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A natural hot spring in France with free hot springs in France near Andorra: Merens les Vals
During our recent motorhome trip through France over the Pilar holiday weekend, we visited the French Pyrenees, specifically the Ariège region. We explored the mountainous part of Ariège with our children , an area known for its thermal springs.
We've called this route: the French Pyrenees 4-Season Motorhome Route . And that's because on this route we experienced days of sun, rain, dense 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 and this hot spring in the south of France has no waste.
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, in a motorhome.
And here is an obligatory stop on our route:
Merens les Vals, the paradise of natural spas in France, free hot springs in France. Here you will find wild hot springs, in the middle of the mountain, as free access pools with exceptional medicinal waters. Don't miss these natural hot springs in the south of France.
Finally, in our post about the French Pyrenees route in Ariège, which I've linked to, you'll find what to see in the French Pyrenees, what to do in Ariège (France), and you'll see charming villages, activities to do, and places to visit around this area.
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.
1st premise for your visit to the Pyrenees of France
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 specialized in traveling by motorhome or camper van.
Basic guide to travel to France
Merens les Vals: natural hot springs in France, wild hot springs in France and in the middle of the mountains
In Meret les Vals you will find two spectacular things:
Romanesque hermitage of Merens les Vals
A hermitage that you will find on the way to the natural hot springs 10 from the town center and parking. You will love it without a doubt.
The wildest and most unknown natural hot springs in France: free hot springs in France
About 30-40 minutes from the parking lot at the entrance of Merens les Vals, where we leave the car or motorhome, we will find through a beautiful walking route that goes along the river the wildest and most unknown natural hot springs in France. southern France near Andorra of sulfurous origin. A route and a place that are worth visiting, be it summer or winter.
The waters of these natural pools in the south of France are warm all year round and are located in an incredible place in the middle of the French Pyrenees.
Point of Departure to the natural hot springs in France from Merens les Vals
Head towards the river. Cross the bridge and take the GR10 (marked with red and white blazes) alongside the river. On this path, you'll first find the hermitage of Mérens. Then, continue uphill along paths that intersect with the small road. At the GR10/GR107 junction, choose GR10 and cross the bridge to the right. Follow the road for a short while, then turn left onto a wooden track. In ten minutes, you'll reach the remaining thermal sulfur springs along the way.
For those arriving by car, you can park next to the chapel, but motorhomes and campervans (the latter are specifically mentioned) are prohibited from crossing the bridge and parking there. Therefore , campervans and motorhomes must park in the parking area at the entrance, next to the road.
Merens les Vals by motorhome: Overnight at the Merens les Vals municipal campsite
To sleep in Merens les Vals you can do it in the parking lot at the entrance, which we do not recommend because it is inclined and next to the road.
But the best option is undoubtedly the Camping Municipal Merens les Vals, a very cheap campsite in Merens les Vals, with the basics but great. The overnight stay for two adults and two children is about 15 euros so it is a great option and you are two steps from the wildest and coolest hot springs in France.
More to discover in the area of these natural hot springs in France or free hot springs in France ...
In the Pyrenees de l'Ariege, within the French Pyrenees in summer or throughout the year, there is much more to see sulfurous waters, castles, charming French villages ...
This has been one of the 7 destinations we visited on our route through the Ariege. If you want to know more destinations, for your trip to the French Pyrenees in summer, autumn, winter or spring, access below.
Our French Pyrenees route in photos after seeing the natural hot springs of France of Merens les Vals
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