Our campsites in Hautes-Pyrénées
in Occitania
Are you planning a camping holiday in the Hautes-Pyrénées?
Cottage Parks invites you to book an eco-chic campsite for your next nature break. With its majestic mountains, verdant valleys, high-altitude lakes, picturesque villages and crystal-clear rivers, this authentic department offers the ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.
If you haven’t yet decided on the destination for your next holiday with family or friends, here are a few good reasons to choose an eco-friendly campsite in the Hautes-Pyrénées with Cottage Parks.
Hautes-Pyrénées, the ideal destination for your camping holiday
The Hautes-Pyrénées, located in the Occitanie region and bordered by the Haute-Garonne to the east and the Gers to the north, as well as Spain to the south, is an ideal destination for camping vacations, especially for lovers of nature and outdoor activities.
Famous for its grandiose mountain landscapes, verdant valleys and high-altitude lakes, this department offers an exceptional setting in which to recharge your batteries. Between the peaks of the Pyrenees and crystal-clear rivers, you’ll find a variety of campsites in the most natural of settings.
What’s more, the climate in the Hautes-Pyrénées is pleasant in summer, with sunny days and cool nights, making for convivial evenings around the campfire.
The Hautes-Pyrénées is home to a number of must-see natural sites, including the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Estaing and Gaube lakes and the Pyrenees National Park with its countless hiking trails, perfect for exploring the local flora and fauna.
In addition to the famous religious destination of Lourdes, you can also discover picturesque villages such as Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Bagnères-de-Bigorre and Saint-Savin, with their local markets.
Ready to immerse yourself in an unspoilt natural environment, far from the hustle and bustle of city life?
What to see in the Hautes-Pyrénées during your Cottage Parks camping holiday
There’s no doubt about it, the Hautes-Pyrénées is brimming with magnificent natural sites.
Here are nine of them:
Cirque de Gavarnie
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive glacial cirque is surrounded by peaks topping 3,000 meters and offers spectacular scenery with its waterfalls, including the Grande Cascade, one of the highest in Europe.
The Troumouse Cirque
Less frequented than Gavarnie, but just as impressive, it stands out for its immensity. The panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place for nature lovers.
Pont d’Espagne and Lac de Gaube
Situated in the Pyrenees National Park, this picturesque site is a haven of tranquility inhabited by torrents and waterfalls. Ideal for hikes leading to the crystal-clear Lac de Gaube and other breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Le Vallon de Marcadau
This green valley, surrounded by mountains and crossed by streams, is accessible from Cauterets. It’s a peaceful, unspoilt place, ideal for lovers of wild nature and long walks.
Néouvielle nature reserve
This reserve is home to around a hundred high-altitude lakes, including the magnificent Aumar and Aubert lakes, as well as a wide variety of alpine flora and fauna.
The Pic du Midi de Bigorre
Accessible by cable car, the summit of the Pic du Midi offers a 360° panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountain range and houses an astronomical observatory.
Estaing lake
Nestled in a lush green valley, this peaceful lake is perfect for family walks and picnics. It’s also a starting point for hikes to the surrounding peaks.
Val d’Azun
This is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrenees. Its pastures, forests and small mountain villages make it a popular destination for hiking and cycling.
The caves of Bétharram
A spectacular site for exploring the bowels of the Pyrenees. These caves, among the most beautiful in France, take you through fascinating underground galleries.
Places to visit in the Hautes-Pyrénées
An authentic heritage
The towns and villages of the Hautes-Pyrénées offer a rich cultural and natural heritage, where mountain authenticity blends with scenic beauty.
The main towns, Tarbes and Lourdes, attract visitors in search of history and spirituality.
Tarbes
Capital of the department, Tarbes is a dynamic city with beautiful parks, such as Jardin Massey, and a rich history. It is also known as a major equestrian center, with its national stud farm.
Lourdes
Famous for its sanctuaries and pilgrimage, Lourdes attracts millions of visitors every year. Religious tourism aside, the town offers a magnificent setting with its fortified castle and views of the Pyrenees.
Bagnères-de-Bigorre
This charming spa town, nestled at the foot of the mountains, is renowned for its Grands Thermes and therapeutic thermal waters, as well as for its traditional market and proximity to the Pic du Midi.
Argelès-Gazost
Situated in the heart of the valley, Argelès-Gazost is a small, pleasant spa town with easy access to the Pyrenees National Park. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Gavarnie, Cauterets and Val d’Azun valleys.
