To ensure all-terrain cycling safety, these routes are checked and maintained several times a year. In this valley which is also a gateway to the Pyrenees National Park, you will be able to experience the most beautiful sights whilst travelling on two wheels. You have access to 100% off-road routes in authentic landscapes which are safeguarded through pastoral activity.

Easy forest circuits, accessible to all are available in the Barèges area, on the Plateau de Lienz or in the Luz valley. Other more exhilarating and demanding routes in medium or high mountain reserves offer exceptional views. Try the Cirque de Gavarnie, Pic du Midi or the Néouvielle nature Reserve.
Itineraries of the 42 circuits and routes in the Gaves Valley are available for purchase at the Tourist Office at a price of €5.

Lourdes, Pic du Jer Funicular
59, Avenue Francis-Lagardere, 65100 Lourdes, Tel: +33 (0)562 940041. www.picdujer.fr. Email: picdujer@ville-lourdes.fr
Opening times:
Low season (10 April – 6 July & 15 September – 2 November): 10.00 – 17.00. Last ascent: 17.15.
High season (07 July – 14 September): 09.15 – 19.00. Last ascent: 18.00.
Price: Ascent/7.50€, ½ day pass/15€,
Take the funicular railway to go up and the mountain bike to go down! There are permanently maintained trails that return you (and your bike) back to the foot of the funicular.

The first trail is a challenging descent, classified as black, and should only be attempted by experienced downhill mountain bikers. The trail was used as recently as May 2014 for the French Downhill Mountain Bike Championships. The trail has attained a certain notoriety and is extremely popular with all the downhiller riders from the region as well as riders from the north of Spain.
The second trail is a much more sedate affair and ideal for families and novice riders. The 5km cross country trail takes you along pleasant, gladed tracks that return you safely to the lower funicular station.

Cycling the green routes of the Gaves Valley
Tel: +33 (0)562 426498. www.voiesvertes.com

This disused railway track has been converted into a scenic walking path connecting Lourdes to Soulom (35km round trip). This cycle path is open to everybody – walkers, roller skaters (mountain bikes are tolerated) and is food for families, friends or sole walkers. You can take the walk at your own pace and can take in sections of the walk or complete the3 whole route. Beware of the false flats however – a killer on the calves!!
Taking in the banks of the “Gave de Pau” river between Lourdes and Pierrefitte- Nestalas it passes through small villages of the Lavedan” area of the Pyrenees such as Lugagnan, Geu, Ger and Boo-Silhen. Getting all the way to Argeles-Gazost is an accomplishment in itself – as you have to remember that the return journey awaits you!! There are amazing views of the Pyrenees and nature galore.

Grand Tourmalet Mountain Bike Park
The Grand Tourmalet MTB bike park has lift-accessed downhill trails that are suitable for riders of all abilities. Runs are graded from Green (easy) to Black (expert) just like the ski slopes for ease of use. Many of the trails have a vertical drop difference of 300m! There are also Enduro trails that can be accessed from the bike park where you will find a good selection of MTB trails from gladed downhill singletrack to long mountain descents suitable for a wide range of abilities.

The Tourist Office of Barèges offers a specific guidebook of MTB trails in the local area which is for sale at a price of 5€ (42 circuits).

Mountain walking/Hiking

Mountain walking/Hiking in the Pyrenees National Park
http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/decouverte/randonner/itineraires-randonnee.html

The Pyrenees National park stretches for 100km from east to west, from the Aure Valley to the Aspe Valley. The park is made up of six valleys and the link above tells you about walks in each of the valleys.
Vallée d'Aspe (the Aspe valley)
Vallée d'Ossau (the Ossau Valley)
Val d'Azun (the Azun valley),
Vallée de Cauterets (Cauterets valley)
Vallée de Luz (Luz valley)
Vallée d'Aure (the Aure valley).
Within all of these valleys there are some amazing walks and hikes up into the mountains and through the beautiful valleys.
Itineraries are available at the Tourist office and at any of the visitor centres in Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Arrens-Marsous.

You can book an accredited guide to take you into the high mountain areas to enjoy the views of the surrounding Gaves Valley.

Hike caching in the Gaves Valley with GPS
Bareges lies at the end of the Gaves valley where you may discover a broad range of sites. Take a look at the list below to see just a few of the fascinating places you can visit!

Hike Caching is another way to discover the mountains both in summer and winter. It is hiking with the aid of a GPS which transforms the experience into a treasure hunt. A true sense of freedom, of recreation for all the family. This is a great way to reconnect with nature, to listen to its sounds and be amazed by all the treasures that meet the eye.

The Tourist Office in collaboration with the French Hiking association has developed an innovative way for young and old to explore Luz saint Sauveur. Using GPS follow clues and navigate and explore the village at the same time. Contact the local Tourist Office for more details.

Néouvielle Nature Reserve
Cirque of Gavarnie
Col du Tourmalet and the Pic du Midi
Cauterets-Pont d'Espagne
The Cirques of Estaube and Troumouse
Lourdes

The "GR 10" hiking footpath
This famous hiking path crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. There are 12 stages that pass through the Hautes Pyrenees and due to the steepness of some routes, the GR10, it should only be navigated by experienced hikers. Signs are in white and red.

