The Central Pyrenees – Aragon & Gascony

The Pyrenees is a region of remarkable diversity, characterized by micro-climates and historic territories that have maintained distinct identities for centuries.

Our favorite part surrounds our home village in the central section of this range, spanning the Community of Aragón in Spain and the French provinces of Bearn and Gascony.

This landscape offers an extraordinary blend of cultural and natural experiences. Traditional ways of life persist, with shepherds still tending flocks across rugged terrain. Hikers can explore pristine wilderness, often encountering no other travelers beyond occasional local outdoor enthusiasts.

The geography itself tells a compelling story: the French side presents lush, wooded, and steeply dramatic landscapes, while the Spanish side offers more open, arid terrain with expansive clear skies.

Hidden gems abound, from the isolated Chistau Valley to the more arid and eroded Guara Mountains cut by crystal-clear rivers and protected by picturesque historic fortified towns dating to Moorish times, such as Alquézar.

In contrast to Guara are the Ansó and Hecho Valleys near the border with France, and complemented by the French Cirque of Lescun and Aspe Valley.

This is an exceptional area for outdoor enthusiasts blending varied hiking trails with genuine cultural experiences.