. Here are a couple of places in the park that are definitely worth a stop:
Pic du Midi de Bigorre – Take a cable car from the town of La Mongie to reach the observatory on the Pic du Midi mountain for amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the night sky. You could even stay overnight for a truly memorable experience.
Cirque de Gavarnie – Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, this limestone valley that overlooks the Spanish border was formed by glaciers and has been called “nature’s colosseum.” Hike around the valley from the town of Gavarnie.
Pont d’Espagne – Translated as “Spain bridge,” this beautiful stone bridge once connected France with Spain as part of an important trading route. Now, it’s a lovely spot to stop and take photos, as it is next to Gaube Lake and offers views of Le Vignemale, the highest summit in the Pyrenees. The bridge can be reached via a cable car or a longer hiking route.
Lourdes – The town of Lourdes became a significant pilgrimage site after a young woman witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary there in 1858. Visitors can explore the various parts of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes such as the Grotto, Crypt and Baths. For more history of the region, visit the Castle Fort of Lourdes, which is a thousand-year-old historical monument and museum, as well as home to a botanical garden and offers great views of the town and mountains.
Spanish Pyrenees
On the Spanish side, the Pyrenees reach across the regions of Navarre, Aragon and Catalonia. Depending on what season you plan to travel in, there’s a variety of outdoor sports and wildlife to explore.
Jaca – Sitting at the foot of the Pyrenees on Spain’s side, Jaca is a good base for hikers and those wanting to experience Spain’s tapas and wine culture. The city is known for its 16th-century citadel, a pentagonal fortification that also houses the Museum of Military Miniatures.
Panticosa – Located in the Tena Valley along the Caldares River, this town is known for its ski resort for alpine and cross-country skiing. A chair lift near the river takes you to the slopes in the winter and to two nearby lakes in the summer. This is also a well-known spa town due to its pure mountain waters and is home to a 13th-century Romanesque church.
Camino de Santiago
While this famous route extends all around Spain, France and other parts of Europe, it’s important to mention that a number of its popular routes intersect with the Pyrenees and those hikers participating in the religious pilgrimage will make towns in the area their base. One such town is France’s St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the starting point for Camino Frances and the second most popular starting point for hikers.
Basque Country
It may be easy to think of this mountain range solely as the home of the border between Spain and France; but it also partially home to the Basque region, a significant cultural region that has fought for independence, and straddles parts of Spain and France. This area stretches from Bilbao, Spain, to Bayonne, France, and depending on where you are, the Basque culture is intertwined with French, Spanish and Catalan influences, to name a few.
Andorra
Don’t forget Andorra, one of Europe’s tiniest countries, which is also located in the Pyrenees. It is roughly 13 miles by 13 miles and only a few hours’ drive from the towns of Barcelona and Carcassonne. While it was known for a long time for its shopping, Andorra is becoming known for its hiking, skiing and other outdoor sports. Visit Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital city and walk through the old town center where you can see the national parliament building, which was formerly a private residence. With a visit to Andorra, you can mark three countries down on your passport instead of just two!
