The Pyrenean chain stretches across the national boundary between France and Spain marking a natural geographic divide. However like many mountainous areas there are language compilations across the whole area with a mish mash of words and phrases borrowed from both countries. The Basque country (to the West) and Catalunya (to the East) retain their own mysterious languages!
Across the whole range there is a wide range of walking opportunities with many established walking trails and a history of recreational walking much more advanced than in many other areas of Spain.
The Pyrenees East takes in the last of the High Pyrenees peaks and drifts through Andorra before reaching the lower – but still exacting – Catalan hills to the east which eventually run down to the Mediterranean. Even these hills can be lonely and many are tree covered. There are a range of refugios providing overnight accommodation and food (see Refugios de Montaña) which enable you to stay high and wander among the giants of the chain – even if you do not want to climb to the summits.
The early signs of altitude will affect most and even if they are not a cause for medical concern many people will find themselves unusually short of breath and resting more frequently than they are used to. The answer is to adjust your pace – or as the Spanish say:- poco a poco (little by little).
This area stretches between the borders of Andorra in the west and the Mediterranean and contains many areas that provide good accommodation. Crowded in the summer months by escapees from the heat in Barcelona and populated by skiers in the winter months, the shoulder months of late Spring and early Autumn provide ideal times for uncrowded wandering.
To the south of Puigcerda – just to the E of Andorra – lie a group of high hills separated from the main Pyrenean chain and this national park – Cadi Moixero – is included within this region.