In the heart of the Pyrenees, you’ll find an area where traditions and know-how offer an incomparable cultural and natural wealth. As you explore, you’ll discover age-old trades, landscapes shaped by human hands and authentic flavours that will awaken your senses.
Saint-Béat-Lez, nicknamed “the city of marble”, is famous for its quarries that produced the prestigious Saint-Béat marble, used in iconic monuments such as the Château de Versailles. This marble, recognisable by its immaculate whiteness, has survived the centuries, contributing to the renown of our region far beyond its borders. Every year, the Marble and Arts Festival celebrates this heritage by bringing together artists and sculptors in a symphony of contemporary creations.
Since the very beginnings of organised tourism, our region has put the spotlight on mountain guiding, with guides on horseback helping you to discover our landscapes in an authentic and environmentally-friendly way. Did you know that it was here, in 1902, that France’s first tourist office was set up? It was a visionary initiative that laid the foundations for modern tourism, promoting the natural beauty of our region and the skills of our local guides.
The history of hydroelectric power in our region began in 1902 with the commissioning of the first power station. Today, six hydroelectric power stations harness the power of the torrents of the Pyrenees, providing renewable, environmentally-friendly energy. This energy know-how is testament to the ingenuity and ability of the local people to harness natural resources for sustainable development.
Transhumance, the seasonal movement of flocks to the mountain pastures, is a fascinating spectacle that forms an integral part of our intangible cultural heritage, recognised by UNESCO. The Oueil valley, with its pastoral vocation, is the scene of this ancestral ritual. The shepherds, the true guardians of these traditions, perpetuate a thousand-year-old know-how that shapes our landscapes and maintains the biodiversity of our mountains.
Local cuisine is a journey in itself. During your stay, savour two of our region’s major specialities: pétéram, a tasty stew that warms the heart, and pistachio, a key ingredient in some of the region’s most emblematic recipes. These dishes, made with passion, reflect the history and culinary traditions of our region. Honey-based products from local beekeepers, available at the Cité des Abeilles, add a sweet touch to this gastronomic discovery, revealing the expertise of our region’s beekeepers.
As you stroll through our villages, savour our specialities and discover our landscapes, you’ll feel the soul of our region. The Haut-Garonne Pyrenees is not just a destination, it’s an immersive experience where every skill tells a story, the story of a people proud of their roots and looking to the future.
