8km from Lourdes, Cauterêts (1000m-2450m) is a traditional mountain town with a similar feel to its Alpine cousin Chamonix. Facing the Vignemale, the highest mountain in the area and with a thermal spa, the resort is located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Pont d'Espagne, a short distance from Cauterêts, is a haven for mountain walkers.
Places of Interest: Pyrenees National Park, Pavillon des Abeilles (beekeeping centre), Lutour waterfalls and the Pont d'Espagne, thetown of Lourdes...
The Pyrenees form a natural frontier between France and Spain displaying a wild and wonderful environment, rich and varied plants and wild life. It is a region rich in history and culture. Come and relax in unspoilt settings, drink from the clear waters of rivers and mountain streams and bathe in the torrents and waterfalls... Try mountain biking, climb the peaks... Keep your eyes wide open to the great vistas the Pyrenees National Park has to offer (with great opportunities for keen photographers). Whether you are in Eastern Pyrenees or Pyrenees Atlantiques, you will be amazed by the warm welcome you will get and won't miss a chance to bring back local recipes of a cuisine drenched in olive oil and tasting of sunshine.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate. Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe. France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.