Where is pyrenees mountains located on a map

Stunning views, rugged peaks, and pristine wilderness of the Pyrenees offer much by way of tourism and for adventure enthusiasts. Alpine skiing, mountain biking, and mountaineering activities are commonly undertaken in these mountains both on the French and Spanish Pyrenees.

There are approximately 50 ski resorts in the French Pyrenees. Pico de Aneto, the highest mountain peak of the Pyrenees records an elevation of 11, feet. The mountains have also become a major attraction due to the fact that best-selling author Paulo Coelho spends about 6 months each year in his cottage in the French Pyrenees.

According to one legend, the Pyrenees were named after Pyrene, the daughter of King Bebryx who hosted Hercules on his labor to steal the cattle of Geryon. Hercules molested Pyrene who fled to the mountains after giving birth to a snake. Here she fell prey to wild beasts. The mountains were named by Hercules in his grief and remorse. Whatever the myths and legends of the land, archaeological evidence suggests that these mountains were once home to a highly advanced civilization.

Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains are quite old mountains in comparison to the Alps. The entire Pyrenees Mountain range was formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks starting about million years ago in the Lower Cretaceous Period and ending in the Eocene Epoch 56 to 34 million years ago. The western part of the Pyrenees mountain range comprises granite peaks that are covered by limestone layers.

The eastern part of the mountain range comprises gneissose and granite rocks. The higher elevations of the mountains have numerous "gaves" which form high waterfalls and many passes that are circled by cirques hanging valleys.

Many sulfurous and saline hot springs are found here. The Western Pyrenees receive more rain and snowfall in comparison to the Eastern Pyrenees. Therefore, some glaciers are found in the Central and Western portions but no such glaciers are found in the Eastern Pyrenees.

The flora on the western side of the Pyrenees mountains is quite similar to that of Central Europe whereas the eastern side has a Mediterranean type of vegetation. The fauna of the Pyrenees mountains includes the endangered brown bears and the endemic Pyrenean desman and Pyrenean brook salamander.