Other Top Tourist Destinations in Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean
50 minutes away :
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The Pic du Midi : this 2,877-metre peak is one of the most magnificent in the Pyrenees.
http://picdumidi.com/
50 minutes away :
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Pont d’Espagne : gorgeous mountain scenery in this area of waterfalls, summer pastures and forests within the Pyrenees National Park.
www.cauterets.com
58 minutes away :
Villages
25 minutes away :
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Luz-Saint Sauveur : a lively thermal spa town in a sunny valley. See the remarkable fortified church and the bold Pont Napoléon built by Emperor Napoléon to extend the road from Saint Sauveur to Gavarnie. www.luz.org
42 minutes away :
- Saint Savin : this village overlooking the Argelès-Gazost Valley is home to a magnificent abbey (12th to 15th century). See also the touching Chapelle de Piétat just outside the village.
Museums
10 minutes :
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Millaris, Gèdre : here's something that all the family will love: a fun, interactive experience of the world of the Pyrenean cirques and in particular 'Pyrénées – Mont Perdu', a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tel. +33 (0)5 62 92 35 25 – www.gavarnie.com
Heritage
15 minutes away :
- Moulins de Gèdre-Dessus : 5 fine water mills on the Gave de Campbieil river that tell the story of an age-old industry in harmony with the environment.
16 minutes away :
- Pragnères hydroelectric power station : a flagship of the Pyrenees' hydroelectricity heritage, powered by 4 high-altitude dams including the Cap de Long dam, the largest in the Pyrenees.
Guided tours of these two sites can be booked at Gavarnie-Gèdre Tourist Office – Tél. 05 62 92 35 25.
Thermal recreation centres
25 minutes away :
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Luzéa, Luz St-Sauveur : well-being and relaxation in thermal water… Come to Luzéa and enjoy the elegant décor of marble, glass and mosaics. Lovely view of the Luz Valley. Tél. 0 800 05 05 65 - http://thermes.luz.org
35 minutes away:
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Ciéléo, Barèges : this extension of the thermal baths in Barèges has a jet-current pool, geysers, jacuzzi, solarium, Turkish bath and more… An agreeable place to stop on the way to the Pic du Midi and Col du Tourmalet. Tél. 05 62 92 68 02 – http://thermes-bareges.com
Hiking
Getting close to the Cirque de Gavarnie:
- The 'Vers le Cirque de Gavarnie' walk : this off-the-beaten-track walk lasting 3¾ hours follows a beautiful cliff path with unforgettable panoramas of the Cirque de Gavarnie.
Themed excursions
5 minutes away :
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Maison du Parc National des Pyrénées, Gavarnie : set off from this visitor centre with a Park warden to see the area's extremely rich fauna and flora (izards, eagles, vultures, orchids, etc.). Tél. 05 62 92 42 48 - www.parc-pyrenees.com
Site of outstanding natural beauty
20 minutes away :
- The Cirque de Troumouse : less well known than its neighbour at Gavarnie but just as impressive. The Cirque de Troumouse extends for over 10 km, crowned by peaks rising up to an altitude of 3,000 metres. Accessed by car along a toll road.
Canyoning
25 minutes away :
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From Luz-Saint Sauveur : gentle canyoning trips taking in a succession of jumps, abseils and slides in the blue-green surroundings of Pyrenean canyons. Contact : Luz Aventure - Tél. 05 62 92 33 47 – www.luz-aventure.com
Fairs and festivals
25 minutes away :
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Jazz à Luz: a 4-day musical journey in the heart of the Pyrenees that features all sorts of different musical genres (jazz, rock, popular song, etc.). In July.