The Pyrenees mountains, stretching 450km between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, form the frontier between France and Spain. In the Haute Pyrenees, the border is a high ridge of wild peaks, often reaching over 3000m in elevation. This natural barrier divides the dry, baked landscape of Northern Spain from the green and fertile hillsides of Southern France. The weather and plant life also differ wildly on opposite sides of the border.

The Pyrenees are in many ways an unexploited area in terms of industry, and are currently growing as a tourist destination. It is still easy to find rare wild flowers, elusive birds and timid animals, and there are permanent glaciers on both sides of the border. The beauty of the Pyrenees however, is their accessibility. The mountains are criss-crossed with seldom-travelled paths, which climb to even the most hidden lakes and cirques, and the highest peaks.

 There are a number of large bird species in the Pyrenees. These include vultures - the rare and majestic Lammergeier, the Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, kites – Red Kite and Black Kite, and eagles - Booted, Short-toed, Bonellis and Golden Eagle. Alpine choughs are also a common sight.