The French Pyrenees is a stunning area which has become more popular as a short break destination thanks to a number of cheap flights into the airports at Pau and Toulouse. The region itself is dramatic with mountains, lakes and forests that attract wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in outdoor pursuits. Skiing, horse riding, fishing, bird watching and cycling are all available in this area. Walking and more serious hiking are very popular and the GR10 route crosses the region. The unique aspect of the Pyrenees is its close proximity to the coast – you can be in the mountains in the morning and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon.

There are a number of interesting towns in the area to explore including Pau, the roman village of Carcassonne, Toulouse, Montpellier and Lourdes which attracts five million visitors a year. Pau claims to have the first 18-hole golf course built on mainland Europe and also has an international motor racing circuit. Situated on the border between France and Spain, it is easy to take day trips to the north of Spain: Bilbao, Santander, Rioja, Pamplona and San Sebastian, and to the Principality of Andorra.