A Mercedes Campervan Adventure Through the Pyrenees: France to Spain (Part 2) 🚐
Hello again! Adrian here, and I’m back with part two of my Mercedes campervan adventure. After the beautiful journey through France, we were excited to head into the Pyrenees and cross into Spain.
Our convoy of campervans, a few friends tagging along, was ready for the next leg of this amazing trip! 🌄
A Perfect Start 🏞️
We kicked off our Pyrenean adventure in the elegant town of Pau. What a place to start!
We parked at a lovely campsite and strolled along the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Seeing those majestic mountains in the distance filled us with excitement for what was to come. After a coffee in a local café, we headed up to the Château de Pau 🏰, taking in the history and stunning views.
In the evening, we parked our Mercedes campervan near the mountains, grilled sausages for our fresh bread and various fresh vegetables were char-cooked outside and watched the sunset 🌅. Laughter and chatter around the campfire was the perfect way to kick off the next leg of our adventure! 🔥🍻
Col du Tourmalet – One for the Bike! 🚴♂️
Ah, Col du Tourmalet! What a spectacular drive that was in the Mercedes campervan! 😍 After hearing so much about this legendary Pyrenean pass, finally getting to experience it first-hand was a dream come true. It’s a renowned climb in the Tour de France, but let me tell you, driving through it in a campervan was a whole different thrill. 🚐
We arrived early in the morning, and the air was crisp and fresh, perfect for an adventure. The steep, winding roads kept us on our toes, but the views – oh, the views! 🏞️ Majestic peaks and valleys stretched out on either side and the higher we climbed, the more dramatic the landscape became. At one point, we even saw a few daring cyclists making their way up – hats off to them! 🚴♂️
We made a pit stop at the top, where there’s a monument to cycling legend Octave Lapize. It was a great spot to stretch our legs and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. I grabbed my phone and filled it with spectacular photos. This place just felt otherworldly, like being on top of the world! 🌍
That afternoon, we parked the Mercedes campervan in a scenic little spot. We were surrounded by the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, and we cooked a simple lunch in the campervan, enjoying the peace and quiet. As the sun began to set, we sat outside with blankets wrapped around us, sharing stories of the day’s adventure over a bottle of wine (hic). 🍷
Grande Tourmalet ⛷️
Col du Tourmalet was definitely a highlight of the trip. It’s one of those places that makes you feel alive, whether you’re conquering it on two wheels or four. Next time, I might even attempt a walk in the area – I hear the trails are fantastic too. But for now, I’ll remember this day as one filled with awe, laughter, and stunning scenery. 🌄
After visiting Col du Tourmalet, we couldn’t miss the Grand Tourmalet, one of the most stunning ski resorts in the Pyrenees. Even though we weren’t there during ski season, the area was brimming with natural beauty. ⛷️🏞️
Driving through, we took in the sweeping views of the majestic mountains, often spotting flocks of goats and sheep. The charming little villages nestled along the route made for perfect photo opportunities! The blend of natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and peaceful meadows made it feel like a hidden gem.
In the evening, we parked the Mercedes campervan near La Mongie, the village at the base of the ski resort, and enjoyed the crisp mountain air as we shared stories over a warm meal in the campervan. 🥘 There’s something magical about being surrounded by towering peaks as the sun sets – it’s the ultimate campervan experience!
I’d love to return here in deep winter to see the snow-covered slopes, but even without it, Grand Tourmalet was breathtaking!
Gavarnie – Natural Nature🌿
Onward to Gavarnie, where the Cirque de Gavarnie blew us all away. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was like nature’s amphitheatre, surrounded by towering cliffs. After a scenic walk, we reached the massive waterfall, one of the tallest in Europe. 🌊 It felt surreal standing at the base, looking up at this beast.
That evening, we set up camp nearby. 🍷 With a glass of local wine in hand, we sat outside the campervans, chatting under a sky full of stars ✨. There’s nothing better than reflecting on a day with friends, comfy boots on and some local chocolate!
Luz-Saint-Sauveur – Time to Unwind 🛀
After a couple of action-packed days, we decided to treat ourselves in Luz-Saint-Sauveur, famous for its thermal baths. We spent the morning soaking in the warm waters 💧- just what we needed to soothe our hiking-weary muscles. Bliss!
