43 Properties for sale in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle Aquitaine (formerly Poitou-Charentes, Aquitaine and Limousin), France
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Located within the Pyrénées national park, the Cirque de Gavarnie is one of the most spectacular natural sites in Hautes-Pyrénées. Situated in Basque country, Pyrénées- Atlantiques is the most southerly department of the Aquitaine region, sharing a border with Spain. Meeting the Pyrénées mountains to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east, the department has two very distinctive characters and the varied landscape, while providing some truly spectacular scenery, also offers the best of both worlds to those who enjoy swishing down the slopes and soaking up the sun.
CAPITAL: PAU - Pau features some stunning examples of Belle Époque architecture, and is dominated by the Château de Pau, which was once used by Napoleon as a holiday home and the garden was tended by Marie Antoinette during her summertime stays in the city. The city abounds with green spaces, with Parc Beaumont offering uninterrupted views of the Pyrénées.
Access from UK
By air: Biarritz
By train: Eurostar to Paris, then TGV to Pau
By road: Pau is 1,069km from Calais
Climate
Average annual temperature: (Pau): 8.5ºC/18.4ºC
Average annual rainfall: 1,069.9mm
Average annual sunshine hours: 1,877.2
Highlights
The Pyrénées make a great alternative to the Alps, with snow-capped peaks aplenty and a wealth of runs to suit all abilities, while the popular and fashionable seaside resort of Biarritz has a reputation as the surfing capital of France. The western part of Pyrénées-Atlantiques is home to the French Basque country, and its language, culture and cuisine have a strong Spanish influence. To the south-east of the department lies a paradise for walking fans, the Pyrénées National Park, with a vast network of hiking trails and some of the highest summits of the French Pyrénées.