Top Things to Do in the French Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are renowned for their spectacular sunsets, ample hiking opportunities, and unique landscapes – truly a vast, beautiful playground for lovers of the outdoors. However, don’t overlook the picturesque little towns nestled between the peaks; they are full of cherished traditions, cultural delights, and eccentric festivals.
With so much on offer, it’s hard to know where to start when planning a trip to this part of southern France. Luckily, here are the top things to do in the French Pyrenees.
1. Stand Beneath the Highest Waterfall in France
See one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls up close. The Cirque du Gavarnie is home to multiple towering cascades, the highest reaching a drop of 422 meters. This UNESCO heritage site features waterfalls flowing from one of the Pyrenees’ last remaining permanent glaciers. Victor Hugo described it as “the Colosseum of nature,” and the tumultuous noise and dizzyingly spectacular views will certainly stay with you.
Detour: Visit during late July or early August to experience Le Festival de Gavarnie. As the sun sets, you can enjoy open-air Shakespeare and other performances.
2. Take Part in the Montee du Geant Cycling Festival
Join thousands and witness a different angle of the Tour de France at the annual ceremonial ride up the Tourmalet accompanying the Geant. This 3-meter tall statue of the first race rider to crest the pass is relocated each summer from its winter home to the top for four months. The flotilla often includes past Tour champions, and all ability levels are welcome to participate, with some donning vintage attire from 1910.
Participation is free, and everyone receives a souvenir, alongside local cake, wine, and cheese.
Planning Tip: The event occurs on the first Saturday of June, starting from alternating towns. This year, it begins from Pierrefitte Nestelas on June 3rd, 2023, at 9 am.
3. Traverse Sheer Cliffs on the Yellow Train
If you’re looking for a relaxed way to explore the Pyrenees, hop on the Little Yellow Train (Le Petit Train Jaune). This train journey, nestled at the foot of the eastern Pyrenees, sweeps along vertiginous bridges and past dramatic cliffs, through forests and gushing streams, climbing 1200 vertical meters. The three-hour journey heads to Latour-de-Carol, with stops at various points along the way.
Local Tip: The round-trip ticket costs €10 and departs from Villefranche-de-Conflent; arrive half an hour early to secure a good seat. The station is just over three miles from Vernet-les-Bains, a great starting point for climbing Canigou.
4. Go Canyoning in the Moonlight
If you’re seeking adventure, try canyoning under the moonlight. Canyoning is popular in the Pyrenees during summer, where you can navigate through a natural gorge alongside a fast-flowing mountain stream. At the site in Saint-Lary-Soulan, zip lines and natural water slides add an exhilarating touch to this experience.
Planning Tip: Bring suitable clothes, a towel, shoes, and a picnic – all essential equipment will be provided at the site.
5. Enter the Strange World of Life-Size Puppet Theater
The Mirepoix Festival of Marionettes showcases a variety of puppetry from around the world, ranging from eerie and unusual to graceful and captivating. Over four days at the start of August, the streets come alive with dance, theater, and puppet circuses, creating unforgettable experiences, along with workshops for those inspired to create their own puppet!
Detour: Mirepoix is just over an hour’s drive from Ax-Les-Thermes, which hosts the Grands Chemins Festival featuring street performers, allowing for easy access to hiking trails and thermal baths.
6. Come Face to Face with Multi-Colored Fish
The rugged eastern seaboard of the Pyrenees drops steeply into the Mediterranean, home to France’s first underwater marine reserve. Located in Cerbères near the Spanish-French border, the reserve spans 6.5 km (4 miles) of coastline, featuring five observation stations for snorkeling opportunities abundant with colorful fish and starfish.
Detour: Nearby wine cellars offer a chance to experience the traditional art of drinking wine from a porro, resembling a delicate glass watering can!
7. Experience Deer-Bellowing, Forest Bathing, and a Moonlit Picnic
In the Spanish Pyrenees, the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu provides a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature. One highlight is summer stargazing with telescopes during moonlit walks, accompanied by locally sourced picnic meals. Alternatively, you can indulge in forest bathing using “Shinrin-yoku,” allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Detour: In the fall, participate in dawn treks to observe deer from a distance and listen to their bellowing mating calls.
8. Wander Amid Nature’s Carvings, the Cheminées de Fees
Discover nature’s intriguing sculptures known as “Fairy Chimneys” or Hoodoos in the Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt, which rise up to 15 meters in height. These geological wonders, formed from sand and clay, are shaped by the weather over millennia, creating a maze of impressive yet delicate towers that offer a unique perspective on the vast landscape.
9. Follow the Route of the Cathars Who Sought Refuge in the Pyrenees
Explore a unique side of the Pyrenees by walking in the footsteps of refugees who traveled along the Cathar Trail. Crossing the border into Spain via the GR 107, this route was taken by the Cathars in the 13th century to escape the Inquisition. Starting from Foix, this remarkable journey takes approximately two weeks for the average walker, offering stunning sights of châteaux, nature reserves, and the chance to see livestock such as the small Merens horses in the Arieges.
Planning Tip: Departing in June reduces the chances of encountering poor weather, though it is wise to watch out for unseasonal thunderstorms. Along your route, take the opportunity to relax in thermal baths in the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes.
10. See a Town Awash with Chilies!
The Piment Festival in Espelette, located in the Basque region of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, is an event not to be missed. The entire town transforms with scarlet chili peppers adorning the wattle and daub houses, creating a vibrant spectacle. During summer, giant peppers are hung out to dry, significantly enhancing the picturesque scenery. The festival culminates on the last weekend of October, where the peppers are sold to visitors.
Detour: The fog in this region creates a unique quality of light, making the views from La Rhune spectacular, although it’s advisable to prepare for potential rain.
