18 Photos That Show The Pyrenees Is A Hiking Paradise

The Pyrenees mountain range really is a paradise on earth for hiking lovers. From dramatic peaks and lush, green valleys, to ice lakes and gushing waterfalls, discover why the Pyrenees is a natural wonder worth exploring.

Hiking heaven

Regardless of what path you choose to follow, your hiking trip in the Pyrenees will be a succession of beautiful site after beautiful site.

Le Vignemale at the frontier between France and Spain｜

Cirque de Gavarnie

Park

The Cirque de Gavarnie is a glacial bowl and waterfall in the National Park of the Pyrenees, and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Chemin des Cascades in Cauterets

Forest

The Chemin des Cascades in Cauterets is perfect for a family hike. Walk along the spectacular waterfall that will escort you all the way through the forest.

La Coumasse

La Coumasse (also named Estany de la Comassa) is a lake located in Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes, in the French Pyrenees. It is part of the Randonnée du Carlit, a hiking circuit highly praised by tourists, where you get to explore nine lakes.

Pic du Midi d’Ossau

The Pic du Midi d’Ossau is a 2884-meter (9462-foot) high mountain peak and is known for its tooth-like shape.

Discover unique fauna and flora

Take a moment to admire your surroundings, and discover the amazing fauna and flora of the mountains, such as the Gentiana Verna flower.

Pont d'Espagne

The Pont d’Espagne site is an incredible environment where you can find the best wildlife the region has to offer.

Port-Vendres

With 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of coastline, Port-Vendres is an exceptional place to come in the summer, to bathe in its numerous creeks while admiring the mountains in the background.

Tour Madeloc

Standing at an altitude of 650 meters (2100 feet), the Tour Madeloc is located in the Collioure community. Accessible by foot or by bike, it is nowadays used as a satellite relay for television.

Étang Bouillouses

The Étang Bouillouses pond is the starting point for the formidable Randonnée du Carlit hike.

Reach the highest heights

After hiking all day, take a cable car ride and enjoy an astonishing view from some of the highest points of the region.

Château Montségur

Stop by the town of Montségur on your trip to the Occitanie region. A typical old French city, with lots of vestiges from the Middle Ages and notorious for its castle.

Castelnau-Barbarens village

After learning more about the history of this charming village, pick one of the four hiking circuits in the area, which you can explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback.

Sentier de grande randonnée

If you are an experienced hiker, plan a longer trip and hike across the Pyrenees over the course of a few days. Choose the Sentier de randonnée 10 hiking trail, which allows you to go from Hendaye in the Pyrenees Atlantiques to Banyuls-sur-Mer in the Pyrenees Orientales.

Lac Genteau

The Lac Genteau is an ice lake in the Vallée d’Ossau from where you can get a unique view of the famous Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Lac de Bious-Artigues

The Lac de Bious-Artigues is a barrage lake located in the Pyrenees National Park. It is closed between December and April due to frequent avalanches.

Pic d'Arraillous

The Pic d’Arraillous is a magnificent hiking spot you don’t want to miss during your trip.

Feel on top of the world

However high up you reach, be sure to take in the breath-taking views and appreciate the stunning natural beauty.

About the author

Jennifer Migan

Jennifer is a speechwriter and a public speaking coach based in Bordeaux, France. She is also a former professional tennis player. She is the founder of The Speech House which helps people (in English and French) to overcome their fear of public speaking and become better communicators. You can follow her on Instagram @jennifer_migan and on her storytelling platform Unique Stories @uniquestories.co.