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French Pyrenees route by motorhome through the Ariege
Within our last getaway through France in a motorhome, during the Pilar bridge, we have visited the French Pyrenees on its side of the Ariegeoise Pyrenees. A visit to Ariege with children to its most mountainous part.
We will call this route: French Pyrenees route in 4-season motorhome. And it is that on this route we live days of sun, rain, intense fog and even snow!
We love the French Pyrenees, there are multiple routes we have done. Routes through the French Pyrenees that are a joy for being totally camper friendly.
This time we explore a new area: the Argiegeoises Pyrenees of the Ariège department, Occitania region. In other words, we visit the western Pyrenees closest to Catalonia or rather the central Pyrenees of France
Our narration, as always, speaks of our experience touring the French Pyrenees with children and, as always, we usually travel by motorhome. Here you will find what to see in the French Pyrenees, what to do in the Ariege (France) and you will see charming villages of the French Pyrenees, activities to do and places to visit.
In short, you will read a route through the French Pyrenees of the Ariege that can inspire you on your next trip. I hope it is useful to you. Remember to follow us on social networks and comment on the post, we need your encouragement to continue writing.
French Pyrenees by motorhome. Always a good plan to travel by motorhome
Making motorhome routes through France is always a great option. The French have a PhD in motorhome and campervan travel, and it shows. If you are looking for a route through France by motorhome, here is one. Although search our blog because you will find many more. And if what you are looking for are routes through the Pyrenees of France or the ski resorts of the French Pyrenees, in our blog you will find much more. We are very fans of France in motorhome and camper.
And to travel to France in the first place we advise you to have a minimum knowledge about this great country. We make it easy for you, here is a basic guide to travel to France also specialized in traveling by motorhome or campervan.
Basic guide to travel to France by motorhome
French Pyrenees route by motorhome through the Ariege: Summary
Days and time of year of our trip to the Ariege, Pyrenees de France route.
This trip is a 3-day getaway during a Pilar bridge in autumn.
Route location
French Pyrenees Ariegeoises in its lowest part playing with Andorra. An area about 3,5 hours driving from Barcelona.
Expenses for a 3-day getaway to the French Pyrenees in the Ariege
In total, a 3-day trip to the French Pyrenees in a motorhome in the Ariège can cost you around 250-350 euros.
First of all when going in our motorhome we contemplate 120 euros of cost of gasoline and tolls to go and return from the province of Barcelona. You can save the Cadí toll by going through the pass or the Portè Tunnel by driving through its mountain pass, that will reduce almost 60 euros that all tolls count.
The rest of the costs will be tickets, costs for motorhome or camping areas and hotels.
If you don't have a motorhome and you want to do this French Pyrenees route by motorhome ...
But you want to do it in a motorhome, the truth is that it is a good place, although remember that if it is your first time driving a motorhome you may not start on mountain roads, I would not do it because you may have a hard time on some narrow roads... Now If you want to do the route and you don't have a motorhome, we always recommend that friends rent a motorhome or van through a rental platform between individuals with insurance. It is cheaper and we have very good experiences with friends who have done it.
Hotels in the French Pyrenees
Around the area there are many rental apartments and hotels or hostels since it is a very touristy area, you will not have problems finding accommodation.
French Pyrenees route by motorhome in 7 destinations in the Pyrenees Ariegeoises
We will tell you about our route and the 7 destinations we passed through during the 3 days of this Pilar bridge through the French Pyrenees with children in a motorhome. To find out more about each destination, click the "Read more" button below or the photo.
1 Plateau de Beille, a ski paradise with 360º views
The Plateau de Beille is not just a great ski area, there are thousands of trails and routes with the best 360º views over the French and Spanish Pyrenees. A place to discover the wildest fauna, including bears (beware!), In the middle of nature.
2 Les Cabannes, a beautiful town with good places to spend the night if you want a camping or AC area
In the Beille Valley we find Les Cabannes as the nerve center of its social life. A place to rest, have a drink and regain strength to continue with the routes of this valley. If you are looking for camping in the French Pyrenees, here you have a very good option with an area for motorhomes and a great municipal camper.
3 Lordat, a castle with breathtaking views of the Ax Valley an essential summer stop
In Lordat you will find the best views of the Ax Valley along with the remains of a beautiful castle that are worth visiting. It is an essential part of a route through the French Pyrenees in summer especially, where its castle reaches its maximum splendor through multiple events and visits.
4 Merens les Vals: wild and unknown natural hot springs in France
Merens les Vals is home to sulphurous pools in the middle of nature along with a precious cultural heritage that you should not miss. If you are looking for natural hot springs in France, here is a good option.
5 Hospitalet pres Andorre, a meeting place
A meeting point at 1600m for motorhomes on horseback between Andorra and France. The perfect motorhome area in France, free, with all services and at a crucial point on your French Pyrenees route by motorhome.
6 Orlu Valley: National Park full of activities. Obligatory stop on a route through the French Pyrenees with children
The Orlu Valley is the valley that offers more activities in the area, you cannot miss it. The best place to do the French Pyrenees with children without a doubt.
7 Ax les Thermes, hot springs, spas and the nerve center of good skiers
A little thermal town with hundreds of hot springs and pools, spas and beautiful commercial and restaurant establishments for a successful stop on your route. If you are looking for natural hot springs in France or spas in the French Pyrenees this is your place.
More to see ...
In the Pyrenees de l'Ariege there is much more to see from caves and prehistoric parks to the best ski resorts and beautiful French castles such as the Château de Foix.
This has been our 3-day route but remember you have much more to discover in the area.
Make your French Pyrenees route by motorhome and tell us in comments!
Our French Pyrenees route by motorhome in photos
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Other articles that may interest you
Manual for traveling in a motorhome with children
Everything you need to know about and more to travel in a motorhome with children
Your blog is very interesting, in a few weeks we will leave with our «Margarita», a 30-year-old motorhome... heading south to France, and this type of information is appreciated.
Regards and good luck.
Thank you for your comment Raquel, it is one of those that fill us with love and energy to continue writing and sharing our adventures.
Hugs,
Pilar and Jose