Pyrenees tourist guide, recommended excursions and indication of the major peaks that are part of this important mountain range located on the border between France and Spain.
Origin of the name
The name Pyrenees is said to derive origins from the Greek word peiro which translated into Italian means to impale referring to the pointed tops of the chain that seem to pierce the sky.
Other opinions want it deriving from the nymph Pyrene who, having been kidnapped by Heracles, gave birth to a snake and for this, very frightened, she ran away upright in the Pyrenees mountains, where she found death torn to pieces by the fierce beasts of the place.
Geography
The Pyrenees, located on the border between France and Spain, are divided into various geographical areas, including the central Pyrenees, which extend eastward from Port de Canfranc to the Val d'Aran, including the three peaks greater than the Picco d'Aneto mountain range, in the Maladeta ridge with its 3404 meters high, Monte Posets, 3,375 m high, and Monte Perdido, which reaches 3,355 m above sea level.
The Atlantic Pyrenees are less elevated, with their heights gradually decreasing, proceeding from east to west.
With a fairly constant average height, the eastern Pyrenees extend to the sudden cliff, which can be seen in the area known as Albères.
The Aneto Peak is the highest mountain in the Pyrenees, located entirely in the Spanish territory in Aragon.
On the northern slope of the peak of Aneto Peak there is a large glacier, the largest in the Pyrenees.
For mountaineering enthusiasts with some experience, it can be said that the ascent to the peak of Aneto Peak does not present major difficulties.
Peaks over 3000 meters
Among the other mountains in the chain that exceed 3000 meters above sea level, we can mention the Pic Maudit, Cilindro di Marboré, Pic de la Maladeta, Vignemale or Pique Longue, Clot de la Hount, Soum de Ramond, Pic du Marboré, Pic de Cerbillona , Pic de Perdiguère, Pic de Montferrat, Pic Long, Pic Schrader or Grand Batchimale, Pic de Campbieil, Pic de la cascade orient, Pic Badet, Balaïtous, Pic du Taillon, Pica d'Estats, Punta del Saber, Pic de la Munia , Pointe de Literole, Pic des Gourgs Blancs, Pic de Royo, Pic des Crabioules, Pic de Maupas, Pic Lézat, Pic de la cascade occidental, Pic de Néouvielle, Pic de Troumouse, Pics d'Enfer, Pic de Montcalm, Grand pic d 'Astazou, Épaule du Marboré, Pic du port de Sullo, Pic des Spijeoles, Pic de Quayrat, Pic des Trois Conseillers, Turon de Néouvielle, Pic de Batoua, Petit Vignemale, Pic de Besiberri Sud, Pic Ramougn, Tour du Marboré, Casque du Marboré and Grande Fache.
Shelters
Some refuges equipped for trekking in the Pyrenees are in operation, which aim to facilitate hikers in the ascent to the many peaks mentioned and also to others, following various itineraries, among which it is worth mentioning, for the excellent refreshment service offered , the Baysselance refuge, the Rencluse refuge, the Tuquerouye refuge, the Vénasque refuge and the Sarradets refuge.
