The Southwest France

Exploring the Pyrenees ~ the towering pyrenees cut across southwest France from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast, encompassing the craggy citadel of Montsegur, the pilgrimage centre of Lourdes, Pau in the hilly Bearn country, and the Basque port of Bayonne. This formidable range, an unspoiled paradise for walkers, fishermen and skiers, is a lush on its French side as it is arid in Spain, and contains the Wild and beautiful Parc National des Pyrenees. Throughout the region, visitors can expect cool temperatures and grandiose scenery. Lovers of art and architecture will be richly rewarded by St-Bertrand-de-Comminges and St-Jean-de-Luz, among the region's important sights.

Getting around ~ Access to the Basque coast in the western Pyrenees is via the A63 from Bordeaux. The length of the Pyrenees, including the mountain valleys, is served by the A64 which runs between Lannemesan, near Tarbes, and Bayonne. Once you are high up, expect narrow, twisting roads and slow driving . The scenic but demanding D918/118 corniche road crosses 18 high passes between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

There are airports at Biarritz, Pau and Lourdes. These three towns, together with Orthez and Tarbes, are on the rail route which loops south between Bordeaux and Toulouse.