Pyrenees

[Steve_374341117]

Considering going to Pyrenees Natura camp site next year - It's a Castels site - anyone been there and can give give some idea what there is to do?

Steve

 

[Guest]

We went there last year, its nice enough with a small bar/restaurant that also had a limited take away service Its a bit of a bind towing through Argeles Gastoz and up the winding narrow roads to the site, if we go again we will stay at the campsite on the edge of A G as Natura is remote and there are no shops nearby, We did do an organised night walk which took us up the mountain to a ferme auberge where we ate (and drank !) before descending in the dark with our guide who was someone from the site (may have been the owner) that was a fantastic experience, try spooking a load of cows in a field in pitch black with their bells clanking away ! Take your waterproofs... it rained 6 days running in mid June.

 

[Huw_374328025]

Steve,

Also went to Natura site last year. We thought it was idylic. True, it is a bit of a bind to get to and you need to take care,we took the wrong turn and had to travel along a very narrow lane for a few miles. If you like nature,snow capped peaks and wonderful scenery then this fairly small rural site is the place to be. The site owners are very friendly and speak quite good English. It has small 'honesty' shop, a bar, TV lounge and other amenities but is not your traditional, all singing all dancing French site. If you like walking, going on scenic trips and a quiet holiday, it's ideal. Lourdes is quite close and well worth a visit.Great for bird watching - vultures and kites in abundance and we also saw a Golden Eagle. It may not be everyones cup of tea, but we thoroughly enjoyed it and will go back one day. Incidentally, we took the Santander ferry from Plymouth and then travelled back through France, returning from Caen.

Hope this helps,

Huw

 

[v.meldrew2]

Steve

A bit further south is Luz St Saveur. We have stayed at Camping Bergons there this year and last. Review on ukcampsites.co.uk. Very handy for Gavarnie, Troumalet, Breche de Roland etc. Donjon des Aigles worth a visit, and caves at Bertharram a must!This year also spent a week at Luchon, a bit further east. Excellent base for some strenuous high level hikes. Downhill biking from cable car in Luchon looked exciting, but didn't try it. Used Camping Arome Vanille - will submit review to ukcampsites asap, but generally a good spot.

 

[Steve_374341117]

Thanks for your replies - food for thought

Steve