Discover the French Pyrenees: A Guide to the Top Attractions
The French Pyrenees, a region of awe-inspiring natural beauty and rich history, offers a blend of high-altitude adventures and cultural treasures. From the Hautes-Pyrénées with its rugged trails and ski resorts to the pastoral charm of the Pyrénées-Bernaises, every traveler can find something to love.
Hautes-Pyrénées Highlights
1. Cirque de Gavarnie
![Cirque de Gavarnie](/media/gavarnie.jpg)
The Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural amphitheater with towering peaks and Europe's highest waterfall. A gentle walking path from Gavarnie village leads to this breathtaking site, while the Brèche de Roland offers a challenge for seasoned hikers.
2. Lourdes
![Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire in Lourdes](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-lourdes.jpg)
Lourdes, a major pilgrimage site, is revered for the visions of Saint Bernadette and its miraculous healing waters. The Grotto and the Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire are focal points for millions of visitors each year. More information can be found at the official Lourdes website.
3. Saint-Bertrand de Comminges
![Saint-Bertrand de Comminges](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-saint-bertrand-de-comminges.jpg)
This medieval town boasts a UNESCO-listed cathedral and hosts the Festival du Comminges, celebrating sacred music in its historic venues.
4. Cauterets
![Hiker at Lac de Gaube near Cauterets](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-cauterets-lac-gaube.jpg)
Cauterets, once a Belle Epoque spa town, now attracts visitors for its thermal baths and as a gateway to the Parc National des Pyrénées for skiing and hiking.
5. Grotte du Mas d'Azil
![Grotte du Mas d'Azil](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-grotte-du-mas-dazil.jpg)
This prehistoric cave, large enough for a road to pass through, offers guided tours and a museum showcasing ancient artifacts.
6. Font-Romeu
![Font Romeu](/media/font-romeu.jpg)
Font-Romeu is a sunny destination for skiing and outdoor activities, with a rich religious heritage including the Ermitage de Font-Romeu.
7. Bagnères-de-Bigorre
![Bagnères-de-Bigorre](/media/france-pyrenees-bagneres-de-bigorre.jpg)
This spa town in the Vallée du Haut Adour offers rejuvenating thermal baths and a museum showcasing fine arts.
8. Saint-Savin
![Saint-Savin](/media/france-pyrenees-saint-savin-fountain.jpg)
Saint Savin, known for its Romanesque church, also delights foodies with the renowned Le Viscos restaurant.
9. Luz Saint-Sauveur
![Luz Saint-Sauveur](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-luz-saint-sauveur.jpg)
This historic town near ski areas offers a modern spa facility and a fortified church with a rich past.
10. Bagnères-de-Luchon
![Bagnères-de-Luchon](/media/france-pyrenees-bagneres-de-luchon.jpg)
Known for its Roman baths and proximity to ski resorts, Bagnères-de-Luchon is a haven for relaxation and outdoor sports.
11. Tarascon-sur-Ariège
![Tarascon-sur-Ariege](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-tarascon-sur-ariege.jpg)
This town is surrounded by a natural park and features a charming Vieille Ville with historical monuments.
12. Grotte de Niaux
![Grotte de Niaux: Prehistoric Caves](/media/france-pyrenees-grotte-de-niaux.jpg)
The Grotte de Niaux invites visitors to explore prehistoric cave art through guided tours.
13. Foix
![Foix castle](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-foix.jpg)
Foix, with its medieval castle and museum, offers a glimpse into the region's Cathar history.
14. Montségur
![Montségur](/media/france-pyrenees-montsegur.jpg)
The ruins of Château de Montségur stand as a testament to the Cathar's tragic history.
15. Grand Tourmalet Ski Area
![Skiing at La Mongie](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-grand-tourmalet-ski-area.jpg)
The Grand Tourmalet offers the largest ski domain in the French Pyrenees, with a variety of slopes and stunning views from the Pic du Midi.
Pyrénées-Bernaises Gems
16. Pau
![Chateau de Pau](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-pau-castle.jpg)
Pau is celebrated for its Renaissance château, the birthplace of King Henry IV, and the picturesque Boulevard des Pyrénées.
17. Oloron Sainte-Marie
![Oloron Sainte-Marie](/media/france-pyrenees-oloron-sainte-marie.jpg)
This town is famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and vibrant Foire du 1er Mai.
18. Sauveterre-de-Béarn
![Sauveterre-de-Béarn](/media/france-pyrenees-sauveterre-de-Bearn.jpg)
A medieval village with a rich history, Sauveterre-de-Béarn offers serene landscapes and outdoor activities.
19. Eaux-Bonnes
![Les Eaux Bonnes](/media/france-pyrenees-les-eaux-bonnes.jpg)
Known for its therapeutic waters, Eaux-Bonnes is a historic spa town surrounded by the Pyrenees.
20. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
![Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port](/media/france-pyrenees-saint-jean-pied-de-port.jpg)
A tranquil town on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, it's encircled by ancient fortifications.
21. Moumour
![Moumour](/media/france-pyrenees-moumour.jpg)
Moumour is home to the Château de Lamothe, a historic residence now serving as a luxurious B&B.
22. Orthez
![Orthez](/media/france-pyrenees-orthez.jpg)
Orthez, once the capital of Béarn, has a rich Protestant history and medieval architecture.
23. Jurançon Countryside and Montagnes Béarnaises
![Jurançon Countryside and Montagnes Béarnaises](/media/france-pyrenees-jurancon.jpg)
The Jurançon region is known for its vineyards and the Montagnes Béarnaises offer remote alpine beauty.
24. Monein
![Wooden interior of the Eglise Saint-Girons](/media/france-french-pyrenees-top-attractions-monein-eglise-saint-girons.jpg)
Monein is notable for the Eglise Saint-Girons, a church with a remarkable wooden roof structure.