What to see in France

Campsite at the foot of the Pic du Midi

In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, this mythical summit of Bigorre (2,876 m) is visible from very far away. Its observatory is easily accessible by cable car to enjoy unforgettable panoramas.

You can even spend magical nights at the Pic du Midi to contemplate the stars from a very pure sky, characteristic of this area of the Pyrenees. The extensive viewpoint reveals more than 300 km of peaks. Try the vertiginous glass footbridge that juts out into the void. Inside there is a planetarium, fun scientific experiments, and everywhere there are clear and detailed explanations to help you understand and appreciate this extraordinary setting.

From Tourmalet to Cirque de Gavarnie

To get to the Pic du Midi, you have to cross the legendary Col du Tourmalet (2,115 m). Since 1910, it has been regularly climbed by the cyclists of the Tour de France. From Bagnères-de-Bigorre, you walk along the eastern slope through the Campan valley and the ski resort of La Mongie.

On the west side, you pass through Argelès-Gazost, the gorges of Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the resort of Barèges. The magnificent natural site of the cirque of Gavarnie is only 20 km away at the end of the Luz-Saint-Sauveur valley.

Heading for the Pyrenean spas

The Pic du Midi is an important stage of the Thermal Route, which was created at the end of the 19th century at the time of Napoleon III. At that time, it was designed to link the water towns of Bagnères-de-Luchon, Saint-Lary-Soulan, Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Barèges, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Cauterets, Eaux-Bonnes and Argelès-Gazost. An environment appreciated by celebrities and artists that favours the blossoming of large parks, refined villas and prestigious buildings. The occasion for great cultural festivities that continue today.

In the heart of La Bigorre

The Pic du Midi is part of the Bigorre region, which stretches as far as Lourdes, Tarbes, Bagnères-de-Bigorre towards the banks of the Adour and the Gave de Pau rivers. This setting, rich in museums, historical and traditional heritage, is to be discovered in the plains and in the hollow of the valleys. Just next door are the charming hills of Béarn and Comminges. Find the strong flavours of the soil in the plate, around the black pork, the spit cake, the garbure bigourdane, the Tarbais bean.

From the Néouvielle lakes to Mont Perdu

Full south, the Néouvielle nature reserve overlooking the Col du Tourmalet is worth a visit. In the Pyrenees National Park, you reach it via the Aure valley and Saint-Lary-Soulan, to discover 5 pretty lakes around the Orédon chalets.

Passing through the Aragnouet-Bielsa tunnel all year round, you can also travel to neighbouring Spain to discover the treasures of the Ordesa National Park and the Lost Mountain in the province of Huesca.

Campsites near the Pic du Midi

There are five campsites in the close vicinity of the Pic du Midi. Camping La Ribere *** in Barèges. Camping L'Arriou *** in Beaudéan. In Luz -Saint-Sauveur choose Les cascades ***, Toy **, or Saint-Bazerque.

 

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