The Pyrenees National Park and the Neouvielle Nature Reserve offers some of the finest hiking and wild swimming around. Including the UNESCO World heritage site of the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cirque de Troumouse, and the wild and unspoilt granitic massif of the Neouvielle Nature Reserve – known as the Lake District of the Pyrenees. This trip is based from the mountain town of Luz Saint Saveur, situated in the Pays Toy region of the Hautes Pyrenees and known for its high number of fabulous little local restaurants and friendly vibe. This area has a particularly interesting history and culture, with its own unique “patois” language, local traditions and hearty cuisine. Surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic 3000m+ peaks of the Pyrenees, the valleys have lush pasture, stone barns and picturesque perched villages. This trip combines visits to the most dramatic high peaks and passes, with the chance to see the valleys, villages and farmers’ trails.