The stages in the Hautes Pyrenees include
Gourette jusqu'à Arrens-Marsous: 12 km – 5 hours 30 minutes
Arrens-Marsous - lac d'Estaing: 15 km - 2 hpurs 50 minutes
Lac d'Estaing - lac d'Ilhéou: 4 km - 4 hours 45 minutes
Lac d'Ilhéou - Cauterets: 10 km - 2 hours 45 minutes
Cauterets - lac de Gaube: 2 km - 2 hours 50 minutes
Lac de Gaube – Vignemale: 5 km - 4 hours
Vignemale - refuge Bayssellance: 2, 5 km - 2 hours 35 minutes
Refuge Bayssellance – Gavarnie: 9 km - 5 hours 50 minutes
Gavarnie - Luz-Saint-Sauveur: 24 km - 8 hours 35 minutes
Luz-Saint-Sauveur – Barèges: 10 km - 5 hours
Barèges - lac Estagnol: 15 km - 4 hours
Lac Estagnol - Refuge de l'Oule: 4 km - 5 hours
Refuge de l'Oule -Saint-Lary: 18 km - 6 hours 35 minutes
Saint-Lary – Loudenvielle: 9 km - 4 hours 20 minutes
Loudenvielle - lac d'Ôo: 29 km - 9 hours
Lac d'Ôo - Bagnères-de-Luchon: 12 km - 08 hours 30 minutes

Walking the green routes of the Gaves Valley
Tel: +33 (0)562 426498. www.voiesvertes.com

This disused railway track has been converted into a scenic walking path connecting Lourdes to Soulom (35km round trip). This cycle path is open to everybody – walkers, roller skaters (mountain bikes are tolerated) and is food for families, friends or sole walkers. You can take the walk at your own pace and can take in sections of the walk or complete the3 whole route. Beware of the false flats however – a killer on the calves!!
Taking in the banks of the “Gave de Pau” river between Lourdes and Pierrefitte- Nestalas it passes through small villages of the Lavedan” area of the Pyrenees such as Lugagnan, Geu, Ger and Boo-Silhen. Getting all the way to Argelès-Gazost is an accomplishment in itself – as you have to remember that the return journey awaits you!! There are amazing views of the Pyrenees and nature galore.

Hiking around the Cirques in the Gavarnie territory (see Natural sights for more info)
This is easy due to their accessibility. These majestic high mountains with their magical hiking and walking routes get right to the heart of the countryside so the whole family can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Pyrenees! For those who think that hiking is an all too strenuous activity, you can simply enjoy the spectacular scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site from one of the bar terraces while savouring an ice cold drink!

The cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé have the easiest routes, with plenty of 2 hour round trips. Be sure to take the following items with you: water, a sugary snack, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, something warm to wear, a waterproof, hiking boots, plastic bag for taking your litter home.

A pamphlet is on sale in Gèdre and Gavarnie National Park visitor centres (Gavarnie, Tel: +33(0)562924248) and costs €1. Written in English, this pamphlet describes 16 hiking tours in the area including the Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé cirques. You will also find a lot of documentation about Pyrenees fauna and flora at the visitor centres along with a free permanent exhibition on the Pyrenees.

The Cirque of Gavarnie has the most spectacular scenery during the summer months and provides an amazing backdrop to walks and hikes with almost endless route possibilities. The starting point for all of the walks will be from the village of Gavarnie. Many easy walks and hikes ranging from 2-5 hours are possible and reward you with numerous view points of the cirque and its waterfall. For a different perspective, it is also possible to walk to the bottom of Europe's highest where you get a full appreciation of the vast and high wall of the Gavarnie Cirque.

Cirque of Troumous can be accessed directly by car - watch for the turn on your left on the road up to Gavarnie just as you leave Gedre. From the parking beneath the cirque, there are some short and easy walks ranging from 30mins to 3 hours.
If you are feeling very energetic, you can leave the car at the parking near Heas church in the valley and take a 5 hour hike up to Troumouse! Either way, the road up to Troumouse is stunning and offers many spectacular vistas.

Cirque of Estaubé is the least famous of the cirques but just as stunning. Starting from the parking at the Gloriettes dam you can discover this beautiful area by taking a simple walk along a babbling mountain stream. This walk is really easy, lasting around 2 and a half hours, and is great for spotting marmots!

Walks on the Plateau du Lienz
This Nordic area of “Plateau du Lienz” is located in the most easterly part of the ski area just above Barèges. It is just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of town and can be reached using the local shuttle buses for a fare of 2€. This peaceful location is a great location to explore nature on foot.
The following circuits/itineraries are available. (See PDF map below)
Barèges – Lumière: 1. 5 hours return journey on circuit #1 or 2.5 hours returning on circuit #2. From Barèges to the viewing point of Lumière.

Barèges – Lienz: 1. 5 hours one way/return or 2.5 hours returning on circuit #1. From Barèges to Plateau de Lienz from where the old funicular ran. Restaurant “Chez Loiusette” located here.

