Des Gaves, a 4 star campsite in the Ossau valley
The Camping des Gaves campsite accommodates you, throughout the entire year, well almost, in Laruns, within the amazing and lush Ossau valley, in the heart of the Pyrenees. This establishment rated 4 star, open from December to November, is half an hour’s drive from Spain and near the ski resorts of Gourette and Artouste, renowned thermal spas and the Pyrénées National Park…
A campsite in Laruns by the Gave d’Ossau river
If you’re seeking a quality holiday resort in the Ossau valley, to recharge your batteries, relax and discover the delights of the mountains, equally during the summer as the winter sports season, the Des Gaves campsite is made for you! This member establishment in the Maeva group has a wide choice of holiday accommodation, suited to your needs.
On-site, there are pitches for tents, caravans, converted vans or campers but also a multitude of comfortable holiday rentals. These range from the traditional shepherd’s huts to the Datcha in the wooded uplands, enjoying a view over the river flowing below the campsite - the Gave d’Ossau, to the fisherman's cabins. For even greater comfort, choose the Nature lodge on stilts with a large covered terrace!
Moreover, the Des Gaves campsite has a 600 m² water park, consisting of a play pool, swimming pool and paddling pool. Right nearby, there is a wooden sunbathing terrace to chill whilst admiring the view over the Gave d’Ossau river and the impressive Pic de Ger summit, as well as a bar for a bite to eat, accompanied by a hot or cold drink. Not far from here, you can make the most of the children’s play area, ping-pong tables and pétanque grounds.
A perfect campsite to head for the Pyrenees
By staying on the Des Gaves campsite during the winter season, you can quickly reach the winter sports resorts of Artouste and Gourette. These enable you to go skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or even snowshoeing, in particular for this last activity around the magnificent Cirque d’Anéou cirque.
From May to October, your can take the waters in Eaux-Chaudes and Eaux-Bonnes, two renowned thermal spas in the Pyrenees, not far from Laruns. All throughout the year, the Institut Spa Montagne spa and health club in Laruns offers you body and facial treatments. Lastly, make the most of the summer to take the Petit Train d’Artouste (Artouste tourist train), the highest train in Europe, and treat yourself to an unforgettable trip, at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres, to discover exceptional landscapes!
During summer, you can do a multitude of outdoor activities around the Des Gaves campsite; horse-riding, canyoning, rafting. paragliding and of course hikes on the magnificent GR 10. The Pyrénées National Park offers a fabulous trip amongst passes, ridges and no fewer than five superb mountain lakes!
An unforgettable stay in the Pyrénées Atlantiques department
Huddled between the magnificent Pyrenees mountain range and the Gers and Landes departments, the Béarn region has a strong identity and mild climate. Again during your stay on the Des Gaves campsite, you can visit the charming hilltop villages of Laruns, Béost and Artouste or even admire the view over the Pic du Midi d'Ossau mountain.
Discover the city of Pau, starting with the Place Clemenceau square, delightful fountains and palm trees. Then cross the historic quarter up to the Saint-Martin church. Continue to the Place Royale square and take the free funicular. You’ll glimpse the city hall, the statue of Henri IV and the Pyrenees mountain range. Lastly, head for the medieval quarter to visit the Château de Pau castle.
During your holiday, learn about Béarn folklore. At the start of July, the Ossau inhabitants celebrate transhumance, a joyful and moving festival to accompany the herds’ ascent to the summer pastures. Admire the preparation of the herds, branding the beasts, and attaching the bells. The weekend of 15th August, is a patronal holiday (the Feast of the Assumption of Mary), singers and dancers put on their best costumes, to liven up the village of Laruns and the Ossalois ball. During the first weekend in October, be sure you don’t miss the Laruns cheese fair.