Would you like to go to the mountains to recharge your batteries and take a breath of fresh air? Then the Pyrenees are the ideal destination for you! Very popular during the winter holidays for their ski slopes, the Pyrenees are just as interesting to discover in summer. With their lakes, mountain peaks and unspoilt nature, you’ll love your motorhome trip in the Pyrenees in summer!
🧐Why would you go on a motorhome trip in the Pyrenees in summer?
- To fully appreciate its exceptional landscapes: the Pyrenees have a National Park, created in 1967, 9 Grands Sites Occitanie and two Regional Nature Parks (Parc régional des Pyrénées catalanes and Parc régional des Pyrénées ariégeoises).
- Enjoy cooler temperatures than on the coast. Even though temperatures are rising steadily every year, mountain temperatures remain relatively pleasant and bearable in summer. Ideal if you’re not a fan of the heat!
- You can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to more original pursuits such as canyoning and summer tobogganing. You can even take part in a traditional event celebrated every summer: the transhumance!
- Relax in one of the many spas in the region: Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Ax-les-Thermes or Barèges!
Rules for motorhome driving in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees cross three countries: France, Spain and Andorra. The roads can be very winding and you need to be vigilant. Crossings can be difficult or even impossible at certain passes, so take extra care and find out beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises by consulting the Bison Futé website, for example!
Don’t wait any longer and check out our selection of the most beautiful places in the Pyrenees to discover by motorhome!
📸 Must-see places in the Pyrenees by motorhome this summer!
Pic du Midi of Bigorre
Also called the “Balcony of the Pyrenees”, the Pic du Midi of Bigorre is a must-see if you’re travelling through the Pyrenees by motorhome! It rises to an altitude of 2,877 meters and is one of the main peaks in the Pyrenees mountain range. You can also find an astronomical observatory and a television relay station there. More experienced hikers can hike up to the summit, but you can also take the cable car if you book in advance (although it’s not free)! More information on the site here.
🚐📍You can park at Parking Barèges, on the Tourmalet road (famous for the Tour de France), or discover Jérôme’s spot, among the llamas!
Cirque of Gavarnie
Situated in the Pyrenees National Park, this cirque will impress you with its immensity and breathtaking scenery. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997! Summer is the time to take full advantage of all the cirque’s landscapes and hikes, but it’s also the busiest time of the year. We therefore advise you to go early in the morning!
🚐📍 Head for the Gavarnie service area, which is an ideal place for excursions in the heart of nature!
Canigou Massif
Rising to an altitude of 2874 metres, the Canigou massif is home to 9 Natura 2000 sites and three national nature reserves. You can get there on a whole host of trails, accessible to everyone from the least resourceful to the most seasoned hikers! So what are you waiting for to go for an adventure?
🚐📍 There are several parking options in the vicinity of the Canigou massif. We recommend Camping Les Portes du Canigou, set in the heart of the countryside.
Ossau Valley
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature while enjoying a change of scenery and discovering a unique heritage, don’t miss the Ossau Valley! Situated in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, this natural setting will captivate you, with its mountain ranges and lakes. Here you can enjoy outdoor activities as well as discovering typical villages such as Laruns, Béost and Castet.
🚐📍For your stay, we recommend Camping Pont Lauguère, located in the commune of Laruns. CaraMaps travellers particularly appreciate the welcome from the owners and its location!
Néouvielle Natural Reserve
The Néouvielle Natural Reserve is not to be missed if you’re wandering around the Pyrenees! It boasts a wealth of natural beauty and breathtaking scenery! Its magnificent crystal-clear lakes, pine forests and vast expanses are sure to amaze you! There are also hiking trails to suit all levels. Don’t miss Lac d’Aubert, Lac d’Aumar or Lac de Cap de Long on your tour!
🚐📍Drive to Camping Fouga, located at the foot of the mountain and perfect for nature lovers!
Lourdes
Looking for something different to visit on your trip to the Pyrenees in a motorhome, and want to discover a cultural destination? Then go to Lourdes! Lourdes is the fourth-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and attracts millions of tourists every year!
🧐 Did you know? The town of Lourdes owes its worldwide fame to the story of Bernadette Soubirous, who is said to have seen the Virgin Mary appear in 1858. The town is also known for its so-called “miraculous” spring, and its famous shrine!
🚐📍When you’re in Lourdes, don’t hesitate to stay at Camping Sarsan, ideally situated for access to Lourdes town centre.
Gaube Lake
Want to cool off on your tour of the Pyrenees in a motorhome? Then head for Lac de Gaube! This lake in the Cauterets valley, at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, is a must-see! Don’t hesitate to visit the famous Pont d’Espagne, located not far from the lake!
🚐📍Scheduled for a trip to the Gaube Lake? Take a break at the Cauterets Service Area, which will give you access to all the services you need!
Villefranche-de-Conflent
If you’re a fan of architecture, you won’t be disappointed in the Pyrenees. The region boasts around ten villages that have been awarded the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” label, including Villefranche-de-Conflent. This medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see in the region! Don’t miss a visit to its ramparts, fort and nearby caves!
🚐📍 Park your motorhome at the Parking Villefranche-de-Conflent to visit the village!
Bagnères-de-Luchon
This small town is ideal if you want to relax during your stay. The town is home to some famous thermal baths! While the town is known for its ski resorts in winter, it’s also the perfect place for nature lovers in summer: water sports, paragliding or hiking, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
🚐📍Don’t hesitate to visit Camping Pradelongue in Moustajon, near Bagnères-de-Luchon, rated 5 stars by the community!
Castle of Montségur
Head for the Ariège department to discover the castle of Montségur! A former Cathar stronghold, this castle perched at an altitude of 1207 meters offers an exceptional panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees!
🚐📍When you visit the castle of Montségur, you can take a break at the Montferrier service area!
😁 Check out our special itinerary here, which includes the spots mentioned and others for your trip to the Pyrenees in a motorhome in summer!
As well as our special itinerary, find other itineraries shared by the community, such as « Stroll in the Pyrenees », « Tour of the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park » and others!
Did you like the experience of your itinerant trip offered by CaraMaps and the advice from the community? Share your best anecdotes and travel photos with the 100% collaborative CaraMaps application. 😊
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Also check out our other blog articles «Our tips to beat the heat in your motorhome», «Travelling in Croatia by motorhome 🇭🇷» and others!