Barèges – Gare Intermediare (Intermediary station): 5 hours return journey departing Barèges on circuit # 2 followed by circuit #3 or 3 hours from intermediary station of old funicular.Lienz – Tour de la Chapelle: 1. 5 hours return journey on circuit #4 with access to the Glere refuge.Laquette –

Lienz - Barèges: 2. 5 hours journey. Access to Laquette via the “Tournaboup” chair lift.Laquette circuits: 1. 5 hours circuit.

PDF of Plateau du Lienz
 
Guided walks in and around Barèges
There are six walking routes around the resort of Barèges located in the Ayre Forest. (See “Walking in Plateau du Lienz” section or the Néouvielle Reserve nearby. You can even spend the night in a renovated “Grange” (Sheep farmers hut over a weekend and enjoy the delights of the Aoube valley, Pene Deth Pouri, Soum de Nere.
Professional and friendly guides can help you discover the joy of snowshoeing and the snowy landscapes, starting from Barèges. Some guides even offer night snowshoeing under the stars! Some also organise snowshoeing outings for children aged from 4 years old to discover the snow, the mountain environment, animal tracks, sliding and igloo building.
Booking: Baptiste (Tel: +33(0)659 046547) or Henri (Tel: +33(0)680 730760).
Price: Taster Day/55€

Horse Riding
Discover the surrounding area and tranquil locations in this valley on horseback. As a beginner or an experienced rider, there are outings of a few hours or a whole day. From babbling streams, mountain lakes and small villages to the iconic sites of Pic du Midi and the Néouvielle Natural Reserve
Claudine Lafont, Ferme Equestre Plateau de Lienz, 65120 Barèges. Tel: +33(0)562 929601 or (0)562 921930.
Note: See Cirque of Gavarnie for other possibilities.

Riding the Cirque of Gavarnie is great as an alternative to hiking and walking, why not discover the Gavarnie Cirque on horseback. From Easter through to November you can visit the cirque by renting and riding a horse (or a donkey) for a 2 or 3 hour ride. A great experience for kids and adults and a great day out for the family. The horses are available for rent at the start of the walk up to The Cirque in Gavarnie at the end of the village.
For experienced horse riders, it is possible to discover wild and amazing landscapes accompanied by a guide.

Helios outdoor swimming pool
Route de Labatsus, 65120 Barèges. Tel: +33 (0)562 921700.
This outdoor heated pool awaits you during the summer: a paddling pool for toddlers, a waterfall and great views of the mountains. The swimming pool is open daily in July and August from 12:30 – 19:00. There is a pool snack-bar serving ice creams, drinks and confectionary.

Helios Squash courts
Route de Labatsus, 65120 Barèges. Tel: +33 (0)562 921700. Email: helios.centredeloisirs@wanadoo.fr
This squash court is available for rental and is located in the Helios centre in central Barèges. It is open daily in July and August from 12:30 – 19:00. There is a pool snack-bar serving ice creams, drinks and confectionary.

Cinema Le Refuge
Route de labatsus, Main Street, 65120 Barèges. Tel: +33 (0)562 926682
Regular screenings of box office and French films from 21:00 daily. Daily evening showings at 9pm. Rainy day screenings for children of cartoons and old movies.
For listings please check http://www.allocine.fr/seance/salle_gen_csalle=P0907.html

Paragliding
Tandem flights available throughout the year. During winter (between December and February) flights take off from the top of the “Caoubere” lift or the “Piquette” lift.
Booking:
Air Aventure Pyrenees, 2, rue des moulins, 65260 Pierrefitte Nestalas, Tel: +33(0)681 508650. Email: contact@ecole-parapente-pyrenees.com
OR
Didier (Tel: +33(0)608 176334) or Henri (Tel: +33(0)680 730760).

Culture and Heritage in Bareges

In the valley from Barèges to Bagnères de Bigorre passing by the Campan Valley there is a wealth of cultural and natural heritage sites from Roman churches to ancient caverns and caves filled with mystical gems. Roman churches dating back hundreds of years can be found on the small mountain roads and in the villages.
 

Exposition Funiculaire de L’Ayre
Next to ESF on Main Street
On the main high street is the entrance to the old funicular which used to ascend above the “Plateau du Lienz” to the “Pic de L’Ayre”. No longer in use, the building remains to pay homage to this old lady, telling the story and history of the ski area and explaining why the village was the pioneer of skiing in the Pyrenees.

The medieval Mauvezin Castle 
Built in the 11th century by the Counts of Bigorre the medieval Mauvezin Castle offers a museum, gun room, exhibition and shop plus medieval entertainment on Sundays.
www.chateaudemauvezin.com
Escaladieu Cistercian Abbey can be visited all year round. Founded in 1142, its construction was completed by 1160 and is a major historical site of the Pyrenees.
www.cg65.fr

Natural History Museum
Rue Jean Rösch, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tél. +33(0)562 911205. www.museesbagneres.fr. Email: musees.bagneres @ orange.fr
This museum has plenty of different areas to discover the surrounding area. An area dedicated to the valley of the Haute Bigorre with a giant model and audio-visual animation.

A “Bat area” where you can discover the different facets of this protected species about which little is still known. During the summer month, the bats which live in the Museum’s attic can be viewed (using an infrared camera).
A museum area shows the different missions of the Pyrenean Botanical Conservatory and its collection of herbs.

The Pyrenean Botanical Conservatory
This public institution was accredited by the Ministry of Ecology for its missions into the understanding and conservation of wild flora and natural habitats within the area. It is one of 11 Conservatories grouped within the Federation of National Botanical Conservatories.
It plays and important role in the French Pyrenees and across the Midi-Pyrénées. Its headquarters is located in Bagneres-de-Bigorre in the ancient thermal baths located in the classified area of “Vallon de Salut”.
Guided tours are available every Friday in July and August at 17.00 upon reservation only

Local heritage sites: The Old Military Hospital, Mauvezin Castle & Museum, Saint Jean De Bagneres cloisters.
Local churches: Antist church , Aste church, Bareges church, Beaudean church,Betpouey church, Campan church, Gerde church, Pouzac church, Viella church, Orignac church, Church of Saint Vincent, Viey church.

The town of Lourdes
One cannot come to the Pyrenees without visiting Lourdes. Whatever your denomination, or not, this spiritual capital of Europe has to be a must.
Located in the “Vallee des Gaves” (Valley of rivers) the town of Lourdes is surrounded by high mountain peaks in a wide valley that was formed thousands of years ago by a glacier that hung above the summits of the “Vignemale” mountains and carved its way through the earth creating this amazing valley.

Up until the mid-19th century, Lourdes was just a small and charming Pyrenean market town whose most prominent feature at the time was the fortified castle that rises up from a rocky escarpment at its centre.

All this was to change on the 11th February in 1858 when a local peasant girl by the name of Bernadette Soubourious is said to have witnessed several Marian apparitions (a supernatural appearance by the Blessed Virgin Mary) in a grotto on an outcrop of rock called Massabielle near to the town. After authentication of these appearances by the Catholic Church, Lourdes became a place of Catholic Pilgrimage and healing.

Today, Lourdes is one of the most visited places in Catholic Christendom. It is home to some 15,000 inhabitants, but it is able to take in some 5,000,000 pilgrims and tourists every season. One of the world’s leading Catholic Marian shrines, it has such an important place within the Roman Catholic Church, that Pope John Paul II visited the shrine twice: on 15 August 1983, and 14–15 August 2004. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI authorized special indulgences to mark the 150th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Since 1860, it is estimated that 200 million people have visited the shrine whose spring water from the grotto is believed by some to possess healing properties. The Roman Catholic Church has officially recognized 69 healings considered to be miraculous based on Church criteria for authenticity and authentic miracle healing with no physical or psychological basis other than the healing power of the water.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is something which still divides opinion. Many believe the site to be nothing more than a Catholic Disneyland (which probably has much to do with the appearance of the Rosary Basilica) and a commercial venture by the Church. For many of the millions of dedicated pilgrims that travel to Lourdes it is a place of hope and great spirituality. However, the best way to make up your mind is to visit Lourdes, which remains a place of renowned interest – even to those who are spiritually inclined.

Getting to Lourdes

Car: Lourdes is approx. 29km from Luz Saint Sauveur and takes approx. 30 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services to Lourdes between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees

Natural Wonders & Wildlife in Bareges

Pic Du Midi
The Pic du Midi was classified as a national nature site in 2003 and now offers day, evening and night options to take your breath away at any time of day!

The most beautiful view of the Pyrenees is most definitely from the Pic Du midi station. Accessed by two cable car rides (an experience in itself) that take you from Barèges at 1,800m to a grand height of 2,877 meters in just 15 minutes – this is a panorama not be missed. The magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees await you as you alight at an altitude where the air is just that little bit thinner and where birds fly below you. The panoramic terraces showcase the exceptional environment of high mountains whilst the museum (the highest museum in Europe) presents the history of the human endeavour to create this magical place ... A gift shop is also available for mementos and regional gifts.
There is also an onsite restaurant which is literally “above the clouds” and offers traditional cuisine made with local produce. The menus are prepared with quality ingredients and AOC labelled products are highlighted in all the dishes. There is also a good selection wines from the region!
Pass Pic du Midi (Round trip with cable car + Pic du Midi Entrance)
Price: Adult/€34; Children (6-12 yrs.)/ €22; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€88

A Night at the Pic du Midi
This is an exceptional and unforgettable way to spend an evening. Spend a night up on the Pic du Midi and plunge yourself into the atmosphere of the pioneers of the Peak and stay in the (newly furnished) original old rooms of the Observatory. Experiencing the night as black as pitch as you wander around and explore the Observatory and museum (reminiscent of “A night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller!) There is a full program for the evening which involves talks by the onsite astrologer ranging from the history of the station to the history of the universe (in French but English translations are kindly given on request). Enjoying a traditional Bigorre meal (3 courses with wine) and visit the scientific areas. There is also the chance to view the stars, planets and moon using the high powered telescopes (weather permitting). Not to be missed is the breath-taking panorama of the whole of the Pyrenean mountain range as sun rises over this part of the world. I do not think there is a panorama to match that one! Astronomy enthusiasts will be in their element as will photographers who love a breath-taking sunrise in a mystical setting. !

