As summer fades away, the first fresh mornings awaken our senses and the leaves begin their colourful ballet. In the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees, autumn reveals a spectacle of rare intensity. The beech forests turn gold and copper, the larches blaze on the heights, and the crystal-clear air already carries the promise of winter. This transformation is not just aesthetic: it acts as a real balm for our bodies, tired by the frenetic pace of summer. Scientists have proved that the warm colours of autumn stimulate the production of serotonin, the precious happiness hormone. In Luchon and its valleys, around Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges or in the Garonne valley, this magic works with a particular intensity, enhanced by the altitude and purity of the mountain environment.
Have you heard of‘forest bathing‘? This age-old Japanese practice, known as Shinrin-yoku, finds its ideal setting in the autumn of the Pyrenees. Walking slowly through our beech and fir forests releases beneficial molecules called phytoncides. These natural substances, emitted by the trees, strengthen our immune system and significantly reduce stress. A recent study has shown that a simple 30-minute walk in an autumn forest reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 15%. In the Luchonnais Massif, where the pure air is filled with the scents of resin and humus, this natural therapy reaches its peak. Our signposted trails, from the most accessible to the most challenging, become open-air health trails.
As you climb the slopes of our mountains, the air becomes purified and charged with negative ions, microscopic particles with oxygenating properties. Autumn amplifies this phenomenon: the rains wash the atmosphere and the mountain winds blow away the last of the summer dust. Breathing this ‘living’ air stimulates blood circulation, improves cellular oxygenation and promotes restful sleep. The Oô, Lys andHospice de France valleys offer this precious resource in a setting of wild beauty. The new refuges trail, inaugurated this year, allows you to enjoy this experience over several days, sleeping close to the purest springs. It’s a breath of fresh air that’s worth every dietary supplement!
Luchon has a unique advantage: it combines the benefits of autumn nature with those of thermal baths. Imagine your ideal day: in the morning, an invigorating hike through the flamboyant colours of the beech forests, and in the afternoon, a relaxation session in our naturally warm thermal waters. This alternation of hot and cold, movement and relaxation, stimulates circulation and strengthens the body. Autumn is also the ideal season for a spa treatment: the body is less tired than at the end of summer, and more receptive to treatments. The Thermes de Luchon, fed by 17 natural springs, offer programmes specially designed for this period. A holistic approach to well-being that combines ancestral wisdom with modern techniques, in the exceptional setting of the Pyrenees decked out in their autumn finery.
Autumn 2025 promises to be an invitation to get back to basics. In a fast-paced world, treat yourself to the luxury of slowing down to the rhythm of nature in the Pyrenees. Whether you’re here for a day’s getaway or a longer stay, our autumnal mountains are waiting to welcome you. The footpaths are decked out in their finest finery, the refuges welcome walkers in a warm atmosphere, and every breath you take becomes an act of rejuvenation. From a simple family stroll over the Col de Peyresourde to more ambitious treks to high-altitude lakes, there’s a path to serenity for everyone. TheOffice de Tourisme des Pyrénées Haut-Garonnaises can help you in your quest for authentic well-being, far from the artificial, in the heart of an area that does your soul good.
Accommodation: Autumn offers the best value for money for your stay. Our hotels offer “autumn relaxation” packages combining accommodation and spa treatments, while the characterful chambres d’hôtes welcome you in a warm atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea in front of the fireplace after a day’s hiking. Family-run gîtes offer the ideal independence for longer stays, and guarded refuges punctuate your high-altitude itineraries.
How to get there: Luchon is just 2 hours from Toulouse via the A64 and then the N125, a journey that itself becomes a spectacle with the autumn colours of the Gascon hillsides. The train serves the whole valley from Gourdan-Polignan to Luchon, via Saint-Béat/Marignac and Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges.
Gourmet del ights: Autumn brings out the authentic flavours of our valleys. Taste the mushrooms of the undergrowth in our traditional restaurants, savour the lamb of the summer pastures in the farm inns at altitude, or indulge in the seasonal specialities of our Michelin-starred chefs. The local markets are full of local produce: mountain honey, summer cheeses, roasted chestnuts…
Not-to-be-missed activities: hikes along the refuges trail, discovery spa treatments, stag bellowing in the Lys valley, via ferrata for the more sporty, wellness and yoga workshops in the heart of nature. The Tourist Office organises guided outings to discover the secrets of Pyrenean autumn in complete safety.
