Walking

The diversity of terrain in the Pyrenees makes it an ideal destination for walkers. There are routes challenging enough for the fitter and more ambitious, as well as easier routes for the less capable. Compared with the often unscaleable and daunting peaks of the Alps, the Pyrenees challenge and invite rather than intimidate, and the wide variety of routes to choose from ensures something for everyone.

The local tourist office sells a collection of inexpensive route cards, outlining the local walks, making it easy to organise your itinerary. From the selection of routes, one can experience the characteristics of the area that help make it so beautiful, including canyons, historic buildings, wildlife, caves, or even the thermal baths for some welcome relaxation. Another option is the 'Little Yellow Train', which stops at the nearby station of Bolquere Pyrenees 2000, the highest railway station in France.

Many walks are accessible from the gite itself, including:

• Pic Carlit (2921m) and Puigmal (2910m) - the fantastic views are well worth the effort of the climb, and achievable for any reasonably fit person
• Capcir and Cerdagne - easy routes through picturesque villages and meadows
• Carança Gorge - exhilarating walk along a sheer-sided gorge and rope bridges
• Lac des Bouillouses - circular routes through the forest surrounding the lake, in the shadow of nearby peaks
• Val d'Eyne Nature Reserve - laid-back walk through a valley abundant with rare wild flowers