Nights at the Summit are available throughout the year. The Starry Nights: Discover the stars as you've never seen! Sunset, animations, traditional meal ... Magic!

Every night is unique, but here are some details of the program that is offered:
Funicular up to 16.30 (17.00 June to September)Site visit (terraces and museum)Appetizer and Welcome chatSunsetTraditional dinner made from local produce – the Taster menuAnimation with astronomy discovery of the stars led by a professional facilitator, access to the Charvin dome equipped with a 400 mm telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain. This animation is achieved through a partnership between the Pic du Midi and Farm Star (Fleurance-Gers)Night in a double room on the summitSunrise over the PyreneesContinental breakfastVisit domes scientific areas, in partnership with the “Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées”, an exclusive "Summit Nights"!Return to La Mongie or Barèges in the morning by cable car.
Price: Please contact Pyrenees Collection for more details.

Note: Unlike a hotel, the rooms are those traditionally used by engineers and researchers. All rooms have small windows with stunning views of the Pyrenees! Bed linen, duvets and towels are provided. Corner sink in the room, showers and toilets are in the corridor.

Important: The rooms are heated of course, like all buildings, but please bring warm clothing: hat, gloves, sturdy shoes, fleece, windproof jacket ... to enjoy the entertainment outdoors in good conditions, and in all seasons. Even in summer, the temperature at night can be below freezing!

Reduced mobility: Access to both floors of the rooms is via a staircase, not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Getting to Pic Du Midi Area
Car: Pic Du Midi is approx. 45km from Barèges and takes approx. 1 hour 10 minutes to reach

Médous Caves
Asté, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33 (0)562 917846. www.grottes-medous.com
Located 49km from Saint Lary, these extraordinary caves are located in Asté and are great for seeing prime examples of Stalactites and stalagmites.
Getting there
Car: They are approx. 16km from Barèges and take approx. 25 minutes to reach.

Esparros Caves
Gouffre d’Esparros, 65130 Esparros. Tél: +33 (0)562 391180
At the heart of the unspoilt Baronnies valley, in the Pyrenees, is one of the most beautiful caves, a classified site, listed as a site of outstanding natural heritage. It is unique in the world due to its aragonite formations. The delicate environmental conditions in these caverns are what allow the many crystals to form.
 
The caves include a stunning array of natural geomorphic formations such as the delicate aragonite stone, (known as the true "stone flower") gypsum or Calcite crystals that defy weightlessness, large caverns decorated with natural draperies and long stalactites bathing in ponds and calm blue water. The caverns are like an underground garden waiting to be discovered. Visits to the caves last one hour and include a Sound and Light show and are guided.
 
Opening dates and times: 01 June – 30 September: 10:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 17:00
Price: Adult/€8; Children (13-17 yrs.)/ €6.50; Children (4-12 yrs.)/ €5.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€23.50
Getting there
Car: They are approx. 67km from Barèges and take approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to reach.

The Gargas Caves & Nestplori visitor centre
RD 261, 65660 Aventignan. Tel: +33 (0)562 988150. www.nestploria.fr
Located 40 km from Saint Lary, these authentic prehistoric caves are a sight to behold and are known for their cave art from the Upper Palaeolithic period - about 27,000 years old. The two chambers of the caves began to be scientifically explored and documented at the end of the 19th century by Émile Cartailhac and Abbé Henri Breuil, but it was Felix Regnault who discovered the hand-print images in 1906. Inside there are many figurative drawings depicting animals made using crushed iron oxide and manganese.
The cave is open to the public but only upon reservation due to limited space. The nearby Nestplori Digital visitor centre is open daily except Monday: 10:30 – 17:30
Price: Adult/ 10.50€, Child/6€; Family/27.50€

Getting there
Car: They are approx. 111km from Barèges and take approx. 1 hour 35 minutes to reach.

Les Grottes de Bétharram (Caves of Bétharram)
Chemin Léon Ross, 65270 Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre. Tél. +33(0)562 418004. http://www.betharram.com/
The Bétharram caves were originally discovered in 1819 by a soldier and from 1836 began to attract the attention of naturalists through exploration by Professor Mermet. The first great explorers are three members of the Alpine Club of Pau: Larry, Campan and Ritter. In 1888, they discovered a number of wells connecting the first floor of the caves on the lower floors.
The caves were first opened in 1903 and have been a visitors attraction ever since. The beautiful main entrance building of the caves was built in 1924 and inside there is a gift shop selling minerals, fossils and postcards.
On arrival at the caves, tourists are taken on a small shuttle ride that brings them to the entrance to the caves 2 km above.

The Caves of Bétharram are Europe's most beautiful and certainly most curious caves. The viewable caves extend over an area of 2.8 kilometres with an impressive 80 metre drop. There is an underground river that runs for 3.5 kilometres. The visit of the caves takes 1 hour 20 minutes and visits sights such as the Naiades basin, the Chandelier hall, Jeannne d’arc, the giant column, the cavern, the bell, the forming column, the elephant and the underwater lake and boat.

