National and natural parks in Spain, France and Andorra: camping, bivouacs, dogs, fire, access and restrictions. Montserrat is a separate destination.
This directory brings together Pyrenean national, natural and regional nature parks, identified foothill areas and Montserrat. Other protection categories are labelled separately: this is not a register of every reserve or Natura 2000 site. A park’s administrative territory may differ from its strictly protected core; each rule applies to the zone identified in the entry.
Four valleys reveal different sides of the limestone Pyrenees: Ordesa’s forest floor, the Añisclo gorge, Escuaín’s cliffs and Pineta’s glacial amphitheatre. For a first visit with children, choose a short walk beside the Pradera and its accessible section. Cola de Caballo and high mountain crossings require separate assessment of distance, weather and fitness.
Granite peaks, conifer forests and lakes offer very different days out. From Boí, combine authorised transport with the Planell d’Aigüestortes boardwalk; from Espot, begin at Sant Maurici. These offer useful first introductions for families, while routes linking higher lakes and huts require mountain experience and careful stage planning.
This park brings together glacial cirques, lakes and summer pastures along the Spanish border, from the Aspe valley to Aure. Gavarnie, Ossau and the valleys around Cauterets reveal very different mountain landscapes. For a first visit, choose one valley and combine lower walks with a mountain day. Always distinguish the strictly protected core from the surrounding partnership area: most of the specific rules below apply to the core.
Published sources reviewed on 9 September 2026. Temporary closures, fire restrictions and weather may change access; read the park’s latest notices before travelling.
