Summertime in the Haute-Pyrénées

Summertime in the Haute-Pyrénées is a breathtaking season, offering a mix of warm weather, stunning landscapes, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or someone looking for a relaxing escape, this region has something for everyone. Here’s what to see and do during the summer months!

Weather & Climate

• June to August sees warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C during the day, with cooler nights, especially in the mountains.

• The air is fresh and the higher altitudes provide relief from the summer heat found in lower regions of France.

Top 5 Things to Do

1. Hiking & Nature Exploration

• Cirque de Gavarnie, a breathtaking UNESCO-listed natural amphitheater in the Haute-Pyrénées, is a must-visit for holidaymakers, offering towering cliffs, lush meadows, and France’s highest waterfall, all accessible via a scenic and family-friendly hike.

• Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a must-visit for holidaymakers looking for breathtaking panoramic views, a touch of adventure, and a unique astronomical experience. Reachable by cable car from La Mongie, this iconic Pyrenean peak offers unparalleled 360° vistas over the mountains and even as far as the plains of France and Spain on a clear day.

• Pont d’Espagne near Cauterets is a dream destination for holidaymakers looking to experience the wild beauty of the Pyrenees without venturing too far from civilisation. This breathtaking alpine site is famous for its cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails, making it perfect for families, casual walkers, and nature lovers.

• Lac de Gaube is a picture-perfect mountain lake in the Haute-Pyrénées, ideal for holidaymakers looking to enjoy breathtaking scenery and a peaceful escape into nature. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, the lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the rugged landscape. Easily accessible from Pont d’Espagne, visitors can either take a scenic hike along a well-marked trail or opt for a chairlift for a more relaxed journey.

2. Cycling & Tour de France

The Tour de France often passes through the Haute-Pyrénées, with famous climbs like:

• The Col du Tourmaletat at a height of 2,115 meters is a famous mountain pass in the Pyrenees, attracting cyclists, hikers and nature lovers looking to experience breathtaking scenery and its legendary status.

• The Col d’Aspin and Col de Peyresourde are among the most stunning mountain passes in the Haute-Pyrénées, offering visitors a mix of spectacular scenery, legendary cycling routes, and serene natural beauty.

3. Thermal Spas & Relaxation

• Known for its thermal spa culture, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is a great spot for holidaymakers looking to unwind and enjoy nature. The Aquensis Spa offers thermal pools, saunas, and mountain views, while the weekly market is a must-visit for local food lovers.

• Cauterets is a lively mountain town famous for its thermal baths, Belle Époque architecture, and easy access to stunning nature spots. Holidaymakers can visit the Pont d’Espagne, hike to the Lac de Gaube, or enjoy ski-style après-hike cafés in the town center.

4. Outdoor Adventures

• For an unforgettable aerial adventure, holidaymakers can experience paragliding over the stunning landscapes of the Vallée d’Aure or Luz-Saint-Sauveur, soaring high above the Pyrenees with breathtaking panoramic views. In the Vallée d’Aure, gentle thermals and wide-open valleys make for a smooth and scenic flight, offering incredible views over Saint-Lary-Soulan and the surrounding peaks.

• For holidaymakers looking for thrill and adventure, rafting and canyoning on the Gave de Pau River offer an exhilarating way to experience the wild beauty of the Pyrenees. The river’s crystal-clear waters, fast rapids, and scenic gorges create the perfect setting for white-water rafting, with routes suitable for both beginners and adrenaline-seekers.

• For holidaymakers seeking adventure and breathtaking mountain scenery, the Gavarnie and Troumouse areas offer some of the most spectacular rock climbing experiences in the Pyrenees.

5. Local Culture & Villages

Saint-Lary-Soulan is the perfect holiday destination for those looking to combine mountain adventure, relaxation, and local charm. This picturesque village in the Haute-Pyrénées offers stunning scenery, fresh mountain air, and a lively summer atmosphere. With easy access to the Parc National des Pyrénées and the Réserve Naturelle du Néouvielle, visitors can explore glacial lakes, forested trails, and breathtaking mountain views, whether on a gentle walk or a more challenging hike. The area is also a hotspot for cycling, with legendary Tour de France routes like the Col d’Azetand Col de Peyresourde attracting riders from all over. For those looking to unwind, Saint-Lary has a traditional spa culture, with thermal baths perfect for a post-hike soak. The village itself is full of Pyrenean charm, with cozy restaurants, outdoor cafés, and local markets showcasing regional specialties like Tomme cheese, black pork, and Gâteau à la broche. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains at a slower pace, Saint-Lary-Soulan is an ideal summer retreat.

Lourdes is a great destination for holidaymakers looking to experience the beauty, history, and culture of the Haute-Pyrénées. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, the town offers a mix of charming streets, lively cafés, and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the Château Fort, a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views, or take the funicular up to Pic du Jer, where hiking trails lead to incredible mountain scenery. The nearby Pyrenees National Park offers countless outdoor activities, from gentle nature walks to more challenging hikes, while the Gave de Pau River is perfect for rafting or fishing. The town also has a vibrant food scene, with local markets and restaurants serving Pyrenean specialties like Tomme des Pyrénées cheese, Garbure soup, and Black Bigorre pork. Whether you want to soak up the history, enjoy outdoor adventures, or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Lourdes makes a fantastic base for a holiday in the Pyrenees.

Food & Specialties

A trip to the Haute-Pyrénées isn’t complete without experiencing its delicious local cuisine, rooted in mountain traditions and made with fresh, regional ingredients. Holidaymakers can enjoy hearty, rustic dishes, perfect for refuelling after a day of hiking, cycling or exploring the breathtaking landscapes.

Must try Haute-Pyrénées dishes

• Garbure is a slow-cooked traditional Pyrenean soup made with cabbage, vegetables, ham, and duck confit.

• Tomme des Pyrénées is a smooth, mild mountain cheese often enjoyed with black cherry jam or fresh bread.

• Gâteau à la Broche is a unique, cone-shaped cake cooked over an open flame, with a slightly caramelised, crispy outside with a soft interior.

• Madiran Wine is a traditional bold red wine from the foothills of the Pyrenees, perfect for pairing with the region’s rich dishes.

• Mountain Honey is locally produced honey, known for its floral flavours which appear in many desserts and served with cheeses.

Festivals & Events

The Haute-Pyrénées comes alive in the summer with festivals and events which showcase its rich culture, music, gastronomy and outdoor spirit. Whether you’re looking for traditional celebrations, lively music festivals, or sporting events, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

Fête des Fleurs in Bagnères-de-Bigorre is a flower festival which takes place each year in August where colorful floats, live music and street performances, transform the town into a floral paradise.

Festival de Gavarnie each year in July is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cirque de Gavarnie and features performances inspired by French literature, history and mythology.

The Transhumance Festival showcases a Pyrenean tradition where shepherds lead their sheep and cattle to the high mountain pastures.