Opening times:
10 Feb – 24 Mar: Mon – Thurs: 14.30 visit and 16:00 Tour; Fri: 14.30 visit.
25 Mar – 30 Oct: Daily from 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 17:30.
July & August: Daily from 09:00 – 18:00.
Price: Adult/ 13.50€, Child (4-12yrs/ 8€; - 4yrs free of charge

Getting there
Car: The caves are approx. 40km from Luz Saint Sauveur and takes approx. 45 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services to Gèdre and Gavarnie between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Cirque of Gavarnie
Straddling the French-Spanish border and overlooking the Spanish canyons of Añisclo, Pineta and the mythical Ordesa, the territory of Gavarnie is part of the "Pyrénées-Mont Perdu, cirques and canyons" national park, and recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Comprising of three cirques, each very different from the other, these incredible natural bowls have been carved out by ancient glaciers in grey, ochre and pink limestone rock and thrust up to an altitude of 3000 metres by unimaginable geological forces.

The cirques offer fine examples of the 'nappe' (term stems from the French word for tablecloth in allusion to a crumpled tablecloth being pushed across a table) type of rock formation - a large sheet like body of rock that has been moved in excess of 2km above a thrust fault from its original position. They form when a mass of rock is forced over another rock mass, typically on a low angle fault plane. The resulting structure may include large-scale recumbent folds, shearing along the fault plane, imbricate thrust stacks, fensters and klippe.

Located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, which was established in 1967, the territory houses an extremely rich, fragile and well-preserved flora and fauna and offers one of the most spectacular landscapes that you will ever have the opportunity to see.

Of the three cirques, the Gavarnie Cirque is perhaps the most famous. With a diameter of 6.5km and an almost sheer rock wall of 1500m it is an impressive sight. At the heart of the cirque, falling from a height of 427m, is the largest waterfall in Europe. Gavarnie is the only one of the three cirques that is accessible all year round.

Cirque of Troumouse
The Troumouse Cirque is as equally impressive as the Gavarnie Cirque. It may not be as high and imposing as Gavarnie, but what it lacks it height it more than makes up for in diameter. At around 11km in diameter, it is almost double that of the neighbouring Gavarnie. The area around Troumouse is a popular pastoral site and during the summer months it’s not uncommon to see shepherds and their flocks of sheep. The ubiquitous marmot can be seen scampering over rocks and scree and the terrain is a paradise for the isard - the symbolic Pyrenean wild animal.

Cirque of Estaubé
Finally, the Estaubé Cirque is perhaps the most wild. Estaubé sits resolutely between Gavarnie and Troumouse, rising up from the still shores of the Gloriettes Lake. The lake was created when the single arch dam was built from 1948-52 and provides a stunning setting. For those keen on extended hikes, Estaubé also offers some of the most beautiful routes up the Mont Perdu. For those who enjoy a more leisurely walk, a short hike around the lake offers many rewarding vistas.

Gavarnie Village (gateway to the Cirques)
The village of Gavarnie is situated on what was once a major route through the Pyrenees near the Boucharo pass some 7.5km away. A visit to the church of Gavarnie was a must for travellers who asked for the protection of the Virgin of the Good Pass before taking the road to Spain.

In 1794, at the time of the war between the first Republic and the coalition of neighbouring monarchies, the Boucharo pass was subject to special supervision on the French side. The French army was sent to protect the territory from Spanish incursions. The mountain cabin that was used to house the soldiers can still be seen on the route to Boucharo.

Gavarnie is also the birthplace of Pyrenean Mountaineering - a combination of climbing and mountain culture and the romanticism of high places - and is the birthplace of some of the most well-known French mountaineers; including the Passet family and François Bernat-Salles.

Sights in Gavarnie

Millaris Museum
Place de la Bergère, 65120, Gèdre. Tel: +33(0)562923525. Email: millaris@gavarnie.com
The museum offers a complete and unique insight into the land of the cirques using fun and interactive mediums. It demonstrates the culture of the area and highlights the importance of the water (mills, hydroelectric), agriculture, pastoralism and the UNESCO World Heritage award. There is also an audio visual show as well as disabled access.
Prices: Adult/5€; Child/ 2€; Group rate/3€

Gavarnie Church
65120, Gavarnie
The church of Notre-Dame du Bon Port was built by the monks of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. The present church dates mainly from the early 19th century with some remnants of the 14th. The church houses antiquities of the medieval era: from 15th century furniture to statues and relics of the famous Templar skulls. It is located on one of the routes to St Jacques de Compostela and is therefore classified as a St-Jacques World Heritage path.

Moulins de Gedre Dessus
65120, Gèdre, Tel: +33(0)562923525
These water mills provide a window to the past and demonstrate rural and rustic life from a bygone era. Situated on the Gave de Campbieil River, the villages of Gavarnie-Dessus and Moules Dera contain five mills, each belonging to different families of the village. They were still being used in the 70s - the final one stopped in 1985. Visitors can discover the delights of these mills using a small self-guided, interpretive trail equipped with panels that detail their workings and history. Guided tours on request.
Prices: Adult/1€; Child/0.50€

Getting there
Car: Gavarnie is approx. 20km from Luz Saint Sauveur and takes approx. 30 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services to Gèdre and Gavarnie between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/  

Pont d’Espagne
“Pont d’Espagne” also known as “little Canada of the Pyrenees” is a prestigious site in the very heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Not only is it one of the “Grand sites” of the Midi Pyrenees region but it is also an area of great natural beauty. During the summer months you will be mesmerised by its fairy-tale state and small walking paths leading amongst heavy pine forests. With its sublime panoramas and gushing waterfalls it is an exceptional setting for walking and hiking.

