It is obviously desirable to maintain this natural wealth into the future. The part of the Pyrenees even got to the UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its uniqueness. It is an area around Mont Perdu, which limestone massif rises to a height of 3352 meters above sea level. The total area covers 31,189 hectares, although it was initially smaller. The first entry was made in 1997, and the protected area was enlarge three years later. It is also a place of the oldest Spanish National Park with long name Parque Nacional Valle de Ordesa – Monte Perdido, founded in 1918 on an area of ​​20.5km2 and later extended. On the French side it has a younger partner, the Pyrénées National Park established in 1967.

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On the Spanish side there are two largest and deepest canyons in Europe. On the French side you will find three great glacials. These geological formations are accompanied by mysterious caves, clear water lakes, deep forests and colorful meadows.

In terms of human life, the landscape of Mont Perdu is such a kind of window to the past. The farmers live in almost the same way of life as before, that was formerly common in all mountainous areas of Europe.

The most impressive canyons are mainly Ordesa, Pineta and Añisclo. You can choose from many hiking trails of varying difficulty, from very easy ones to the downright climbing. But you have to be prepared that the hiking trails can be challenging and sometimes a bit awkward. This applies to certain trails called “fajas” that lead over ledges along the canyon, but more to the trails “clavijas” that leads through the steel steps at the steep rock walls.

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Everywhere you see something interesting and very diverse, ranging from bare rock to almost impenetrable vegetation.

The highest summits of Pyrenees are Pico d’Aneto or Pic de Néthou (3,404 metres), Posets peak (3,375 metres), Mont Perdu or Monte Perdido (3,355 metres). You will find here also the highest waterfall – The Gavarnie, which is the tallest waterfall in France, and one of the most impressive and highest waterfalls in Europe.

Pyrenees contains three national parks – Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (Spain), Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (Spain) and Pyrénées National Park (France).

In winter the mountains are great place for alpine skiing.

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In the Pyrénées Mountains, there are a number of glaciers which had been slowly receding for centuries. This continuously melting ice has resulted in the creation of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie. It is considered to be one of the tallest waterfalls in France and even one of the largest in all of Europe. During the summer months, when the melting of the glaciers increases, several other waterfalls form nearby.

Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, France by Jens Buurgaard Nielsen

The receding glaciers feed the nearby Spanish Lake of Lago Helago. This particular Lake has no surface outflow such as a stream, river or creek. Instead, the glacial waters of the lake seep into the ground before making their way to the waterfall. As a result, the unique experience afforded to one who visits the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie is definitely a rewarding one.

It is important to point out, that while many popular waterfalls throughout Europe are now turned on and off at specific times of the year as a result of them being harnessed for hydroelectric power, the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie is not. The waterfall itself stays on year-round and while it is used as a source of hydroelectric power, the generators are well below the level of the falls.

The amazing geology and spectacular views afforded to one who visits the region only make the trip more enjoyable. Every year, countless visitors from all over Europe and the world make their way to the area just to view the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie as these waterfalls are definitely one of the finest examples of natural splendour in the world.

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