Camping in an isolated barn (pasture area, altitude 1000 m)
Superb view on the summits, magnificent setting, guaranteed isolation
Water (tap outside), dry toilets, solar showers (portable), basic camping equipment lent for 4 persons (stove and sleeping bags not provided). No electricity.
Accessible by about 1km of track (not cleared of snow) + about 500m on foot (+60m difference in altitude)
(please read the description and look at the pictures before asking questions!)
The setting
You will not have much comfort but a clear and magnificent view at more than 180° on the Hautacam, the peaks of Midi de Bigorre and Arrens, the lake of Arcizans-Avant, the massif of Cabaliros, the soum of Laya and the peak of Peyre.
The barn is located on a ground of approximately 1300 m² essentially in slope. Stone walls, slate roof, it is served by tracks. Two windows (without glass or shutters) + 1 door on the south side / large front door on the east side.
Very good exposure, beautiful sunshine (the Azun valley is the valley of light).
The barn is isolated (and only accessible by foot for the last 500m), but only 1,5 km from the village (where you will find a church, a town hall, and nice little mills along the torrent), Without being too far from the village, you will be isolated and quiet. Your neighbors will be the sheep (sometimes cows), whose bells you will hear, and the birds of prey that hover over the valley, whose meows and cries you will hear... you will also hear the murmur of the torrent nearby
The spots
You will camp in the unrenovated part of the barn, on the east side (the small shelter on the west side is not rented): sleeping is possible only IN the barn, the outside being grazed and for the most part on a slope (the flat land around does not belong to us), but at least you will be well protected in case of bad weather!
Please read the detailed description for the preservation of this place and the respect of all.
The barn is located in a pasture area, outside the village.
The access is possible partly by car, by driving carefully on a track of about 1km (be careful, this track is not cleared of snow), then you have to leave your car and walk the rest of the way (I'll tell you where to park so as not to disturb the work of the breeders). The second track (only possible on foot), is about 500m, with a difference in level of 60m (make sure to close the access gate to this second track). 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 your reservation.
If you don't have a car, it is possible to come by train to Lourdes, then by bus to Argelès-Gazost and finally a cab can bring you to the village (cost of the cab: a little less than 15 euros).
Shopping is possible in Arras-en-Lavedan (5km) or Arrens-Marsous (7km) and all amenities in Argelès-Gazost (9km).
The sanitary facilities
Dry toilets (read the instructions carefully, for the respect of the place and the comfort of all).
2 portable solar showers, a small children's pool used as a "receiver".
Water from an outside tap: in winter, the tap pipe can freeze, and it happens (rarely) that the pipe going to the spring is disconnected, so we do not guarantee the water supply (but there is always water from the stream only a few dozen meters away). Moreover, the water comes from an uncontrolled source.
The amenities
Loaned equipment: 2 tents for 2 people + a camp bed (beyond 4/5 people, provide camping mattresses and/or tents and/or camp beds) + a large table, two small tables, chairs and benches, dishes for 4 to 6 people (list provided on request), kitchen utensils, basins for dishes and toilet, soaps and dishwashing liquid. Salt, sugar, soluble coffee (not guaranteed at the end of the season). Two fabric shelves to store some things + a small pantry to keep your food safe from mice. You must bring your sheets and/or sleeping bags + your towels + your stove + your toilet paper
No electricity, no wifi of course, but 4G on some networks.
The activities
Many hikes, with a hiking trail (le tour du Val d'Azun) just below and just above the barn, itself connected to the many GR trails that crisscross the Pyrenees. You will be close to the hiking trails, without being on the busy passages. Walking or mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking (nearby: Couraduque pass, Soulor, Aubisque, Tech lake, Estaing lake).
Nordic area of Val d'Azun at 10km + ski and leisure resort of Hautacam at 25 km.
Canoeing at the leisure center / green lake of Agos - Vidalos (12/13km)
But culture is not absent: very close, in Arras-en-Lavedan (5km) you will find a very nice bookshop, the Kairn, with of course many books on the "country", hiking etc, and maps, but also literature. The bookshop also has a café and a small restaurant (delicious soups) and offers writing workshops in all seasons. In the same village, you will also find artistic and cultural events, an art trail, exhibitions, yoga and relaxation classes.
Café concert at Pierrot's in Arcizan-Avant (10km) or at the Apistomaque in Arrens-Marsous (7km).
Other things
The barn is not locked.
We can easily sleep ten people, the barn is large, but obviously you have to know each other for reasons of privacy (toilets closed by curtains). I only have two tents and a cot: if you come with more than 5 people, please bring your own tents and/or bedding.
Be careful, you are in a grazing area, so there are sheep and cows (and sometimes rams and bulls), if you come across a herd of cows on the way up, it is better to go around them, also, please close the electric wire that protects the barn and when you go away, close the barn doors because the sheep can go under the wire and make themselves at home...
Tent ready
Florent C.
Julien A.
