pyrenees great sites
Whether you are a believer or not, Lourdes remains an extraordinary place to visit. Made a pilgrimage site after a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858, the city has since become a tourist spot visited and inhabited by people from all over.
Suggestions :
• visit the Sanctuary and take holy water
• see or participate in religious ceremonies
• eat food from all over the world (Sri Lanka, Africa, Tibet, Poland…
Former meteorological center turned observatory, you will find a fun museum on the site's astronomy and history, a pontoon where you can feel the void under your feet and even a planetarium! Also enjoy the restaurant / snack where you can recover from all these emotions around a meal at altitude.
A site where you can experience the grandeur of Nature, this natural circus bordering the national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gavarnie is proud to host on its wall the largest waterfall in mainland France, which is also one of the most important waterfalls in Europe. A family walk can take you either to the Hôtel du Cirque, a café that offers a splendid view of the circus and its waterfall, or, for the more motivated, to the very foot of the waterfall ... So bring your raincoats!
In summer, discover the Gavarnie Festival which, for two weeks, offers you a memorable show every evening, with the circus in the background.
In winter, find snow-covered landscapes of fairy tales by following the snowshoe trails offered by the village.
Located in the Cauterets valley, the Pont d'Espagne is one of the essential destinations in the Pyrenees. Go up on foot or, with the help of a chairlift, discover unforgettable viewpoints, notably that of Lac de Gaube. In the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, discover relaxing natural places with your family.
From the lake, take the hiking trails for all levels that will lead you to the heart of the national park (the Oulettes valley, the Marcadau valley ...) If you plan to go on hikes lasting several days or just explore the paths, n do not forget to bring an IGN map.