Ready for some incredible adventures with your children? The Pyrenees are the perfect playground for your little explorers. Snow slides, bike rides, animal encounters or tree-hugging… there’s something to turn every moment into an unforgettable memory. Embark on a journey where children are the heroes of your everyday life.
Sliding, rolling and descending! There’s never a dull moment in the Pyrenees.
As soon as winter sets in, it’s time to don gloves and hats and hit the slopes of Bagnères-de-Luchon. There’s something for everyone. Whether your children are snowplough novices or experts, they’ll find pistes to suit them. The snow gardens are a fun way for toddlers to learn. With our two older children, Ilan and Micha, we’re off on the green runs, then the blue ones (and for the brave, maybe a red one?). But the highlight of the day was the family sledge race! One slope, one sledge, and off you go! With lots of laughter and “watch out for the bend!”, the children want to do it again and again. Believe me, you’ll end the day with red cheeks, a light heart and a smile on your face.
When the snow melts, it’s time to hit the mountain trails! Our children love off-road scooters. Standing up on their scooters, they let themselves be carried away by the speed on winding paths (with supervision, of course!). Mountain biking is another great option. You can set off on an adventure along signposted trails, through forests and over small wooden bridges. The resorts of Luchon-Superbagnères and Le Mourtis offer routes to suit all ages and abilities.
For a more gentle experience, we recommend a pony ride at the equestrian centre. That’s what Micha and Ilan and I used to do when they were younger. Seeing the children get close to the horses, talking to them, stroking them… it’s magical! The youngest are proud to ‘lead’ their pony like real little riders. A horse ride in the Pyrenees is also an opportunity to discover nature in a different way, enjoying the calm and serenity of the great outdoors.
Being an adventurer in the Pyrenees always makes for unique memories.
If your children love to climb, run and play at being adventurers, they’ll love the accrobranche at the Pyrénées Hô park. Children put on their harness, attach their lanyard and off they go for adventure. Monkey bridges, zip lines, suspended walkways… Every passage is a victory. When they were little, Ilan and Micha loved having fun on the easy courses. Now they’re taking on tougher challenges. Micha, who is 8 years old, loved “flying” from tree to tree on the zip lines above our heads!
In the mood for a calmer activity? Try the mini-golf course in Luchon. Children love to try the “perfect shot” to make a hole in one. Everyone has their own technique, and even the youngest can play. If your children love animals, head for Aran Park! This wildlife park, nestled in the heart of the countryside, offers the chance to see wolves, deer, bears and lynx in semi-liberty. And the highlight of the show is the birds of prey in flight. Look up and see these great birds soaring. At the Cité des Abeilles, put on your protective gowns and discover the fascinating world of bee foragers. The children look at the glass-fronted hives and watch the bees at work. Everyone’s favourite part? Tasting the honey (of course)!
And when it’s raining (or when you just feel like taking it easy), head for the Le Rex cinema in Luchon. An old-fashioned cinema with comfortable seats and a family programme. The cosy atmosphere appeals to young and old alike.
For a leisurely stroll, head to the Les Jours Heureux nature park. Here, a walk becomes a treasure hunt. Children take on the role of little explorers and try to spot deer, hinds and foxes. Armed with binoculars, they record everything in their logbook. A real educational moment of calm and reconnection with nature.
If you’re still hesitating, here are 5 good reasons to come with your children:
