Bagnères-de-Bigorre and its surroundings, the must-sees not to be missed

Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, this spa town, renowned for its magnificent architecture and annual dynamism, is a popular destination at any time of year. Visit, hike, taste, marvel... Let yourself be surprised by the riches of Bagnères-de-Bigorre and its surroundings; the Toulouse-Pyrénées Guide offers the must-sees not to be missed.

Visit Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Don't go too far, Bagnères-de-Bigorre is worth the detour and even requires a few days if you want to stroll around and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the town. Every Saturday morning, the market enlivens the old town, filling the streets with the delicious smell of spit-roasted cakes while producers present the region's riches. After admiring the villas and mansions of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a relaxing break awaits you at the Aquensis wellness center in the town's thermal hot springs.

Go hiking around Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a weekend walker, you'll be thrilled to lace up your hiking boots from Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, this spa town is ideal for escaping into the heart of nature to reach the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Cauterets Pont d'Espagne, the Cirque de Gavarnie, or the Col de Tourmalet. Don't want to go too far? Take a stroll through the parks of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, including the Jardin des Vignaux, the Vallon de Salut (a must-see), and the Town Hall Park.

Visit the Médous caves in the Hautes-Pyrénées

Located just a few kilometers from the city, the Médous Caves offer a sublime spectacle of concretions, sculpted galleries, stalagmites and stalactites. This tourist site, open from April ¹ to September 30, is an opportunity to dive into the heart of an underground world on an 800-meter course, before sailing by boat on the underground river. Open your eyes wide and let yourself be immersed in the poetic atmosphere that reigns at the Médous Caves.

Distance: Less than 10 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Discover the Gourgue d'Asque

Also known as " the Little Amazon of the Pyrenees," the Gourgue d'Asque in the heart of the Baronnies is a magnificent secret region of the Hautes-Pyrénées. Nature lovers, prepare to be amazed in this magical place which offers you an unusual hike. Easy and accessible to all ages, it runs along the Arros River and plunges you into the heart of the forest, offering beautiful landscapes at any time of the year (it is still recommended to take the path between April and November). Allow 3 hours round trip and why not a picnic?

Distance: 35 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Climb to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre

This iconic peak in the Pyrenees offers breathtaking views, perched at an altitude of 2,877 m. Departing from the La Mongie ski resort, take the cable car to gradually discover the magnificent spectacle of the Pyrenees as they unfold before your eyes, before arriving at a 750 m² terrace. The 360° view is exceptional, as the vastness of the sky blends with the timeless beauty of the mountains. For an even more spectacular view, venture out onto the sky pontoon.

Distance: 30 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Admire the lakes of the Hautes-Pyrénées

Bagnères-de-Bigorre is located in a region rich in incredible nature and flora, including many lakes that you can reach on foot during hikes. Magnificent in the heart of the mountains, they reveal a bright blue water that sparkles between the valleys, sublime landscapes that will amaze you. Here are some lakes to discover around Bagnères-de-Bigorre:

• The Blue Lake
• Lake Oncet
• Lake Payolle
• Lake Campana
• Lake Oule
• Lake Peyrelade

Don't forget your cameras for memorable photos in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Visit the Marble Museum in Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Located in the former Salvation baths, it brings together a beautiful collection of marble cabins and bathtubs as well as 320 types of marble, witnesses to the richness of this material from the region. It is the collector Jacques Dubarry de la Salle who is behind this historic gallery, a passionate man proud to present a superb collection of European marble, some of which comes from Pyrenean quarries.

Visit Lourdes 30 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Renowned for being a major pilgrimage site, perhaps one of the most important in the world, Lourdes is a must-see city in the Pyrenees. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, just 25km from Bagnères-de-Bigorre, it can be visited all year round, with its fortified castle, its Pyrenean museum, accredited as a Musée de France, its fountain trail, and its beautiful 18th ^- century building facades. If you are on a pilgrimage, be sure to pay your respects at the Notre-Dame de Lourdes sanctuaries, the Basilica of Saint Pius X, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Discover the Abbey of Escaladieu

It can be visited 15 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre, rising above a verdant 3-hectare park labeled "Remarkable Park". This small Cistercian gem built in the ^12th century and renovated in 1997 is open to the public who can discover this incredible abbey on a self-guided, guided or audio-guided tour. Escaladieu Abbey is also a place dedicated to art with an annual contemporary art exhibition, a program of varied shows and numerous conferences and workshops organized.

Distance: 15 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Practice an activity in Bagnères-de-Bigorre

It's impossible to get bored in Bagnères-de-Bigorre and the surrounding area, as there are so many activities to choose from, both in winter and summer. Depending on the season and your preferences, you can:

• Go hiking, on foot or by bike
• Gain height on a treetop adventure course
• Introduce you to climbing
• Discover the Via Ferrata
• Paragliding
• Participate in the summer pasture
• Skiing on the slopes
• Discover the mountains by snowshoe
• Snowmobiling
• Go for a dog sled ride…

A multitude of possibilities that attracts vacationers every year.

Come quickly to Bagnères-de-Bigorre and its surroundings to discover the must-sees in the Toulouse-Pyrénées Guide!

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