The villages of the Hautes-Pyrénées, nestled in the valleys, charm with their picturesque streets, stone houses and proximity to the great natural sites of the Pyrenees, making them havens of peace where it is good to stay:
- Saint-Savin
This hilltop village offers exceptional views over the Gaves valley. Its magnificent 12th-century Romanesque abbey church and picturesque streets make it a charming place to discover.
- Luz-Saint-Sauveur
A typical mountain village, Luz-Saint-Sauveur is ideally located close to major natural attractions such as Gavarnie and the Cirque de Troumouse. It also boasts thermal baths and a beautiful fortified church.
- Gavarnie
Known for its UNESCO-listed natural cirque, Gavarnie is a small village in the heart of the mountains. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering a spectacular setting all year round.
- Cauterets
Cauterets is a charming spa village that combines elegance and nature. Its thermal baths and proximity to places like the Pont d’Espagne and high-altitude lakes make it a popular destination.
- Sazos
Nestled in the Luz valley, Sazos is a peaceful village with traditional stone houses and magnificent scenery. It’s perfect for those seeking peace and nature.
- Campan
This traditional village, located in the valley of the same name, is famous for its stone and wood houses, as well as its “mounaques ” (giant dolls displayed in the streets). It is also the gateway to the Payolle valley and the Col d’Aspin.
Things to do in Hautes-Pyrénées
During your eco-chic camping holiday
At the risk of repeating it, the Hautes-Pyrénées is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its varied landscapes, from majestic peaks to verdant valleys, the department offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Here’s a selection of the best things to do in the Hautes-Pyrénées:
- Hiking in the Pyrenees National Park, with mythical trails such as those leading to the Cirque de Gavarnie or Lac de Gaube.
- Canoeing on the tumultuous rivers of the Gaves
- Visit the Médous cave near Bagnères-de-Bigorre
- Cycling on the picturesque roads of the Col d’Aspin or Tourmalet passes
- Discover the picturesque village of Saint-Savin and its Romanesque abbey
- Animal watching at the Parc animalier des Pyrénées in Argelès-Gazost
- Climbing in the gorges of Luz or on the rock faces of Gavarnie
- Tasting local produce at the Tarbes and Argelès-Gazost markets
- Visit the Château de Mauvezin, overlooking the Bigorre valley
- Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Hautacam or Val d’Azun in winter
The gastronomy of the Hautes-Pyrénées is a reflection of its authentic mountain terroir, offering a wealth of flavors and culinary traditions.
One of our signature dishes, garbure, is a thick soup made from seasonal vegetables, often with duck confit or country ham, ideal for warming up in winter.
Barèges-Gavarnie lamb, which has a protected designation of origin (PDO), is characterized by its tender, flavorful meat, while Tarbais beans, also a PDO, are prized for their melt-in-the-mouth texture and go perfectly with dishes in sauce.
Black Bigorre pork is another local pride, known for its delicate flesh, often prepared as ham or sausage.
The Pyrenean tourteau, a fluffy cake, delights sweet tooths, as do the famous berlingots from Cauterets.
Finally, Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines complete the gastronomic picture, adding a touch of character to meals.
Hautes-Pyrénées: events
all year round
The Hautes-Pyrénées, in addition to its breathtaking scenery and rich heritage, hosts a variety of events throughout the year to liven up local life. Whether sporting, cultural or festive, these not-to-be-missed events reflect the department’s warm, mountain identity:
- Festival des Petits As (international tennis tournament for young talent) in Tarbes – January
- Tarbes Flower Festival – June
- L’Été des Pyrénées (musical and cultural festival) in Cauterets – July
- The Grand Raid des Pyrénées – August
- The Saint-Michel Festival in Lourdes – September
- Festival Pyrénéen de l’Image Nature (photography) in Cauterets – September
Book your eco-friendly campsite in the Hautes-Pyrénées with Cottage Parks
Discover the wonders of the Hautes-Pyrénées by choosing an eco-friendly campsite with Cottage Parks. Set in the heart of unspoilt nature, our partner campsites guarantee a unique experience, combining modern comfort with respect for the environment. Stay in well-equipped accommodation while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Pyrenees. Whether you’re looking for mountain hikes, spectacular panoramas or relaxing by lakes and rivers, you’ll be in the right place for a memorable vacation.
Choose quality accommodation with Cottage Parks. As well as enjoying an authentic experience in the Hautes-Pyrénées, you’ll be helping to protect our beautiful planet, for memories that don’t compromise on the environment.