In reply to Mick Ryan - Editor - UKC: Good article about what could be considered one of the places where 'cascade' style climbing was first developed in France.
Surprised that the CAF chalet just outside Gavarnie wasn't mentioned (I assume its open in winter) or some of the other nearby cirques (eg Troumouse)
'and is a playground of Basque climbers who nip across the border each winter' - the Basque country also includes part of France !