Around Lourdes

Culture and sightseeing

• Pont d’Espagne : gorgeous mountain scenery in this area of waterfalls, summer pastures and forests within the Pyrenees National Park.
  www.cauterets.com
  
  

• The Pic du Midi : the 2,877-metre-high Pic du Midi offers an awe-inspiring view of the line of Pyrenean summits.
  http://picdumidi.com/
  
  
• The Cirque de Gavarnie : the giant of the Pyrenees, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  http://summer.gavarnie.com/
  
  
• Saint Bertrand de Comminges : the historical heritage of this fortified village in the foothills of the Pyrenees goes back to Antiquity.
  
  
  

• Marciac : a pretty Gascon 'bastide' town famous for its passion for jazz. The Jazz in Marciac festival is world famous.
  www.marciactourisme.co.uk
  
  

Towns and villages

• Argelès-Gazost : stroll around the upper town, from where there are lovely views of the valley. Lots of shops selling local produce, colourful houses, fountains and a gorgeous market on Tuesday mornings. www.argeles-gazost.com

• Saint Savin : a magnificent abbey (12th to 15th century) in this village overlooking the Argelès-Gazost Valley. See also the touching Chapelle de Piétat just outside the village.

• Tarbes : the principal town of Hautes Pyrénées. The main attractions are the Massey garden, home to the Musée International des Hussards military heritage museum, and the national stud. www.tarbes-tourisme.com
  
  

Recreational spas

• Le Jardin des Bains, Argelès-Gazost : from the emerald forest to the hanging gardens of Babylon, relax in the thermal waters of this recreational spa designed with your well-being in mind. Tél. 05 62 97 03 24 – www.argeles-gazost.com

Caves

• The Bétharram Caves : an amazing underground world on five levels one on top of the other, decorated with a vast number of concretions. www.betharram.com

Wildlife parks

• Parc Animalier des Pyrénées, Argelès-Gazost : a top-quality wildlife park where Pyrenean and European animals roam: bears, otters, marmots, izards, lynxes, wolves and more… Tél. 05 62 97 91 07 – www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com

• The Donjon des Aigles, Beaucens : an impressive show featuring birds of prey in the romantic setting of a castle and its keep. Tél. 05 62 97 19 59 - www.donjon-des-aigles.com

Viewpoints

• The Pic du Jer : this 950m mountain dominates Lourdes, providing an unforgettable panorama over the town and mountains. There is a funicular up the Pic du Jer. You can descend on foot or by mountain bike, following waymarked trails (mountain bike hire is available locally). Tél. 05 62 94 00 41.

Cycling

• The Le Gave Voie Verte : enjoy a gentle pedal from village to village, with the Pyrenees in your sights, on this traffic-free cycle route along the old railway line between Lourdes and Luz-Saint Sauveur. The section between Lourdes and Argelès-Gazost (15 km) is nice and flat and ideal for families.
  
  

Wildlife walks and watching

• The Pibeste Regional Nature Reserve : a paradise for anyone interested in the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees. Discovery and interpretation trails, footpaths, bird-of-prey watching hide and more… www.rnr-pibeste-saintpe.com
  
  

Rafting

• From Argelès-Gazost : this descent by raft of the Gave de Pau is suitable for everyone, for some memorable thrills. Also possible by hot dog inflatable, air boat or hydrospeed (white water swimming). Contact : Club Sportif Isaby – Tél. 05 62 92 20 77 - www.isaby.eu

Fairs and festivals

• Equestria, Tarbes : a festival of amazing equestrian shows and spectacles with a Europe-wide reputation. In July.

• Tarbes en Tango : for 9 days, Tarbes becomes the capital of Argentine music, dance and culture. In August.