Whether you are visiting Lourdes, the Valley of Argeles-Gazost, Val d'Azun, Cauterets or in le Pays Toy we hope to give you a snipet of information so that when you will pass through to the sites and vistas you are prepared for the magical scenery and cultural experience to what may lay ahead. The Vallees des Gaves or Valley of Rivers offers an invitation to travel and experience nature at its most pristine where you can enjoy a great range of sport and leisure activities within the natural beauty and authenticity of the Haute Pyrenees!

This magnificent country is to be approached with respect. In summer the region offers over 1600 kms of walking trails as well as camping, fishing and climbing. In winter there is both cross country and alpine skiing at the busy resorts along the border, much livelier than their Spanish counterparts.

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.