Hautes Pyrénées

Hautes-Pyrénées is located in southwestern France, deep in the Pyrenees mountains and on the border with Spain, with Tarbes as its capital. The department is known for the famous Pic du Midi de Bigorre peak and the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world. Its economy combines pilgrimage tourism (Lourdes receives millions of pilgrims annually), mountain and ski tourism, and agriculture. Stunning mountain scenery, deep valleys, and alpine lakes are among the main features of this sparsely populated department.

Tarbes, Lourdes, Bagnères-de-Bigorre

• IUT de Tarbes – Université de technologie de Tarbes - An IUT and technology institute offering engineering and technical programs.
• Antennes de l’Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) - Some programs and courses are offered in partnership with UPPA.

Tarbes and Lourdes are relatively small, safe towns. During the peak pilgrimage season in Lourdes (late spring to early autumn), the town becomes busier and more touristy.

The TER network and regional buses connect Tarbes and Lourdes to Pau, Toulouse, and the rest of the region. Access to the mountains sometimes requires a car or special shuttle services.