4 villages in the French Pyrenees to visit

Bordering the frontier with France, the Val d’Aran offers wonderful places to discover, as well as nearby areas to visit, such as some villages in the French Pyrenees that are a true delight for the senses. In this post, we will talk about unique villages that you must visit during your stay, all just a few hours away. Each one will captivate you in a different way. Let’s get started!

The villages in the French Pyrenees you must see

Cobbled streets, unique valley views and small French corners that will offer you unforgettable experiences. This area of neighbouring France has nothing to envy from more famous destinations such as the Loire Valley or even the French Riviera. Let’s discover the Pyrenean villages!

Espelette: a village full of colour

In an excursion of about three and a half hours, you can reach this unique and original spot in France. This village is known for the production of dried red peppers. You will see them hanging from the balconies of the houses. The architecture of this place is striking and very attractive. The red façades become the main feature of this beautiful village. The best thing to do is to stroll slowly and wander through the streets of the old town without a fixed route. You will enjoy gourmet shops as well as different craft stalls.

Biarritz: for water lovers

Do you like surfing? Do you enjoy catching waves? Then you cannot miss Biarritz. Just three and a half hours from Baqueira, you will find this French town, famous for its water sports culture. To practice your favourite hobby, you can go to Anglet beach, the most famous one. You will see its waters filled with surfboards waiting for the perfect wave. With a beautiful style reminiscent of the Belle Époque, it is a lovely seaside town to walk through after a morning in the water. Don’t miss places such as the Grand Casino, the Alexander Nevsky Church or the Biarritz lighthouse, with breathtaking views.

Ainhoa: one of the most beautiful villages in France

Less than four hours from Baqueira, you can take a trip to one of the most beautiful villages in France. With its white and red houses and carefully kept streets, visiting it will feel like stepping into a film. It has traditional Basque architecture, where the houses are the main attraction of the views. In the past, it was only a shelter for pilgrims who arrived there by chance. Today, after constructions carried out between the 16th and 18th centuries, it is an essential visit in the area. Don’t miss the following places: the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the cemetery, the fronton, and the Alhaxurruta washhouse.

Cauterets: a natural gem

Less than three hours from Baqueira, you will find a true natural gem of the French Pyrenees. It is the perfect place for mountain hiking lovers. There are many trails where you can walk and enjoy the landscapes and views. It is also known for its thermal baths, famous for respiratory and rheumatological treatments. If you want to visit unforgettable places and landscapes, you can follow the Waterfalls Trail. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone, as you will surely want to take plenty of photos.

As you can see, there are unique villages in the Pyrenees that you will love visiting. Stay at Alma de Nieve, a strategic base that offers you many tourist possibilities. Our apartments, located in Baqueira, are the perfect starting point to fall in love with and enjoy this area of Catalonia and its surroundings.