DISCOVER THE PYRÉNÉES-ATLANTIQUES

"Taking advantage of both ocean and mountain, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offer something for everyone ! "

Biarritz is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département which takes its name from the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Pyrénées to the south. A region of outstanding natural beauty throughout its 7,645 km², it contains the three traditional provinces of the northern Basque Country: Labourd, Soule and Basse-Navarre.

Taking advantage of both ocean and mountain, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offer something for everyone. From snow-capped peaks, gorges, caves and waterfalls to coastal resorts to Basque villages and vineyards, this region is a paradise for skiers, fishermen, golfers, hikers, nature lovers, surfers and students of both the French and Basque languages!

With such a wealth of places to visit so close to Biarritz, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is an exciting and enriching destination to learn French in France.

Pau

Pau is the capital of the Béarn region and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. It is an elegant city with Belle Epoque buildings, well-preserved parks and a lively student population. The centre of the town is perched on top of a hill with the river Pau at its base. Here you'll find the boulevard des Pyrénées with its superb views of the snow-capped peaks of Vignemale and the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

A favourite gathering place for the English gentry throughout the 19th century, Pau continues to attract foreigners who favour it as a starting point for the Parc National des Pyrénées and its spectacular scenery.

The Pyrénées

The Pyrenees offer students studying French in the Biarritz and Bordeaux region the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities unique to the environment. The natural border between France and Spain, the Pyrénées mountain range stretches for 430 kilometres. You can go around the mountains at either end - from Bilbao and San Sebastien to Hendaye and Biarritz on the west, and from Barcelona to Perpignan on the east - and there are also passes, cols in the French language, to cross over the top of this spectacular range of ancient stone.

A true European jewel, the Pyrénées are one of the best kept secrets of France. In winter they offer untouched slopes, priceless views, relaxation opportunities, charming hospitality and uncrowded powdery rides. There are three ski resorts (Artouste, Gourette and La Pierre Saint Martin) within close distance and more than 50 ski lifts catering to all levels of skiers.

When the snow melts however, the Pyrénées come to life! There are plenty of sporting activities in the Pyrénéan Valleys such as fishing, rafting, canyoning, horse riding and hiking. To walk in the Pyrénées is magical, full of magnificent landscapes and crystal clear mountain lakes. If you enjoy cycling, the high mountain passes in summer, such as at the col d'Aubisque in the Ossau Valley, provide superb panoramic views. They also feature in the gruelling mountain stages of the tour de France. The Pyrénées also provide thrill-seekers with a range of extreme sports from white-water rafting to paragliding.

Pyrenees Natinal Park
The Pyrenees National Park is composed of two zones, the almost completely uninhabited Central area, which offers spectacular landscapes, and the Peripheral area, which borders the Central area, and contains 86 villages, with 40,000 inhabitants.

Plant life in the Pyrenees is rich and diverse, and you will see distinct differences in the flora as the altitude changes. At Montane level (between 900m-1800m above sea level) it is cool, but humid. On the Northern slopes there is an abundance of beech and fir trees, with the Southern slopes covered with Scots Pines. Flowers dot the landscape and radish-leaved bittercress and Pyrenean Valerian are commonly found. At the sub-alpine level (2400m-2900m above sea level), vegetation is sparser, with the dwarf willow the only tree able to survive in this tough environment by hugging the surfaces of rocks. Ground level vegetation found here includes Moss Campion, Pyrenean Poppies and Irati Saxifrage. Over 2900m above sea level, also referred to as the Nival level, you will find only lichens and algae. In the valleys of the Pyrenees you will find rich juniper trees.

Among the varied fauna of the Parc National des Pyrénées, you'll find species of lynx, wild bear and Royal Eagles making this one of Europe’s most exotic wildlife locations. Beyond the National Park, in the western and lower Basque Pyrénées, there are less wild animals, with the region characterised by the pottocks which are Basque small horses, roe deer and hares. The predominant wild species found here is the griffon vulture.

Forêt d'Iraty

A natural reserve since 1986, the beautiful and mythical forest of Iraty covers over 20,000 hectares, approximately 2,500 hectares in France and the remaining 17,500 in Spain. This is an environment preserved and perfectly intact, due to the previous inaccessibility of the region. As the remarkable flora and fauna have suffered little change, they provide a true look into the environmental history of the Basque lands. The fauna of the forest is incredibly rich, with lots of different fish, deer, foxes and wild boars.

In the heart of the biggest deciduous forest in Western Europe, mainly made up of beech trees, the forest is a spectacular area and in winter provides 44km of picturesque cross-country skiing pistes between 1200 and1500m altitude. Or if you’d prefer to do it an easier way, try horse-trekking instead!

Winter sports in the French Pyrenees

French students will welcome a break from their studies to indulge in some winter sports in the Pyrenees resort towns of La Pierre Saint Martin and Gourette, which are conveniently situated around three hours from the city of Bordeaux or under 2 hours from Biarritz. With each town boasting over 20 ski-slopes and cross country ski routes, you will be amazed at the spectacular landscapes at over 2 450m above sea level. The villages of Iraty, Issabe and Le Somport, located in the peripheral area of the Pyrenees National Park also offer you wonderful winter experiences with many hiking routes and dog-drawn sled routes through forest.

White water rafting in the French Pyrenees

Situated a 60 minute drive from the Biarritz airport, white water rafting in the French Pyrenees is a must for any fan of extreme sports! Cement the friendships you make at BLS French Schools with a team white water rafting trip in the French Pyrenees. With a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, it makes for an excellent weekend break, or longer holiday.

Your white water rafting experience will begin with comprehensive training session on how to handle the boat on the river with qualified instructors, and then the action begins! Your instructor will guide your group through white water rapids, and during the quieter stretches will become a nature guide, helping you to spot the different animal and plant life as you drift through landscapes both beautiful and surreal, from canyons stretch above you 300m, to deep blue-green pools and ancient villages.

SAMPLING THE SOUTHERN BASQUE COUNTRY
Just across the border from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques lie the Southern Basque provinces. The delights of the Spanish cities of San Sebastian, Pamplona and Bilbao are on your doorstep and so easy to sample in a day-trip!

San Sebastian is the Southern Basque Country's equivalent to Biarritz - a wonderfully stylish town, culinary haven and one of the finest town beaches in Europe. Bilbao is worth a trip thanks to the Guggenheim museum and Pamplona is quite simply, Pamplona!