Guide to Hautes-Pyrénées & Houses in Department 65

Few departments in France offer as much character and diversity as Hautes-Pyrénées. Here you will find traditional French shuttered bastide houses, ski/spa resorts and one of the best-known sites of religious pilgrimage, Lourdes. The most spectacular scenery can be found in the mountainous south of Hautes-Pyrénées. Vignemale, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Neouvielle and Arbizon ranges, and the spectacular Parc National des Pyrénées attract hikers, climbers, cyclists (including the Tour de France), and skiers. One of the best-known ski resorts of Hautes Pyrénées is the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. Hautes-Pyrénées (number 65) is in the Occitanie region and shares part of its border with Spain. In contrast to the mountains of the south, the northern portion is largely flat and agricultural. The city of Tarbes is the department's economic and administrative capital.

Tarbes: Pyrenean Heritage by the River

Tarbes, located at the foot of the Pyrénées Mountains and straddling the Adour River, offers a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède and the 19th-century Jardin Massey. The city hosts vibrant festivals and events, boasting a diverse array of culinary offerings. Tarbes is a captivating destination that combines history and culture.

The Spiritual Hub of Lourdes

Lourdes is a spiritual and historic town that attracts millions of visitors each year. It is renowned as a place of pilgrimage and healing, with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and Bernadette de Soubirou at its heart. The sanctuary includes the famous Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1858. In addition to its spiritual significance, Lourdes boasts a rich religious, cultural, and architectural heritage, including the Château Fort de Lourdes and the Basilica of the Rosary.

Unique Traditions

Despite its proximity to Spain, this area is rich in French and regional traditions. The famous béret originates from this part of France, and, just across the border in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in the neighbouring region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, there is even a museum dedicated to this well-known item of headwear.

A Gentle Pace of Life

The pace of life in Hautes-Pyrénées is gentle, and thanks to the fact that there are on average 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, life is generally spent outdoors, making this an ideal place for families and those who appreciate having the time and space to focus on fitness and wellbeing. Even in the higher-altitude towns and villages, summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-20s, and there are distinct seasons, with snow on the mountains in winter, vibrant spring days, and crisp, colourful autumns.

Culinary Delights of Pyrénées

In this part of the Occitanie region, the food is earthy and nourishing, with local favourites including cassoulet, a warming bean stew. Wherever you travel in Hautes-Pyrénées, the restaurants and shops offer a plentiful choice of local cheeses and wines, including those from the vineyards of Madiran and Jurançon near Lourdes.

Accessibility and Connectivity

Hautes-Pyrénées is easily accessible from European airports. There are flights from London and other major cities to Tarbes-Lourdes airport, and the international airport of Toulouse, just across the border in Haute-Garonne, welcomes more than 9 million passengers a year from all over the world. The chic Atlantic coastal resorts of Biarritz and St Jean de Luz are also within easy reach.

Natural Wonders and Adventure

With historic attractions such as the Bridge of Spain, the breathtakingly scenic Troumouse and Gavarnie cirques (both UNESCO heritage sites), in addition to ski and wellness resorts, traditional bastide villages and unspoilt scenery, it is easy to see why Hautes-Pyrénées is such a popular destination for tourists and expats looking for a mix of nature, culture and a laid-back way of life.

Key Information about the Hautes-Pyrénées (65)

Main City/Prefecture: Tarbes
Nearest Airport: Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport and Toulouse
Population: Around 228,000 (as of the latest census)
Area: 4,464 sq. kilometres and 1,723 sq. miles
Landmark: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a significant pilgrimage site and the Pic du Midi (2877m).
Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 5 million, captivated by its religious significance and mountain landscapes.

Find Your Dream Home in Hautes-Pyrénées

From traditional houses and elegant town villas to chalets nestled in the mountains, this region captures the essence of life in the French Pyrenees, authentic, scenic, and full of character.

Property Types in Hautes-Pyrénées

In the Hautes-Pyrénées, there is a diverse selection of properties, including traditional homes with stone or rendered façades and slate roofs, detached houses, modern villas, chic apartments, and historic châteaux, particularly near ski resorts and in key towns like Tarbes and Lourdes.

Most Common Types of Properties

Traditional Houses - These homes (maisons Bigourdanes) often have pale plastered walls in white or beige, contrasting with dark slate roofs.
Detached Houses – Highly sought after for their comfort and space, these homes come in single or double-storey layouts and often include private gardens.
Contemporary Villas – Typically found in urban or tourist areas, these modern residences often feature premium amenities such as swimming pools and expansive terraces.
Mountain Properties – In higher valleys, mountain chalets and stone “bergeries” offer rustic beauty and views, ideal for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Châteaux and Mansions – Historic estates also feature in the local property market, offering a touch of prestige and history amid the mountain scenery.

Average Property Prices in Hautes-Pyrénées (65) in 2025

Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,587 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €2,676 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
Price trends: +16% over the last 12 months, +42% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in Hautes-Pyrénées

Average House Price near Tarbes: €1,463 per sq. metre
Average House Price near Lourdes: €1,352 per sq. metre
Average House Price near Bagneres-sur-Bigorre: €1,613 per sq. metre
Average House Price near Aureilhan: €1,633 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Why Buy a Property in Hautes-Pyrénées?

Unspoiled Mountain Value: The Hautes-Pyrénées is more affordable than the Alps or the Pyrenees-Orientales, offering stone farmhouses, ski chalets, and thermal spas, often under €200,000.
Rental Potential: Lourdes attracts approximately 3 million pilgrims annually, and ski resorts like La Mongie boost property yields to 6–10%, especially for chalets located near ski lifts or thermal baths in Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Excellent Accessibility: Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport (15 min to Lourdes), TGV to Paris (5 hours), and close to Spain make it ideal for second-home owners and cross-border commuters.
Mountain Climate & Stunning Scenery: Crisp winters (Nov–Mar) and mild summers (20–25°C), with dramatic Pyrenean peaks, thermal springs, and protected parks, making it perfect for hiking, skiing, and wellness.
Authentic Lifestyle: A tradition-rich region with farmers’ markets, foie gras festivals, and transhumance (sheep migrations). It centres on outdoor activities, thermal tourism and community.