The “Lac de Gaube” lake is situated high in the Pont D’Espagne (1725m).and is a 15 minute walk/ski from “Belvedere” viewing point at the top of the “Gaube” chairlift.

Le Pont D’Espagne takes its name not only from the pretty stone bridge that crosses the magnificent central waterfall but also from history. This bridge and its surrounding area is so called because if its ancient links with Spain. For hundreds of years this was a crossing point between the two countries and an important trade route. Traders would make the long and arduous journey across the Pyrenees with their wares strapped to a donkeys or most often than not on their own backs.

The park is open from 17th May to the 29th September and throughout the park there is a chance to see marmots and chamois.
There is one gondola and chair lift to access the walks and waterfall. The many hiking trails start from the Pont D’Espagne and lead to the refuge of Oulettes, facing Vignemale, or the Walloon refuge near the Cayan and Marcadau valleys.

Link to walking map of Pont D’Espagne:
http://www.cauterets.com/en-ete/balades-randonnees/
There are three restaurants within the park.

Le Chalet du Clot
Le Pont D’Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, Tel: +33 (0)562 926127. Email: f.walton@chaletduclot.fr. www.chaletduclot.fr
Restaurant, bar and mountain refuge located a short walk (30mins) from the top of the “Puntas” cable car/bottom of the “Gaube” chair lift.

L’Hotellerie du Pont d’Espagne
Le Pont d’Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, Tel: +33 (0)562 925410. www.hotel-du-pont-despagne.fr
Located in the “Pont D’Espagne” section of the Pyrenees national park, the restaurant is located facing the main waterfalls. This is a brasserie/bar and also sells souvenirs. It is a good stop off as a break between one of the walking routes.

L’Hotellerie du Lac de Gaube
Lac de Gaube, Pont D’Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, Tel: +33 (0)6574 515628. http://gaube-seyres.fr/hotellerie.htm
Located in the “Pont D’Espagne” section of the Pyrenees national park, the restaurant is located facing the main waterfalls. This is a brasserie/bar and also sells souvenirs. It is a good stop off as a break between one of the walking routes.
Pass Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne:
Price: Adult/€12; Children (6-12 yrs.)/ €10; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€40
Pass Pic du Midi + Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne:
Price: Adult/€45; Children (5-12 yrs.)/ €31.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children (under18 yrs.)/€126
Note: Special prices at the Tourist Office of Luz St Sauveur with the Guest Cards

Getting to Pont D’Espagne Area
Car: Pont D’Espagne is approx. 31km from Luz Saint Sauveur and takes approx. 45 minutes to reach
There is a gated car park and you must take a ticket and pay for the day’s parking (free of charge if less than 15 mins).
Parking price: Per day/5.50€

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services to Gèdre and Gavarnie between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/  

The Pyrenees National Park
http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/
The Pyrénées National Park (Le Parc national des Pyrénées) is a national park located within the French Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments. Located at the foothills of the Aspe Valley, on the border between France and Spain, it stretches for 100km from east to west, from the Aure Valley to the Aspe Valley. The park is made up of six valleys: Vallée d'Aspe (the Aspe valley), Vallée d'Ossau (the Ossau Valley), Val d'Azun (the Azun valley), Vallée de Cauterets (Cauterets valley), Vallée de Luz (Luz valley) and Vallée d'Aure (the Aure valley).

It is a scenic and mountainous landscape offering a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, mountain climbing and wildlife watching.
The park was created in 1967 as a natural heritage site and is one of the oldest and richest parks in France in terms of the diversity of its flora and fauna – there are over 70 different animal species here. It is home to some 6,000 Izards (the Pyrenean name for the chamois and the Park's symbol), many marmots and a host of birds of prey such as the bearded vulture, the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon. There are also lynxes and the last brown bears of the Pyrenean line. When it comes to flora, there is a profusion of Pyrenean squill, rare lilies, the delicate Ramonda pyrenaica and a host of other little wonders that together make up the 4,500 species that thrive in this haven unrivalled anywhere in Europe.

Mont Perdu World Heritage Site (UNESCO) that straddles the border between France and Spain, is comprised of the eastern portion of the French Pyrenees National park and the whole of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park in Spain. French highlights in this area that are listed as UNESCO world heritage sights include the three cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé.

Sights within the park include the impressive cirques at Gavarnie and Troumouse, the impressive Vignemale massif and the Pic de Néouvielle as well as the Pont d’Espagne which stands like a gateway to the Park and is easily accessible from the spa town of Cauterets. Furthermore, the Cirque de Gavarnie and Pont d’Espagne are two of the Great Tourist Sites in Midi-Pyrénées.

