Camping Des Gaves

The Pyrenees National Park is a mightily scenic place, and there are lots of ways to get out and see some of those views. To start, you may like to take hikes on the GR10 trail or on the network of paths that runs through the park. Fishing areas are plentiful too – find your space along the riverbank or at mountain lakes like Lac de Bious-Artigues or Lac de Fabrèges (both 25 minutes’ drive). Those with a real sense of adventure can also find numerous mountain bike routes or horse riding stables in the area, try rafting or canyoning or swing through the trees at La Forêt Suspendue (10 minutes). Kids can also have a go at various outdoor activities at Espace Ludopia (50 minutes). For a more leisurely way to see the scenery, take a ride on the seasonal narrow-gauge Petit train d’Artouste (25 minutes). For a more urban day trip, explore Lourdes (an hour) to see its incredible religious sites including the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and Massabielle Grotto, and take a tasty tour of Choco-Story Lourdes. Pau (50 minutes), with its medieval castle and collection of museums, is another good option.