7 days of road life in Haute-Garonne, a unique escape with a stop in Toulouse

Experience a holiday of complete freedom behind the wheel of your campervan ! Ideal for exploring the roads at your own pace, van life lets you discover the Haute-Garonne region according to your desires. Escape to the south of France, near the Spanish border, before stopping in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, with the Toulouse-Pyrénées Guide!

1 week on the roads of Haute-Garonne in a campervan

Day 1: The Port of Vénasque

The adventure begins at the Franco-Spanish border at the Port de Vénasque (Puerto de Benasque in Spanish) mountain pass in the Pyrenees, nestled between the Pique and Esera valleys. Beyond the windows, mountain landscapes unfold, enticing hikers eager to embark on the numerous trails that reveal breathtaking views of the highest peaks and sublime panoramas of lakes and mountains. In the heart of the lakes, the Vénasque refuge offers a pleasant stopover for a warm night after a hearty meal.

Day 2: Lake Ôo

Don't be fooled by appearances; while Lake Ôo may seem close to the Port de Vénasque, you still have to travel nearly 150 km of winding roads in a campervan to reach your destination. But what a view once you arrive! This magnificent artificial lake, stretching across 42 hectares and surrounded by mountains, is a breathtaking sight to discover on foot during a 2-hour round trip on the GR10 trail, starting from Les Granges d'Astau, not forgetting its magnificent 275-meter-high waterfall.

Day 3: Bagnères-de-Luchon

The drive to Bagnères-de-Luchon is short (less than 30 minutes), allowing you to enjoy a full day in the heart of this town nicknamed " the Queen of the Pyrenees." Renowned for its thermal baths and their therapeutic benefits, it's also appreciated for its 250 km of marked mountain trails and its ski area, accessible in winter. Fancy an active afternoon? Leave your car behind and opt for rafting, canyoning, climbing, or Via Ferrata with H2O Vives !

Day 4: Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

The next stop takes you to one of France's most beautiful villages, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, which boasts over 2,000 years of history: Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Before driving up to the village, take some time to explore the Basilica of Saint-Just-de-Valcabrère below, a testament to Pyrenean Romanesque art, as well as the Romanesque city of Lugdunum and its Gallo-Roman remains. The often steep streets lined with half-timbered houses lead you to the magnificent Sainte-Marie Cathedral, which is open to visitors. Take a moment to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges before hitting the road again in your campervan, heading towards the Gargas Caves, just 10 minutes away.

Day 5: Martres-Tolosane

This small town of character, also an artistic hub, is a central market town in the Occitanie region, laid out in a circular pattern reminiscent of medieval towns. Charming and pleasant to visit, it is also renowned for its earthenware tradition and its production of handcrafted pottery using the traditional "Grand Feu" firing method, firing pieces at temperatures between 900 and 1000°C. This expertise is showcased in the two-story earthenware museum, which presents the history of the village and the Martres pottery works (open from March to December).

Day 6: Toulouse

Here's an unmissable stop on your 7-day road trip through Haute-Garonne! Crossed by the Garonne River, the city nicknamed the " Pink City " is magnificent to visit, with several must-see sites:

• The 12,000 m2 Capitole square overlooked by the Capitole and its pink bricks;
• Its various museums such as the Saint-Raymond Museum, the Augustins Museum or the Abattoirs ;
• The Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
• The Cité de l'Espace (Space City) to immerse yourself in the heart of astronomy
• The Garonne River and its quays lined with terraces and cafes …

Take the time to explore the city on foot and perhaps enjoy a picnic on the riverbank while admiring the Pont-Neuf. Please note that parking is paid from 9 am to 8 pm, even for campervans (except Sundays and public holidays).

Day 7: Fronton

The van trip ends in a town renowned for its rosé. Located 30 minutes north of Toulouse, Fronton is a town surrounded by vineyards, perfect for walks and scavenger hunts among the vines. A discovery trail, available at the tourist office, allows you to explore the history and heritage of Fronton, from the Château de Capdeville to the Notre-Dame-d'Ascension church. Want to taste the rosé? Head to Vinovalie (the leading rosé producer in Southwest France) or the Maison des Vins et du Tourisme de Vignoble Fronton (Fronton Vineyards Wine and Tourism Center) to book a cellar tour or participate in a tasting.

Have a great road trip in your campervan in Haute-Garonne !

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