Book excerpt: The Rough Guides Snapshot France: the Pyrenees is the ultimate travel guide to this mountainous region, and also includes coverage of the beguiling Basque country. It leads you through the region with reliable information and comprehensive coverage of all the sights and attractions, from surfing big waves in Biarritz and inspecting pre-historic paintings in the Ariège valley to taking a trip on the charming Petit Train Jaune and exploring dramatic Cathar castles in the Corbières. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the best cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you make the most of your trip, whether passing through, staying for the weekend or longer. The Rough Guides Snapshot France: the Pyrenees also covers Pau, Lourdes, the Vallée d'Aspe and Vallée d'Ossau, the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Comminges, the Val d'Ariège and Vallée de l'Aude, the Pays de Sault, Roussillon, Perpignan, the Côte Vermeille and the Vallée de Tech. Also included is the Basics section from the Rough Guide to France, with all the practical information you need for travelling in and around the country, including transport, food, drink, costs, health and festivals. Also published as part of the Rough Guide to France. The Rough Guides Snapshot France: the Pyrenees is equivalent to 84 printed pages.