The National Park
of the Pyrenees

Endemic species

This little gem is full of biodiversity. Whether natural, landscaped or witness to local culture, it is emblematic of our region.  

The Pyrenees National Park is full of remarkable species.

The regulations as well as the preservation actions put in place ensure their protection. For some of them, the Pyrenees have also become the territory welcoming the majority of their population on a French scale.

An emblematic fauna

From the best known to the most discreet, the Park is a real refuge for these species. Here is a non-exhaustive overview of these animals that you could meet at the bend of a path.

A protected space

The territory is divided into two distinct parts: the membership area and the core area in which a strict regulations. In order to know the spaces where the regulations apply, we advise you to consult the carte of the National Park.  

• bivouac : here, we make the distinction between the bivouac and the campsite. Thus the bivouac is authorized between 19 p.m. and 9 a.m. from the moment you are more than an hour's walk from a road access.  
• Feu : In order to preserve the soil and prevent fires, fires with fireplaces are strictly prohibited. 
• Pets : dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets must be left at home, pets have no place in the heart zone. There are three exceptions in which dogs are tolerated on a leash (Hôtellerie du Cirque, Lac de Gaube by the chairlift, Refuge du Clot).  
• Picking : even if it is tempting to leave with a nice bouquet or good mushrooms, you will have to enjoy them with your eyes: no picking either! 
• Motorized/non-motorized vehicles : as we know, the landscapes of our valleys are breathtaking... but you will have to take advantage of them from the mainland, in fact drones and overflights of motorized/non-motorized vehicles are subject to authorizations. It will also be necessary to leave bicycles and motorized vehicles outside the heart zone and engage on foot on the paths.  

 Hiking in the National Park

Places of exchange 

In the Pyrenees National Park, the exchange and sharing of information is at the heart of the experience. Two essential elements play a central role: the Park Houses, real places of knowledge and awareness, and the Monitor Guards, who watch over the preservation of this natural treasure while sharing it with visitors.

The Houses of the Pyrenees National Park

Spread across the entire territory, the Park Houses will give you access to all the information to better understand this extraordinary heritage and understand in a fun way the workings of these unique ecosystems.  

• House of the Pyrenees National Park and the valley - Arrens-Marsous 
• House of the Pyrenees National Park - Cauterets 
• House of the Pyrenees National Park - Gavarnie 
• House of the Pyrenees National Park and the valley - Luz Saint-Sauveur 
• Pyrenees National Park Information Point - Plan d'Aste 

Monitor guards mobilized

Meetings with the park wardens are scheduled throughout the year, they are excellent sources of information and give rise to passionate exchanges. Flavien offers us his testimony on his work as a guard monitor in the Luz-Gavarnie valley.