We spent the afternoon wandering the town, crossing the impressive Pont Napoléon. By evening, we were back at a riverside spot 🚐, sharing a simple dinner of bread, cheese, and fresh olives 🧀. The sound of the river gently flowing by made for a relaxing soundtrack as we enjoyed the evening together. 🎶
Cauterets – Waterfalls and Wonders 💦
Cauterets was next on the agenda, and we couldn’t resist checking out the famous Pont d’Espagne waterfalls. After a gentle hike through lush forests 🌳, we found ourselves staring at the cascading waters – they were as mesmerising as they were powerful.
The best part of the day? Cooking up a feast in the van 🍳 while the sound of the waterfalls echoed in the distance. With some local beer in hand 🍺, we settled in for another night of stories, music 🎵, and planning our next steps.
Col du Pourtalet – Crossing into Spain 🇫🇷➡️🇪🇸
The day had finally arrived to cross into Spain! The Col du Pourtalet was a breathtaking journey, with twisting roads and jaw-dropping views of the Pyrenees 🌄. As we made our way to the summit, we stopped several times to take it all in. The Mercedes campervan handled the mountain roads like pros! 🚐💨
Once we reached the border, we had a picnic 🧺 to celebrate the milestone. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and the adventure was continuing.
The view of the Pyrenees from my bed!
Jaca – A Taste of Spain 🇪🇸
We rolled into Jaca, our first stop in Spain, where the history is as rich as the scenery. After parking the campervans at a nearby campsite, we wandered through the town’s ancient streets, taking in the Ciudadela de Jaca, a massive fortress steeped in history. 🏯
After lunch at a local café (which involved some delicious tapas, of course! 🍤), we explored the Jaca Cathedral – one of Spain’s oldest Romanesque cathedrals. That evening, we parked at a scenic overlook, cooked a Spanish-style feast (paella, anyone?), and shared some beer. 🍽️
Ordesa National Park 🌳
On to exploring the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. The drive there was fun! – winding roads, towering mountains, and crystal-clear streams running alongside us in our Mercedes campervan. 🏞️
We spent the day mooching around this natural paradise, with every twist and turn revealing something more beautiful than the last.
By evening, we parked by the park’s edge, cooked a hearty meal in the campervans, and let our feet rest. 🌌
As we finished our first leg of the Pyrenean adventure, the sense of freedom that comes with travelling in a Mercedes campervan was more apparent than ever. 🚐
The mountains, the culture, the food, the friends – everything about this trip so far has been unforgettable, and the best part?
We still had so much more to explore.
Looking Ahead: More Adventures to Come! 🚐✨
The Pyrenees gave us everything we could’ve hoped for and more, but the adventure doesn’t stop here. Next, we’ll be heading into Spain, continuing this incredible journey, in our Mercedes campervan.
Stay tuned for the next part of our trip – I can’t wait to share what’s coming next!
Adrian 🚐
Freedom Camping Options in Europe:
If you’re planning to enjoy the flexibility of campervan travel across Europe, you’ll be happy to know that freedom camping, also known as “wild camping,” is allowed in some places, though restrictions vary by country.
- Aires
Aires are dedicated motorhome parking spots across many European countries, often run by local councils. Some aires are free for overnight stays and only charge for services like water or electricity. Learn more about Aires here to find spots along your route. - Wild Camping Spots
- France: Generally, wild camping is tolerated but is limited in areas like national parks or coastal regions.
- Spain: Regulations vary by region. In some places, camping is permitted on private land with the owner’s permission.
- Romania: There are no specific laws against wild camping, though it’s advisable to ask for permission on private land.
- For information on restrictions in different countries, Park4Night and Homecamper are popular resources.
- Websites to Find Camping Spots
Resources like Campspace, KOAT UK, and Park4Night provide searchable databases for finding parking spots, wild camping areas, and traditional campsites in Europe. They also list sites with paid amenities like water and electricity.
Responsible Camping Tips:
- Follow local regulations, especially for fire safety during dry seasons.
- Dispose of waste properly, including burying organic waste where necessary.
- Be considerate of local wildlife and avoid overstaying in any one location.
With careful planning and a respectful approach to wild camping, you can enjoy a flexible, memorable journey across Europe while staying in scenic, off-the-beaten-path spots.
