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About

Pyrenees National Park is located in the departments (state or province like) of Hautes-Pyrenees and Pyrenees-Atlantiques. The national park is part of the larger Pyrenees mountain range which extends along the border and into the country of Spain. 

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is the complementary protected area of the Pyrenees in Spain. The plant life is similar in both parks and is made with scots pine, downy oak, silver birch, silver fir, willows, and common ash. Mountain pine takes over as the majority of the forest when elevations exceed 6,561 feet (2,000 m).

The flowering plants that occur in the meadows at elevations between 5,577 and 9,942 feet (1,700 and 3,000 m) include bellflower, Pyrenean violet, long-leafed butterwort, and of course the edelweiss which is used as one of the symbols for the park.

The Pyrenees feature glacial lakes, river ravines, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of flora and fauna to fulfill the nature lover’s passions. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve.

Wildlife of the Pyrenees includes the chamois, boar, red squirrel, brown bear, marmot, badger, red fox, groundhog, and the weasel. The skies feature the Egyptian vulture, the bearded vulture, and the majestic golden eagle. The golden eagle is known to carry off prey larger than itself; it is a magnificent predator.

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Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park
Pyrenees National Park

Things to See

Pyrenees National Park is an escape to pristine nature. It provides visitors with amazing waterfalls, large granite rock faces, incredible mountain range views, and trails that abound.

Visitors can drive through the park taking in much of the surreal landscapes that exist, but nothing is better than taking in fresh air while hiking or trekking the trails.

Ax-les Thermes, Bagneres-de-Luchon, and Eaux-Chaudes are all hot springs found within the park. There are several mineral springs as well.

Pyrenees National Park Trails

There are over 135 trails that meander through, about, and over the Pyrenees.  This is a tremendous national park for those who are hikers and love nature and wilderness.  Because of the altitude and elevation changes, many of the trails are rated as difficult.

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Gaube Lake Trail

This is a moderate rated trail that follows through the heart of the Pyrenees via the Pont d’Espagne.  The trail is 5 miles (8.0 km) out to Lake Gaube, locally known as Lac de Gaube.

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Cascades du Pont d'Espagne Trail

This is another 5-mile (8.0 km) trail that meanders along a river.  The trail gives access to six different waterfalls which include the exquisite Escane-Gat Waterfall, Pouey Bacou Waterfall, and the Ceriset Waterfall.

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Pic d'Anie Trail

This is a challenging 8.7-mile (14 km) with an elevation gain of 3,822 feet (1.165 m).  One of the highlight features of the trail is views of the near-perfect pyramid-shaped summit.

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Cirque de Gavarnie

This is a hard 7.2-mile (11.6 km) trail that travels between massive mountains that will give you mesmerizing views and leave you speechless.

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GR10: The Pyrenean Way Trail

This is an incredibly challenging endeavor that requires strong physically fit individuals to take on the adventure.  The trail is 551.5 miles (887.55 km) of meandering up, down, around, and throughout the Pyrenees.  It is a marked route that will provide you with one of the most inclusive Pyrenees experiences possible.  You can truly say you know the Pyrenees after tackling this astounding but rewarding trek. 

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Brèche de Roland

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8 miles (13 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: This iconic hike leads to the famous gap in the mountains, Brèche de Roland, a natural rock formation.

The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glacial valleys. It’s a challenging route, requiring good physical condition, but the panoramic vistas at the top are unparalleled.

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Lac de Gaube

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 590 feet (180 meters)

Description: This family-friendly hike takes you to the beautiful Lac de Gaube, offering breathtaking views of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees.

The trail is well-maintained, with the option to take a chairlift partway, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

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Pic du Midi d'Ossau Trail

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 7 miles (11 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,950 feet (900 meters)

Description: This strenuous hike is for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.

The iconic Pic du Midi d’Ossau offers dramatic scenery, steep climbs, and requires some scrambling.

The summit provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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Gavarnie Falls

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet (400 meters)

Description: This scenic hike leads to Europe’s highest waterfall, Gavarnie Falls.

The path offers spectacular views of the cirque and the waterfall. It’s suitable for most hikers and is especially rewarding in spring and early summer when the falls are at their fullest.

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Cirque de Troumouse

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6 miles (9.7 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: One of the less crowded alternatives to Gavarnie, the Cirque de Troumouse offers equally stunning mountain landscapes.

This moderately challenging hike provides incredible views of the vast cirque, wildflowers, and potentially wildlife sightings.

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