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

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

Day 1: The Port of Venasque

The adventure begins at the French-Spanish border at the Pyrenees Pass, Port de Vénasque (Puerto de Benasque in Spanish), nestled between the Pique Valley and the Esera Valley. Behind the windows, mountain landscapes unfold, attracting hikers ready to embark on the many hikes that reveal breathtaking views of the highest peaks and sublime panoramas of lakes and mountains. In the heart of the boums (lakes), the Vénasque refuge is a pleasant stopover for a warm night after a good meal.

Parking : In a campervan, you can sleep near the Hospice de France, in the Bonnefont car park or on the Carpentras road

Day 2: Lake Ôo

Don't be fooled by appearances, even though Lake Ôo seems very 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 spread over 42 hectares surrounded by mountains is a sublime spectacle to discover on foot during a 2-hour round trip on the GR10 starting from Granges d'Astau, not to mention its magnificent 275 m high waterfall. Want to extend your getaway and leave your van for the night? Bivouacking is permitted at Lake Ôo, while the Espingo refuge, open in fine weather, allows you to take a shower and a hot meal.

Parking : In a van, the Au Fil de l'Ôo campsite is very well laid out on the riverbank

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 the town nicknamed " the Queen of the Pyrenees." Renowned for its thermal baths and health benefits, it is also appreciated for its 250 km of marked mountain trails and its ski area accessible in winter. Fancy an active afternoon? Leave your vehicle behind and opt for rafting, canyoning, climbing, or Via Ferrata with H2O Vives !

Parking : There is a large car park on Avenue Jean Moulin near the cemetery with little traffic, a 3-minute walk from the town, accessible by camper van.

Day 4: Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

The next stop takes you to visit one of the most beautiful villages in France, located at the foot of the Pyrenees, which tells you more than 2,000 years of history. Before driving to the top of the village, take the time to discover the Basilica of Saint-Just-de-Valcabrère below, a testimony to Pyrenean Romanesque art, as well as the Romanesque city of Lugdunum and its Gallo-Roman remains. The often steep streets surrounded by half-timbered houses lead you to the Sainte-Marie Cathedral with its magnificent architecture, which can be visited. Take the time to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminge, before getting back on the road at the wheel of your van towards the Gargas Caves, 10 minutes away.

Parking : the large Le Plan car park is accessible for spending the night without unpacking, or the Es Pibou campsite in the shade of the trees

Day 5: Martres-Tolosane

This small town of character, which is also an artistic city, is a town-center in the Occitan region that has a circular shape, like medieval towns. Charming and pleasant to visit, it is also renowned for its earthenware tradition and its artisanal earthenware production with traditional "Grand Feu" firing to cook the pieces between 900 and 1,000°C. This know-how is also presented in the earthenware museum spread over 2 floors which presents the history of the village and the Martraise earthenware factory (open from March to December).

Parking : In a camper van you can park on rue du Page or at the municipal campsite on the lake in Boussens

Day 6: Toulouse

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

• The 12,000 m2 Capitol Square overlooked by the Capitol 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 to dive into the heart of astronomy
• The Garonne and its quays lined with terraces and cafés...

Take the time to explore the city on foot and why not take a picnic break on the banks of the river while admiring the Pont-Neuf. Please note that parking is charged from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., even in camper vans (except Sundays and public holidays).

Parking : Several car parks are available for spending the night in Toulouse, such as the Jourdain car park or the large car park at the entrance to the Bouconne forest, as well as campsites such as the Bouriette or the Rupé campsite.

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 ideal for numerous walks and treasure hunts in the heart of the vineyards. A discovery trail available at the tourist office allows you to discover 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 the southwest) or to the Maison des Vins et du Tourisme de Vignoble Fronton to book a cellar tour or take part in a tasting.

Parking : Avenue du stade or the Terrasses Occitanes campsite in Grisolles, 10 minutes from Fronton

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

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