The Pyrenees: High Summits Edition
Extraordinary adventures in mountain resorts
Before you set off:
Type of route
car
2,560 kilometers
of adventure
7 weeks / 7 stages
of hapiness
Season
All year round
Overview of the Itinerary
From snow-capped peaks to hidden valleys, you’ll discover incredible high-mountain landscapes and have the chance to try out a wide range of outdoor activities.
Skiing, snowshoeing, paragliding, e-biking, kayaking, hiking… there’s something for everyone! No matter the season, you’ll find plenty to do along the way. And that’s not to mention the local cuisine, which is sure to delight you after a great day spent outdoors!
A trip that is sure to surprise you and let you experience the Pyrenees in an authentic and sustainable way.
Top attractions
1
Kayaking in the Bay of Txingudi
Information
The adventure begins on the water, in a protected natural environment. The bay offers an accessible and relaxing experience, surrounded by marshes and birds that set the pace of life in the estuary. It’s the perfect place to observe local wildlife while out on the water.
Photo: © Hendaye Tourism
2
E-bike ride under the Starlight sky (Vall de Boí)
Information
A nighttime tour designed to observe the Milky Way under one of Europe’s clearest skies. It includes stops at lookout points to learn about the constellations and how to navigate by the stars, all while enjoying the crisp, crystal-clear night air of the Pyrenees.
Photo: Sant Quirc de Durro – Òscar Rodbag – Arxiu @valldeboi.jpg
3
Pic du Midi — The Complete Experience
Information
Cable car ride to 2,877 m above deep valleys. Includes a panoramic lunch with views of the Vignemale, the Aneto, and Ordesa. In the afternoon, an astronomy session featuring solar observation, a history of the observatory, and a stars-and-nebulae workshop at dusk from the terrace.
4
Niu de l’Àliga Refuge & Stargazing
Information
A complete vacation at an altitude of 2,537 m
The experience includes a guided ski trip to the summit , watching the sunset over three valleys, and a mountain-style dinner , and an stargazing session with Salvador from Cuiol Nature.
You’ll learn to identify the constellations and the Milky Way under one of the clearest skies in the Pyrenees.
5
Guided tour of the Château de Montségur
Information
A historic landmark in the Ariège. Hike up the “pog” to explore the ruins and relive the final siege of 1244. The steep climb is rewarded with a rich sense of history and unparalleled panoramic views.
Step-by-step descriptions
Freedom first: this route can be tailored to your wishes, with the option of selecting specific stages.
Week 1 – Hendaye → Formigal
This week-long road trip takes you from Hendaye to Formigal. Highlights include exploring the Zugarramurdi Caves—a true immersion in the history and mythology of Navarre—a unique evening in Pamplona to discover the region’s culinary heritage, and a moonlit stroll through the Iraty Forest.
Points of interest
Kayaking in the Bay of Txingudi
Information
The adventure begins on the water, in a protected natural environment. The bay offers an accessible and relaxing experience, surrounded by marshes and birds that set the pace of life in the estuary. It’s the perfect place to observe local wildlife while out on the water.
Photo: © Hendaye Tourism
E-bike ride through the Pyrenean forests – Irati – Abaurregaina
Information
“After breakfast, it’s time to explore the Pyrenean landscapes by e-bike. It’s a sustainable and active way to venture into the heart of the valley, through beech and pine forests, picturesque villages, and clear-water rivers.”
Week 2 – Artouste → Pic du Midi de Bigorre
A second week full of discoveries that takes you from Formigal to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. From spending the night in an igloo to soaking in thermal baths and snowshoeing in the Cirque de Gavarnie, you’ll explore legendary spots in the Pyrenees and iconic resorts.
Points of interest
Pic du Midi — The Complete Experience
Information
The adventure begins on the water, in a protected natural environment. The bay offers an accessible and relaxing experience, surrounded by marshes and birds that set the pace of life in the estuary. It’s the perfect place to observe local wildlife while out on the water.
Photo: © Dominique Viet
Week 3 – Val Louron → Peyragudes
A week combining nature and culture, featuring an exploration of the Romanesque art of the Vall de Boí—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—skiing in Luchon-Superbagnères, and a magical night at the Oule mountain hut, right in the heart of the Néouvielle massif.
