Cab'ânes du Pibeste

The proximity of hiking trails puts treks firmly on the menu, so don your boots and link up with the scenic GR101 trail, which runs from Maubourguet to Col de Saucède (passing through Ségus) – it’s more than 90 kilometres in length, so it should keep you busy for a little while. Those who fancy an uphill challenge may like to tackle the nearby Pic de Pibeste – the fab views of the Pyreneean peaks while you trek should hopefully keep you going as you climb. When you’re all hiked out, head into Lourdes (15 minutes' drive) to join the pilgrims at the famed Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Spread over a whopping 51 hectares with 22 places of worship, there’s a great deal to see here, including churches, chapels and crypts, pretty stained-glass art, and the underground Basilica of St Pius X. And then there’s the Lourdes water, believed to have healing powers (good news for post-hike muscles?). Fountains and baths are all over the site, with the option to drink or bathe in the good stuff. To hang out with creatures other than humans, head to Argelès-Gazost (20 minutes), home to the Pyrénées Animal Park. Or focus attentions on inanimate (but mighty pretty) objects at Château de Pau (50 minutes), which houses a collection of tapestries at its museum.