The best way to start exploring the Pyrenees National Park is to head for one of the visitor centres in Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Arrens-Marsous. Here you can find out about all the activities and excursions available to visitors: hikes, excursions led by Park wardens, fishing, photography, discovering the fauna and flora, and much more.

Néouvielle Nature Reserve
http://www.reserves-naturelles.org/neouvielle
Located beside the Pyrenees National Park, the covers an area of 2,300 hectares and is a sanctuary for the Pyrenean flora and fauna.
Its glacier-sculpted scenery is filled with dramatic ridges, meadows, pine forests, crystal-clear waters and high moors, all combining to form a kind of vast terrace suspended at an altitude of 2,000 metres at the foot of the Pic de Néouvielle. This granite mountain is home to the highest mountain pine forests in Europe and is surrounded by some 80 lakes of colours ranging from jade green to steely blue – all packed with fish. The largest of these lakes are Lac d’Orédon, the Lac de l’Oule, Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Omar.

The mountain pine is the iconic tree of Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Here, this conifer breaks all records for its longevity, with some specimens reaching the ripe old age of 400, 500 or even 600. Bright pink wild rhododendrons, growing in vast groves, add to the Reserve's incredible plethora of colours. The fauna too is highly distinctive, including the midwife toad, which remains a tadpole for almost its entire life, and the legendary desman, a strange little semi-aquatic mammal found only in the Pyrenees and northern Spain.

The reserve is criss-crossed by well-marked footpaths making it accessible even to those with little experience of mountain walking. Mountain refuges are ideal for overnighting.

The Néouvielle National Nature Reserve is open from June to September, when it is free of winter snow. During the summer, access to the Park is strictly regulated. Visitors are required to park in the Orédon car park, from where they can head out on the various footpaths or take the shuttle bus to the lakes of Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Aumar.

Getting to Néouvielle Nature Reserve

Car: Néouvielle Nature Reserve is approx. 88km from Barèges and takes approx. 1 hour 55 minutes to reach

The Pyrenees Animal Park
60, bis avenue des Pyrénées, 65400 Ayzac-Ost. Tel: +33(0)562 979107. http://www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com/
This amazing animal park is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, near to Argelès Gazost and just 10 minutes’ drive from Lourdes. It showcases the array of animals from this area in large open spaces where, bears, wolves, chamois, marmots, lynx, roe-deer, otters, foxes, squirrels live in semi-freedom.

Since it was created in 1999, the Park’s main goal was not to showcase as many animals as possible but rather to bring visitors as close as possible to seeing the animals behaving naturally in their own environment.
Throughout the years the park has thrived on these principles as has the collection of animals. Today more than a hundred species live in about 10 Hectares of park situated on a hill which affords a magnificent view of the mountains.

Whilst in the park, visitors are allowed direct access and sometimes physical contact with certain species. The pleasure and joy of being able to play and feed animals like the marmots is a joy for young and old alike.

Observation platforms are laid out in each enclosure where the animals are on view and on site staff give you all the explanations and necessary information to understand the animal and its lifestyle.
Information boards supply you with information on the species that you observe whilst a footprints path teaches you to track and understand wild animals. You can even mould the imprints of your preferred animals and take them home as a unique souvenir.
Opening dates & times: open daily, April, May, June & September: 09:30 – 18:00; July & August: 09:30 – 19:00: October: 13:30 – 18:00.
Price: Adult/ 16€, Child (3-11yrs/ 11€; - 3yrs free of charge

Getting there
Car: The Animal Park is approx. 25km from Barèges and takes approx. 35 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services directly to the park (le parc) between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Donjon des Aigles
10, Rue du Chateau, 65400 Beaucens. Tel: +33 (0)562 971959. http://www.donjon-des-aigles.com/

This spectacular animal extravaganza is located in the beautiful medieval castle which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the pretty village of Beaucens. It houses one of the finest and most prestigious collections of birds of prey in the world. Kites, Vultures, Eagles, Eagles, Falcons and Hawks alongside Parrots are for the most part allowed to roam freely outside of cages, as is the traditional falconry way. This affords visitors amazing photo opportunities as you are allowed to get very close to the birds. During the afternoons, a spectacular show takes place set against this stunning backdrop and to inspiring background music. Viewing these wild and majestic birds is a beautiful and emotional sight and a great way to educate the children

Opening dates & times: open daily, April to September with shows at: 15:30 & 17:00; August: 15:00, 16:30 & 18:00.
Price: On request at their website or by phone

Getting there
Car: The Park is approx. 2km from Barèges and takes approx. 30 minutes to reach.

By bus:
Ma Ligne's Network: Regular services to nearby Adast between June and September.
Price: Single Adult/2€; Single child (4 -12 years)/1€.
Departures days: Daily
Departure Times: Click on the link below
http://www.transports-maligne.fr/docs/Maligne_des_Gaves_TarbesLourdesPierrefitteGavarnie.pdf

By Bus/Rail:
TER Midi-Pyrénées' Network: timetables for bus and train travel in the area
Departure Times: Click on the link below.
http://www.ter.sncf.com/midi-pyrenees/

Children Specific