Points of interest
Night e-bike ride under the Starlight sky (Vall de Boí)
Information
A nighttime tour designed to observe the Milky Way under one of Europe’s clearest skies. It includes stops at lookout points to learn about the constellations and how to navigate by the stars, all while enjoying the crisp, crystal-clear night air of the Pyrenees.
Photo: © Òscar Rodbag
The Romanesque Art of Vall de Boí
Information
A Cultural Immersion in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the itinerary: Sant Climent de Taüll (a European icon), Santa Maria (a stately tower), Sant Joan de Boí (unique medieval paintings), and Erill la Vall. Roger provides historical context and insight into medieval iconography and symbolism.
Photo: © Rafel Lopez Monné
Week 4 – Bourg d’Oueil → Port-Ainé
A week filled with adventure, featuring skiing in Baqueira Beret, a dog-sledding session in the snow-covered forests of Mourtis, and a snowshoeing outing focused on identifying tracks and signs of winter wildlife in the silent forests of Guzet.
Points of interest
The Eco-museum of Esterri d’Àneu
Information
An Immersion in the Traditional Way of Life in Pallars Sobirà
A tour of the trail featuring restored traditional houses built of stone and wood , and displays authentic tools used by shepherds and artisans.
This experiment sheds light on the human and cultural context associated with the transformation of these valleys.
Photo: © Julià Rocha
Week 5 – Port del Comte → Ax-les-Thermes
This week promises a real change of scenery, with plenty of activities to choose from between Port del Compte and Ax-les-Thermes. In particular, you can go glamping in the high mountains, enjoy the hot springs of Ax-les-Thermes at the Bains du Couloubret, and go fat biking on snow.
Points of interest
Caving at the Grotte de l’Ermite
Information
2- to 3-hour guided tour of Ussat-les-Bains
A sensory experience in absolute silence, exploring the stalactites and stalagmites by the light of a headlamp .
This adventure, which is both educational and safe, is led by the experts at Ariège Évasion.
Photo: © Stéphane Meurisse
Week 6 – Plateau de Beille → Les Angles
Between the Bielle Plateau and Les Angles, you’ll set out to explore the many treasures of the Ariège, then gradually make your way into the Pyrénées-Orientales and their Mediterranean flair, between Capcir and Cerdagne. A tour of the Niaux and Lombrives caves, glamping under the stars, and overnight camping in the snow in winter or under the stars in summer are all on the agenda for this sixth week.
Points of interest
Guided tour of the Château de Montségur
Information
The Historical Heyday of Ariège
Hike up to the “pog” to explore the ruins and relive the final siege of 1244 .
A steep climb, but one that is more than worth it given the rich history of the area and the unparalleled panoramic views.
Photo: © Oscar Rodbag
Week 7 – Font-Romeu → Collioure
Between Font-Romeu and Perpignan, you can visit the Mont-Louis Citadel—a Vauban-style fortification listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stay in a spectacular modernist palace, and go kayaking in the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Reserve. A unique mix of activities for this final leg of the journey, which takes you from the high peaks of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea.
Points of interest
Niu de l’Àliga Refuge & Stargazing
Information
A complete getaway at an altitude of 2,537 m
The experience includes a guided ski trip to the summit , watching the sunset over three valleys, and a mountain-style dinner , and an stargazing session with Salvador from Cuiol Nature.
You’ll learn to identify the constellations and the Milky Way under one of the clearest skies in the Pyrenees.
Kayaking in the Marine Reserve
Information
One last trip in a sea kayaking to explore the cliffs of the Côte Vermeille and the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve , in the Mediterranean.
Photo: © ADT66
A course tailored to each season
The itinerary can be easily adapted between May and November by replacing skiing and snowshoeing with hiking trails and adjusting some of the optional activities on offer. Through this itinerary, we aim to highlight the Pyrenees in all four seasons, which offer completely different experiences depending on the time of year.
Travel better, all year round
Travelling better means choosing tourism that is more respectful of the land and the people who bring it to life. Through these routes, the project invites you to slow down, to immerse yourself in the landscapes, to meet the locals and to value traditional know-how, while adopting responsible and sustainable practices.
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