Road trip in a campervan in the Pyrenees

The Toulouse region is a gold mine of rental campervan adventures. Before heading out towards the Pyrenees, you'll want to visit Toulouse - nicknamed the Pink City because of the colour of its buildings.

The narrow lanes around the famous Place du Capitole will immerse you in the warm and welcoming southwest ambiance. Before leaving for your adventure in the Pyrenees, sample one of the many regional culinary specialities like cassoulet, duck confit, Toulouse sausage or foie gras.

The heart of this beautiful mountain chain hosts three departments: Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne and Ariège. If you're starting in the west, head towards Tarbes and Lourdes. Make a stop in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one of France's most beautiful towns. Then, after crossing Bagnères-de-Bigorre, start ascending one of the Tour de France's mythic hills, the formidable Col du Tourmalet at the base of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Your campervan will take you to the famous Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees National Park, where you can spend an incredible evening at this exceptional location that was carved by glaciers. The Pyrenees National Park also features other incredible high-mountain sites like Lac de Batcrabère, the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, and Vignemale, the highest summit in the French Pyrenees (3298 m).

The Pyrenees are an excellent playground for adventurers and sports lovers. Whether you like whitewater sports such as canoeing, kayaking, aquazorbing, rafting, canyoning; land-based sports like mountaineering, climbing, biking and mountain biking; or aerial sports such as paragliding or hang-gliding, you'll find something to enjoy. For the walkers, check out the beautiful GR 10 hikes that will be calling your name. Along the way, you may see wild animals like an izard or Pyrenees bear, and a bearded vulture may be watching you from the air. For anyone who needs time to reflect, book a fly fishing trip to a gave or stream. After all these activities, a long, relaxing evening in your comfortable van awaits. You can have an aperitif and enjoy local specialities prepared in the fully-equipped kitchen. And you'll sleep like a baby after putting up the light-blocking window shades.

Your campervan will be anxious to continue the eastward road trip. It will take you to the Luchon spa through the Aspin and Peyressourde passes, which mark the boundary between the Hautes-Pyrénées and the Haute-Garonne. The most adventurous can take the Port de Balès, a lunar pass that is closed in winter. Continue your adventure towards Ariège, making a stop in Saint-Lizier to explore its rich historical and architectural heritage before reaching the good city of Foix. Make a loop through the Niaux cave to see the Neolithic paintings.
Campervans now come equipped with auxiliary heating. So you can go skiing or snowboarding at one of the winter sports resorts in the Pyrenees such as La Mongie, Gourette, Guzet, Luchon-Superbagnères, Peyragudes, or even Andorra. You're guaranteed to have plenty of snow at their high altitudes.

We suggest you set off on your campervan adventure to the Pyrenees from our WeVan rental location in Toulouse.