The character of a country is measured at the deepest point of its roots. In Vallées des Gaves, pastoral farming has since time immemorial nurtured a way of life in close harmony with nature. This gave rise to a strong identity, reinforced by a cross-border solidarity born of commercial exchanges and historic events shared with Spain.

The warmth of the welcome, the flavour of an authentic and gastronomic cuisine, the great friendliness of the traditional markets and the creativity of craftsmen: everything tempts you to savour just how alive and infinitely human our mountains are.

Sweet or savoury fare to please all tastes

On the menu in this section, first of all the mutton of "Barèges Gavarnie" and its registered designation of origin: try some mutton cutlets and you will have all the flavours of the mountains in your mouth! Let’s change valley and alight in the Val d’Azun. Here, in this small local area also known as the "Eden of the Pyrenees", you will be spoiled by the producers of farmhouse cheeses: ewe, cow or mixed, fruited or strong-flavoured varieties to delight your taste buds.

You will be surrounded by temptations to commit new acts of greediness: unctuous honeys, jams of small wild fruits, boiled sweets from Cauterets and their thousand-and-one flavours, soft gingerbreads, without forgetting the multitude of traditional cakes and other succulent treats! Will you have a little croustade aux pommes or pastis cake? Or perhaps you prefer a piece of spit-roasted cake, cooked in front of the fire in successive layers. A real culinary curiosity!

Finally, how can we not recommend black Bigorre pork for a tasting experience which is 100% pure pleasure, the mountain trout with its very delicate flesh or the delicious and invigorating garbure, a country vegetable soup with whole Tarbes beans and confit of duck?

Delicacies wherever you go! Source them from local markets or directly from local producers.
This could well be one of the recipes for happiness.

Unmissable eateries

As ambassadors for their localities and venues for cultural events, in Vallées des Gaves the Bistrots de Pays (regional bistros) have everything they need to fully perform their roles.

When exploring our villages, you will certainly, at one point or another, happen across one of them. Stop and take the time to go in. Push the door open, especially if lunchtime is near! You can tuck into a number of local specialities or just a regionally-flavoured snack.

You will also satisfy your appetite for discoveries: brochures, maps, information, advice... your host will be your best guide! Perhaps he will tell you about some good mushrooming sites! Also ask him for the programme of upcoming special events happening in his bistro: a film on pastoral farming? A valleys storyteller? Jazzy musicians.

One thing is sure. Whatever happens you will spend an excellent evening on the terrace... or near to a warm fireplace.

In search of creators

In our mountains, the winters are long. That is why the local people, guided by the love of a job well done, have always made the most of them to produce various routine or decorative objects.

Our artists and artisans today inherit this state of mind to which they have added their own touch of creativity. They welcome you warmly into their workshops and share their passion with you.

culptures, blown glass creations, artistic pottery, jewellery, woollen garments, paintings, wooden toys... This is merely a short list but it will undoubtedly give you some present ideas!

And it could be that the wealth of our heritage also proves a source of inspiration for you. So allow your artistic side to express itself! Photos, drawings, poems, travel books... take some souvenirs of your holiday home with you.