Atypical campsite in an isolated barn in the heart of nature, in the Val d'Azun (Hautes-Pyrénées), altitude 950 m.
Superb views of the peaks, magnificent setting, guaranteed isolation and peace and quiet.
The barn is located in a grazing area outside the village.
Water (tap outside), dry toilets, camping equipment on loan.
No electricity (a 28W charger is available), portable solar showers.
Accessible via 1km driveway + approx. 500m on foot (+60m ascent) grazing area (among herds of cattle and sheep).
Please note: minimum booking of 2 nights.
Please examine the advert and photos carefully before booking and/or asking any questions!
Contact me for winter stays (October/April) or long stays (possible under certain conditions).
The setting
You won't have much in the way of comforts, but you will have a magnificent, unobstructed view of more than 180° of the Hautacam, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Pic d'Arrens, the Lac d'Arcizans-Avant, the Cabaliros massif, the Soum de Laya, the Pic de Peyre and the Col de Liar (accessible from the barn).
The barn, served by tracks, is located on a 1300 m² plot of land, mostly on a slope, surrounded by meadows and forests. Camping is in the barn. Stone walls, nail slate roof, two windows (no glass or shutters) + 1 large door on the east front + 1 door on the south side.
Very good exposure, plenty of sunshine (the Val d'Azun is the valley of light).
The barn is isolated, quiet (and only accessible on foot for the last 500m), but only 1.5 km from the village. Your neighbors will be the sheep (sometimes cows), whose bells you'll hear, and the birds of prey that soar over the valley, whose meows and cries you'll hear... you'll also hear the murmur of the nearby torrent.
The spots
You'll be camping in the unrenovated part of the barn to the east (the small shelter to the west is not rented out): sleeping is only possible IN the barn, as the outside is pastureland and mostly sloping (we don't own the flat land around it), but at least you'll be well sheltered in case of bad weather or extreme heat.
Please read the detailed description carefully, for the preservation of this place and the respect of all.
Access is possible in part by car, driving carefully along a track for about 1km, then leaving your car and walking the rest of the way (I'll show you where to park so as not to interfere with the breeders' work). The second track (only possible on foot) is about 500m long, with a 60m difference in height (make sure you close the gate to access this second track). Of course, you can also leave your car in the village and walk the whole way.
A detailed itinerary (with maps and GPS coordinates) will be sent to you after booking.
If you don't have a car, you can take the train to Lourdes, then the bus to Argelès-Gazost, and finally a cab to the village (cab fare: just under 15 euros).
Shopping is possible in Arras-en-Lavedan (5km) or Arrens-Marsous (7km) and all amenities in Argelès-Gazost (9km).
As the latter trail is pedestrian only, it is impossible to bring caravans, vans or camping cars.
Please note: this is a secluded, peaceful bivouac for people who love the mountains, away from mass tourism. Sobriety is the order of the day... You won't have all the comforts of a classic campsite, such as fully-equipped sanitary facilities and entertainment, but you will enjoy the solitude and exceptional scenery.
The sanitary facilities
Dry toilets (please read the instructions provided at the time of booking, for the respect of the site and the comfort of all) + chamber pot. Toilets covered by opaque drapes.
3 portable solar showers (2 gravitational, 1 pressure), a small children's pool used as a "receiver", an old-fashioned bidet.
You must bring your own towels and toilet paper.
Water from an outdoor tap: in winter, the tap pipe can freeze, and sometimes (during major droughts) the pipe to the spring is disconnected, so we can't guarantee the water supply (but there's always water from the torrent just a few dozen meters away). Tap water comes from a (non-controlled) spring, but torrent water is obviously not drinkable: a ceramic filter at your disposal means you can drink it with complete peace of mind.
The amenities
Equipment on loan: 2 tents for 3 people (dim 210X195X120) + blankets + 3 hot-water bottles + a large table, chairs, benches + parasols + crockery for around ten people and kitchen utensils (list supplied on request), a gas hob, two pantries (if these aren't enough, a tip: hang a bag or shopping bag from a beam, with your food in it), basins and buckets for washing up and washing clothes, soap and washing-up liquid, dish and hand towels (please use only 2/3 towels per stay or per week, so as to leave some for the next ones). Board games and IGN maps are also available (list on request), as well as a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher. You need to bring your own sleeping bags + towels + flashlights or headlamps + toilet paper.
A Big Blue 28 W solar charger (3 usb ports) will enable you to recharge your phones and lamps (please take care of it, close the folding panels, and store it in a safe place after use).
The activities
Numerous hiking trails, with a hiking trail (le tour du Val d'Azun) just below and above the barn, itself connected to the many GR trails that criss-cross the Pyrenees. You'll be close to the hiking trails, but not on the busy stretches. Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country and cross-country skiing (nearby: Col de Couraduque, Soulor, Aubisque, Lac du Tech, Lac d'Estaing).
Val d'Azun Nordic area 10km away + Hautacam ski and leisure resort 25km away.
Canoeing at the Agos - Vidalos leisure center (12/13km).
But culture is not absent: nearby, in Arras-en-Lavedan (5km), you'll find a very nice bookshop, the Kairn, with of course many books on the "pays", hiking etc., and maps, but also literature. The bookshop also serves coffee and snacks (delicious soups) and offers writing workshops all year round. In the same village, you'll also find art and cultural events, an art trail, exhibitions, yoga and relaxation classes.
Café concert chez Pierrot in Arcizan-Avant (10km) or l'Apistomaque in Arrens-Marsous (7km).
Other things
Minimum booking of one week. The price is the same whether you are 1 or 6, because I don't rent to several groups: you'll be alone in the non-renovated part. The price also includes the numerous items on loan, and is justified by the exceptional setting.
If you come across a herd of cows on the way up, it's best to go around them. When you're away, close the barn doors so that the sheep and cows can get in and make (email hidden)Generally speaking, close all gates and fences.
The barn is not locked.
Tent ready
Florent C.
Julien A.
