Camping, Hiking & Scenic Stops with Practical Tips
If you’re dreaming of a mountain road trip filled with alpine lakes, waterfalls, scenic hikes, and wild desert landscapes, this itinerary through the French and Spanish Pyrenees delivers it all. From Bilbao to Bardenas Reales and back, this circular route is packed with adventure—whether you’re traveling by campervan or car + tent combo.
🗺️ Overview of the Route
Start/End: Bilbao, Spain
Trip Type: Loop (crosses into France and back)
Best Time to Go: Late May to mid-October
Trip Length: 10–14 days recommended
Ideal For: Hikers, nature lovers, van lifers, adventure seekers
Accommodation Style: Mostly camping + wild nature spots
If you are looking to hire a car to do this ultimate Pyrenees road trip, you can check out some great options here.
1. Bilbao → Pamplona (1h15 drive)
Start your journey in Bilbao, grab your rental or camper, and head to Pamplona to stock up on groceries and camping supplies. Supermarkets like E.Leclerc, Carrefour, and local markets are well-equipped. It’s the last major city before heading into rural terrain.
📍 2. Antiguo Balneario de Tiermas & Escó
A fascinating first stop. The Antiguo Balneario de Tiermas is a submerged spa that occasionally resurfaces when reservoir levels drop (usually late summer). Combine this with a visit to Escó, an eerie abandoned village nearby.
- Facilities: None – bring snacks and water.
- Parking: Free roadside parking near the reservoir.
- Tip: Check water levels before you go. Tiermas is only visible during drought periods.
📍 3. Sallent de Gállego & Salto de Sallent
A picturesque mountain town surrounded by peaks and lakes.
- Main Hike: Salto de Sallent waterfall (easy 2.7 km return, ~1 hour)
- Parking: Free lot at “El Escaladillo” in town
- Eat: Local spots like Casa Clemente or Asador El Rincón serve hearty mountain meals
- Camp: Wild camping tolerated in some areas (discreetly); otherwise head toward Formigal
📍 4. Lac de Fabrèges & Artouste Area (France)
Cross into France to explore the lakeside area of Fabrèges near the Artouste station.
- Activities: Pedal boats, hiking trails, or just relax by the lake
- Parking: Free aire for vans and cars (approx. 80 spaces)
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and rentals available in summer
- Camping: Nearby campsite or use the aire (self-contained only)
📍 5. Train d’Artouste & Lac d’Artouste
Ride one of Europe’s highest tourist trains, climbing to nearly 2,000 m.
- Season: Open May–early October
- Cost: ~€50–60 per adult (includes cable car + train)
- Hike Option: Short 15–20 min walk from the station to the lake
- Booking: Strongly recommended during peak season (artouste.fr)
📍 6. Camping des Gaves – Laruns
After exploring Artouste, stop in Laruns, a charming French mountain town.
- Campground: Camping des Gaves (4-star)
- Facilities: Pool, restaurant, laundry, clean bathrooms
- Rates: €22–€90/night depending on season & pitch type
- Perfect Base For: Hiking, canyoning, or relaxing
📍 7. Hike to Lac du Montagnon
A lesser-known gem and one of the most beautiful heart-shaped lakes in the Pyrenees.
- Trailhead: Village of Aydius or Col de Lasserre
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (~9 km, 5 hours round-trip, 1000 m ascent)
- Parking: Free lot near the trailhead
- Camping: Not allowed directly at the lake. Camp down near Aydius.
📍 8. Camping Le Saillet – Lestelle-Bétharram
A convenient overnight stop close to Lourdes and the Parc National des Pyrénées.
- Facilities: Snack bar, pool, shaded plots, breakfast on request
- Rates: From €27/night
- Good For: Rest day or base for Cauterets region
📍 9. Pont d’Espagne & Lac de Gaube
One of the most iconic alpine views in France. You can hike or take a chairlift up.
- Hike: ~8.5 km round-trip (4–5 hours) or quick access via lift
- Difficulty: Moderate with some incline
- Parking: Paid (around €7–8 per day)
- Eat: Mountain restaurant near Lac de Gaube
📍 10. Cirque de Gavarnie (UNESCO Site)
A natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
- Hike: ~2–3 hours return from the village to the main waterfall viewpoint
- Parking: Paid public lot at the edge of town (€5–8)
- Stay: No wild camping allowed; use nearby campsites or guesthouses
📍 11. Mountain Karting at Lac de Fabrèges
If you missed it earlier, return to Fabrèges for a ride on the Mountain Kart—an off-road downhill go-kart experience.
- Open: Summer only
- Cost: ~€10–15 for a session
- Fun Factor: High! No driving license needed
📍 12. Lac de Bious-Artigues
An easy-access lake with optional hikes in the Ossau Valley.
- Parking: Free but limited—arrive early
- Hikes: Loop around the lake or longer trails into the valley
- Camping: Wild camping allowed (above 1,000 m, minimum 1-hour walk from car) per French national park rules
📍 13. Formigal & Ibones de Anayet
Back on the Spanish side, hike to the stunning Ibones de Anayet, mountain lakes with views of volcanic peaks.
- Trailhead: Near Formigal Portalet (Spain–France border)
- Hike: ~3–4 hours return, moderate
- Parking: Free, but unpaved in places
- Facilities: Small bar/café near Formigal
📍 14. Bardenas Reales Desert (Navarra)
End your nature loop in a surreal semi-desert landscape often compared to Utah.
- Activities: Short hikes, photo spots (e.g., Castildetierra)
- Access: Free
- Parking: Visitor center or roadside areas
- Camping: Not allowed inside the park, but a few campsites nearby
📍 15. Deba (Basque Coast)
Wind down your trip on the Basque coast.
- What to Do: Beach walk, relax at seaside cafés, try Basque cuisine
- Eat: Local pintxos bars or Restaurante Hika
- Parking: Free spots outside town; paid zones near the beach
- Camping: Coastal sites or return to Bilbao for your final night
🚐 Practical Tips
- Best Navigation App: Maps.me or Google Maps offline
- Wild Camping: Legal in some French national parks under strict rules. Avoid in Spain unless at official areas.
- Cash: Keep coins for mountain parking machines
- Language: Basic French and Spanish helpful; English is spoken in tourist areas
- Fuel Up: Stations sparse in high mountain areas—fill up in towns
- Weather: Expect sudden changes; always pack a jacket and waterproof layer
🌄 Final Thoughts
This Pyrenees road trip blends lush alpine trails with rugged desert views and picturesque lakes. With plenty of campgrounds, moderate hikes, and scenic drives, it’s the perfect adventure for road trippers wanting a balance of activity and tranquility.
Let me know if you’d like a downloadable map, GPX tracks for hikes, or a printable version for your blog!