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The Pyrenees mountain range forms a natural border between France and Spain and also contains the principality of Andorra.It is known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor pursuits, and culture.
The Pyrenees are a popular hiking destination, with many well-marked trails that offer challenging treks and breathtaking views. Cycling, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, and other outdoor activities are also very well catered for.
The Pyrenees is home to many small, traditional mountain villages and towns, where you can experience the local culture, traditional foods and local wines.
Some of the famous attractions on the French side include towns such as Lourdes, Pau and natural features such as the Gavarnie falls, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Like all mountain ranges the Pyrenees can have extreme weather conditions and it’s important to be prepared for all options.
The mountains generally are not high enough to induce altitude sickness but the thin air at higher levels will certainly make hiking more of a challenge.
To enter France, a valid passport is required for most nationalities. Visa requirements vary depending on the country of origin and the length of stay. It is recommended to check with the French Government on the following link:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/visiting-france/
Airports
The airports closest to us are:
Pau pyrenees PUF (15km/20 mins) Air France, Transavia
Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees LDE
(40km/40 mins)
EasyJet, Ryanair
Biarritz Pays Basque BTZ
(120km/1hr 20 mins),
Ryanair, EasyJet, Air France,
Toulouse Blagnac TLS
(200km/2hrs)
BA, EasyJet, Ryanair, Air France, KLM etc
Bordeaux Merignac
(220km/2hrs 15mins)
BA, EasyJet, Ryanair etc
Ferries
We have timed our breaks to coincide with the Ferry Services arriving at Bilbao or Santander as these services are the most restrictive.
There are no specific health requirements for visiting France, but it is a good idea to be up to date on routine vaccinations and to take precautions to stay healthy during your trip.
Since 14 March 2022, the “vaccine pass” has been lifted in France in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). Similarly, the COVID certificate is no longer required as of 1 August 2022.
It is recommended that you chack the following link as well as any requirements from your home country before visiting France:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coming-to-france-your-covid-19-questions-
We recommended that you check your health insurance coverage before travelling, as it may not cover medical expenses incurred while abroad. You may also want to consider purchasing additional travel insurance.
Like all mountain ranges the Pyrenees can have extreme weather conditions and it’s important to be prepared for all options.
At lower elevations, the Pyrenees have a Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild winters and hot summers. The coastal regions can be quite warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in the summer. The higher elevations tend to be cooler and wetter, with temperatures dropping significantly as elevation increases
Some of the mountains are over 11, 100 ft (3,400 meters) above sea level and have a subarctic climate with cold temperatures all year round, heavy snowfall in winter and strong winds, which can make it quite challenging to access these areas during the winter months. Famous Cols such as Col D’Aubisque are sometimes closed from late October to June or even July.
It’s also important to note that the weather in the Pyrenees can change quickly and unexpectedly, so it’s important to be prepared for both hot and cold temperatures, as well as rain and snow. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and use the layer system so that you can easily adjust to the changing conditions.
Despite the possibility of very changeable weather conditions, even the higher levels of the mountains are generally very accessible from May to October, with lower levels accessible all year round. During French School holidays, particularly the main two week holiday that covers the end of July and Start of August, the mountains will be very busy.
Feel free to ask anything and we may include it in the forthcoming list, as well as replying directly to you.