Midi-Pyrenees Property Services
Midi-Pyrenees
Places to Visit
HAUTES-PYRENEES
Bordering Spain the Hautes-Pyrenees is, as the name suggests, largely mountainous. Around two thirds is occupied by the Pyrenees with peaks such as the Vignemale and Pic Midi de Bigorre over 3,050m. The north of the department consists however of largely flat agricultural land with rolling hills between.
The Hautes-Pyrenees is home to a substantial portion of the Parc National des Pyrenees which stretches for 100km. along the Spanish border. The park includes natural attractions such as the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Pont d’Espagne, and protects a vast number of endangered flora and fauna.
There is an inner and an outer zone and it is possible to buy property in the outer zone. Currently around 40,000 people live in 86 villages in this area.
The mountains are known for hot thermal springs notably at Cauterets, Luz St.Sauveur and Bagneres de Bigorre, and of course famously feature in the Tour de France with legendary passes such as Tourmalet, Aubisque and Soulor.
There are a number of ski resorts such as Bareges-La Mongie,Gavarnie, Luz Ardiden and Hautacam suitable for beginners and intermediates, with a choice of downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
Around half of the department’s inhabitants live in the capital Tarbes in the north of the department. Historically both a military and market town its attractions include the Duvignau fountain decorated with images of wildlife, the Jardin Massey an enclosure for different fauna from around the world and the cathedral’s fascinating cloister with its strange sculptures such as swans killing a bear. Tarbes is also used as a base for pilgrims looking for a miracle cure at nearby Lourdes.
Lourdes itself, one of the world’s greatest spiritual centres, receives over five million visitors a year visiting the town for the waters which are believed to have healing powers.
Legend has it that in 1858 in the Maissabeille caves on the banks of the Gave, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous forever changing the identity and future of the town.
Whether you are a believer or not Lourdes is worth visiting for the awe-inspiring and poignant illuminated processions alone.
| Average Property Prices (€) | |
|---|---|
| Resale House | 163,200 |
| Resale Apartment/m² | 1,750 |
| New Apartment/m² | 3,770 |
| Building Plot | 40,800 |