WESTERN EUROPE - Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World - page 57

Green pyreneeS

The Alps may be the mountain capital of Europe but the Pyrenees are no less dramatic
and have something for everyone. Spanning 435km across the southwest of France,
northern Spain and Andorra, the landscape varies from herb-scented Mediterranean
slopes to dense broadleaf forests, deep river canyons, cool mountain lakes and snow-
tipped peaks. What the Pyrenees lack in altitude, they make up for in inexpensive food
and wine, hiking trails for all abilities and some of the best river sports in Europe. Here
are a few suggestions for a different Pyrenean holiday.

078 walk in the parc national des
pyrenees
There are two famous long-distance walks
across the Pyrenees: the GR10 (France: from the
Atlantic to the Mediterranean) and the GR11
(Spain: from Roncesvalles to Andorra). But if
you prefer to stay in one region, an excellent
place to go is the Parc National des Pyrenees,
where you can explore several stunning valleys:
Aspe, Ossau, Azun, Aure, Cauterets or Luz.
Throughout the park are “panda gîtes” - places
to stay near walking routes, which have been
awarded an eco label by the World Wide Fund

for Nature. All provide binoculars, maps and
guidebooks on the local plants and wildlife. Two
of the best are La Bergerie and La Grange in the
D'Azun Valley, which are smart, stone cottages
each with a fully equipped kitchenette, living
room and double rooms.

Need to know Take the train from Pau to
Lourdes then a local bus into the park. For prices
and booking for panda gîtes see W gites-france-
pyrenees.fr. In each valley there is a National Park
Centre, which gives advice on hiking routes. For
suggested walking itineraries also see W www.parc-
pyrenees.com.

Gaube Lake and
Vignemale Mountain,
Parc National des
Pyrenees