Aquitaine is certainly a region spoilt for choice! Not only does it have
the Atlantic Ocean with its mild weather,
fabulous heritage (Lascaux cave, etc.) and
endless gourmet delights (vineyards making
fine wines…), but it is also bordered to the south by a vast range of
mountains: the Pyrenees.
The Pyrenees: one of the jewels of Aquitaine
From the Rhune in the west of the Basque Country, at 900 m the first and
lowest of all the summits, to the Col du Pourtalet south of Pau at the foot of
the Pic d’Ossau (2884 m), the Pyrenees in Aquitaine stretch over more than 110
kilometres.
As the bird flies, that is. Because if you go via the ridges along the
Spanish border, or through the winding valleys of Béarn and the Basque
Country, the distances are obviously much longer!
These valleys are worlds in themselves waiting to be discovered. Heading
east from the ocean, first of all there are the many valleys of the French
Basque Country. Next come the three valleys of Béarn: Barétous, Aspe and
Ossau, at the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park
.
The colours of relaxation
White, green, blue and yellow – the Pyrenees boast all the colours of
relaxation and a whole host of activities to
go with them.
White from November to April at the ski resorts which are constantly
improving their facilities to provide winter sports
with something for everyone.
Green, yellow, ochre or grey, the Pyrenees change shade between spring
and autumn, on the high-altitude plateaux or the stony slopes. With their
protected flora and fauna, they are ideal for walks
and hikes.
Blue in the lakes and rapids much loved by fishermen and
white-water sports enthusiasts. Blue skies too, for fans of
paragliding or hang-gliding…
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