Camping in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Are you ready for an adventure that combines mountain and sea? Look no further than the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France. With HomeCamper, finding the perfect campsite for your vanlife journey is a breeze. Whether you're looking for a spot to park your van with a view of the sea or nestled in the mountains, HomeCamper's hosts have a variety of options to choose from. Plus, you'll get the added bonus of staying with locals and preserving the camping spirit!

When it comes to things to see and do in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the options are endless. The department boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the beautiful fine sandy beaches of the Catalan coast to the 11 nature reserves, including the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve, the only exclusively marine reserve in the country. Nature lovers will find the Pyrénées Orientales to be a true paradise, with many beautiful natural sites that have been well preserved over time. The Massane forest, the Canigou massif and the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, offer numerous hiking trails and activities such as fishing, water sports and walks of all kinds. The department also has animal parks and caves such as the Grotte de la Fou. For a well-being stay, the Eastern Pyrenees are also a perfect destination with hot springs and thermal resorts.

As for history buffs, the Pyrénées-Orientales is a department filled with long running history, there are many buildings that defy time, such as the Fort de Salses or the famous Vauban fortifications, the fortress of Mont Louis, the highest fortified city in France and the palace of the kings of Majorca in Perpignan, the Catalan capital. The department also has many abbeys and cloisters such as the abbey of Saint Michel and the cloister of Elne. And don't miss the unusual abandoned village of Opoul-Perillos.

More on Perpignan, the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, it's a city with a rich history and culture that is definitely worth exploring. As we have seen preivously, one of the must-see spots in Perpignan is the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a 14th century palace that was once home to the Kings of Majorca. The palace is now a museum and offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history. Another must-see spot is the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.

For those interested in art and culture, the Musée d'Art Hyacinthe Rigaud is a must-visit. The museum houses an impressive collection of works by the famous local artist Hyacinthe Rigaud, as well as other notable artists from the region. The Musée de l'Olivier is also worth a visit, as it offers an interesting look into the history of olive oil production in the region.

Perpignan is also home to many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Jardins de l'Albère and the Jardins de la Pépinière. These gardens offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and are perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

For those who are looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, the abandoned village of Opoul-Perillos is definitely worth a visit. The village, which was abandoned in the 1960s, offers a unique glimpse into the past and is a photographer's dream. The village is also a great spot for hiking and exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside.

In any case, the Pyrénées-Orientales are the perfect destination for vanlife enthusiasts looking for a mix of mountain and sea. With HomeCamper, finding the perfect campsite for your road trip is a breeze. HomeCamper's hosts offer a variety of options, from simple garden camping grounds to more unique accommodations, allowing you to stay directly with locals while preserving the camping spirit.

As for things to see and do in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the options are endless. The department boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the Cerdagne massif to the Mediterranean coast, with many nature reserves in between. The Catalan coast offers beautiful fine sandy beaches and popular seaside resorts such as Canet en Roussillon and Port Barcarès. Nature lovers will find the Pyrénées-Orientales to be a true paradise, with 11 nature reserves to explore, such as the Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve, the Massane forest, and the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park.

The department also boasts a rich history, with many buildings that defy time such as the Fort de Salses, the Vauban fortifications and the fortress of Mont Louis, the highest fortified city in France. Visitors can also discover the abbey of Saint Michel, the cloister of Elne, the abandoned village of Opoul-Perillos and the palace of the kings of Majorca in Perpignan, the Catalan capital.

For a truly unique experience, plan your van trip during the months of May, where you'll be able to explore the department in complete tranquility, while enjoying swimming in the Mediterranean sea. Avoid the months of July and August if you're not a fan of high heat and crowds.

The Pyrénées-Orientales promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for any roadtripper, vanlifer, and camping enthusiast out there! With beautiful beaches, preserved nature and rich history, this department offers something for everyone.

To learn more about HomeCamper campsites and private motorhome areas, visit our homepage.