Historic Sites

Southern France is rich with a colourful history that pre dates the Roman Empire. The countryside, towns and cities are built on the ancient ruins of the Gauls. There are quite literally hundres of historic villages throughout the Hautes Pyrenees, each with its own fascinating history and exquisite architecture.

With so much to see, it is worth allowing yourself the time to leave the motorways behind and explore the villages along the country roads.

The Hautes-Pyrénées boasts a rich and colourful history that has left its legacy in the ancient ruins and cathedrals dotted throughout the region. No less inspiring are the abundance of natural features and attractions, from the cascading waterfalls of Gavarnie to the tranquil depths of Lac de Gaube.

Historically, the Pyrenees are known as the birthplace of Henry IV who put an end to the Wars of Religion in 1593 and united France, though the region has been characterised more often by independent fiefdoms. The region's oldest inhabitants, the Basque people, have maintained their own language and culture, and their resorts of Bayonne, Biarritz and St-Jean-de-Luz reflect this, looking to the sea and summer visitors for their livelihood.

HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Lourdes - Historic city/Cathedral/Candlelight procession/ The Fortress/Shopping - 13km
Saint Savin - Historic Village/Saint Savin Abbey - 6km
Luz Saint Sauveur - Chateau Saint Marie/ Fortified Church - 19km
Pau - Historic city/ Chateau de Pau/Shopping - 37km
St Bertrand de Comminges - 9th century Catherdal/Historic village - 96km
Tarbes - Historic sites/Shopping/Sightseeing - 34km
Toulouse - Historic sites/Shopping/Sightseeing - 188km

Don't miss the awe inspiring beauty of Parc National des Pyrénées, a national park located within the French départements of Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Located along the border of France and Spain it is a scenic and mountainous landscape offering a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, mountain climbing and observing wildlife. The park was created in 1967 and is a natural heritage without barriers or fences where animals are totally free. Devoted to preserving biodiversity and landscapes, studying wildlife and plant species, the park is home to 70 different species of animals.

NATURAL SITES
Cauterets - Pont d Espagne/Lac de Gaube/ Parc National des Pyrenees - 18km
Gavarnie - Gavarnie Village/Cirque de Gavarnie and Gavarnie Falls - 37km
Vallee des Gaves - Stunning scenery/riverside picnic spots - 6km
Pic du Jer - Funiculaire ride to summit/Grottes/Panoramic views - 11km
Pic du Midi - Altitude 2877m/Cable car ride to summit/Astronomical observatory - 41km