They run parallel to the main mountain range in a west to east direction.

[1] The Massif de Plantaurel further west deserves mention as well, although not as clearly a foothill.

On the Iberian side, however, the picture is very different: a large and complex system of foothill ranges stretches from Navarre, across northern Aragon, reaching the Mediterranean coast on the Catalan end of the Pyrenees.

At the eastern end on the southern side lies a distinct area known as the Sub-Pyrenees.

[2] Although the highest peaks in the Pre-Pyrenees are not as high as those in the Pyrenees proper, some of the ranges are quite massive, with summits reaching up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft).