France/Paris Rick Steves book

The last edition I have is 2005. He covers the nearby Basque country, but doesn't quite hit the Pyrenees.

Not really, he has a chapter on Basque Country but that's it, same coverage as Tom's 2005 edition. Rick's books are not intended by him to cover every destination in a country, his coverage is selective. Unless you're limiting your Pyrenees trip to Basque country, you're going to want to get one of the other guidebooks.

As I've said here more than once, we are great fans of the Cadogan guides. There is one called, "Gascony and the Pyrenees," which seems like just what you're looking for. They have detailed information about places omitted from many other guides, and we have found their hotel and restaurant recommendations to be very reliable.

I can't recommend a book that would adequately cover this area, but a few cities that are worth seeing is first, Pau and then Tarbes. Both are good stepping stones to the Pyrenees. From Tarbes go to Trebon, a delightful small town. It really depends upon what you are looking for; are you wanting to hike or something else? Regardless it is a beautiful area and the people are great. You will enjoy it. From Pau all the way over to Perpignan is wonderful country and people. Enjoy.

Thanks everyone! I am hoping weather might be nice and we could spend a couple of days hiking there, but we'll probably have to play it by ear. I'll have to check out the book/spots you all mentioned.