Snow-capped mountains, meadows full of alpine flowers and clear, shimmering tarns make the Pyrenees an idyllic place for walking and swimming.
Pyrénées Swim Highlights
Gorges de Kakuetta
One of the most spectacular gorges in the Pyrénées with a vivid blue-green lake and further gorges filled with luminous blue water below.
Lacs d’Ayous
The famous Pic du Midi d’Ossau is the backdrop to these fine mountain tarns. The Refuge d’Ayous is a wonderful place to stay if you long for a sunrise and sunset swim.
Lac d’Estaing
Remote but accessible by car, this is an easy option for those keen to take a dip in a mountain lake.
Les Laquettes
An idyllic series of little swimming lakes at intervals down the mountain side. There are tiny islets, grassy banks and pockets of woodland for shade in the heat of the day.
Lacs de Bastan
The Massif de Néouvielle is the heart of lake country with more swimming tarns than anywhere else in the Pyrenees. These lakes, with a mountain refuge nearby, are two of the best.
Cascade de l’Artigue
Find this deep blue pool in the cleft of the mountain, after a lovely walk up through forest and meadow.
