An introduction to the pastoral and historical aspects of the region. Visit the Luz valley to get your bearings : 10th-century Château Ste-Marie at Esterre, old paths to the small village of Vizos and Saligos, churches of Sère and Esquièze, etc.

Walk from Luz to Barèges (or vice versa) on the GR10 (the long-distance hiking trail that crosses the French Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean), passing through historic villages along the banks of the River Bastan. The view from the cross at St-Justin is sensational, as are the crêpes at the crêperie! Each village has a choice restaurant or café for breaks along the way. For the more energetic, there's an additional loop via the Montagne Fleurie.

The Barrada valley rises behind the largest hydroelectric power station in the Pyrenees. At the head of the valley is the charming Cirque de Lys, a hidden gem off the beaten track. The Croix de Sia is a great alternative to this hike if you're outside the Gavarnie bus season.