Property guide to the Hautes-Pyrénées, a lesser-known department located in the southwest of France, in the Occitanie region. It sits more or less halfway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, bordered by Spain in the South and the Gers department in the north. Known for its dramatic landscapes, charming villages, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of outdoor activities, Hautes-Pyrénées has become an increasingly popular place to live for both locals and expats. The region is a haven for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a slower pace of life.
In September, the outdoor adventure website Kühl released its list of the most outdoorsy states in the U.S. To understate which state loves to get out for a hike, bike, or a camp most, the team analyzed Google search data for 14 outdoor activities, including fishing, backpacking, birding, skiing, swimming, and kayaking, across each state between August 2024 to August 2025. It then adjusted the results per 100,000 residents to accurately compare populations.
Guests at this lighthouse keeper's cottage have not only the property but the whole 1.6-hectare (four-acre) island to themselves. Eilean Sionnach is an islet off Skye that is accessible by boat or on foot at low tide. Like the lighthouse, the cottage was built in 1857 and has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen and a lounge with a wood burner, and incredible sea views. As well as a patio and garden, which has a fire circle, the cottage has its own private beach.
Its biggest claim to fame is Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home, which draws audiences for a wide range of performances, from classical concerts to popular guest artists. Theater lovers, though, often head to Shakespeare & Company, a long-running festival with a busy calendar of plays, while readers and history buffs make time for The Mount, Edith Wharton's former estate.
For those seeking a picturesque dive into medieval history, Corrèze, France, is the ideal destination. The lesser-known region in south central France is home to six of the country's official most beautiful villages: Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Saint-Robert, Ségur-le-Chateau, and Turenne. These charming towns are all tucked into rolling hills, rivers, and woodlands, offering immersive historical experiences and outdoor adventures. With flower-lined streets, covered markets, thriving artisans, and dreamy terraces, visiting Corrèze really feels like traipsing through a fairy tale.
Spanning 2,564 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and alpine wonderland is home to treasures like aqua-blue glacial lakes and snow-covered peaks punctuated by teahouses. Banff is brimming with natural beauty, from the geological drama of its landscapes to the spectacular species that have long called the national park home. And with skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking and biking in spring and fall, and canoeing and camping in summer, there's no bad season to visit.
La Crosse's combination of scenic beauty and small-town charm makes it an ideal place to have an outdoorsy adventure while getting a slice of quintessential Midwestern life.
The right footwear can make or break your journey. Water shoes and hiking sandals are built for these moments, as they grip slippery surfaces, dry quickly, and keep your feet protected through every splash, scramble, and stride.