Cascade dans la vallée du Lys

Cheap holidays in the Pyrenees

Just back from our family holiday in the mountains, I’m rushing to share with you some of my top tips and favourites on a budget: hiking, parties, markets, swimming… I hope this will inspire you too to discover this really great family destination in all seasons, without breaking the bank!

Good plans for
economical holidays

Fred and the children and I decided to go off-season to discover the Pyrenees in a different light. The first buds of spring offer an idyllic setting, far from the summer crowds, and prices are often more attractive at this time of year.
Plan your holidays and activities to take advantage of reduced rates! For our holiday, we used online comparators and advance booking sites to find some great deals. With two people, you can totally improvise and let yourself be carried along by the people you meet and the things you want to do… With children, it’s hard to leave room for improvisation.
A fan of adventures of all kinds, I loaded my little tribe aboard our van for a total change of scenery between lakes, festivities and mountains. With its freedom of movement and tranquillity, the van is the perfect companion for your cheap family holidays!

Affordable housing
in the Pyrenees

If you’re a nature lover like us, opt for the van or camper van experience to visit the surrounding area. The children loved sleeping under the stars. Campsites or mountain huts are ideal for this.

As there’s no shortage of economical options in the Pyrenees, we gave up our van for two nights in favour of the comfort of a group gîte. The warm welcome from the hosts made our stay even more enjoyable.

Hostels, often located in the heart of villages, are also an excellent solution for budget accommodation while enjoying local life.

Free activities
for unforgettable moments

It will be easy tokeep your children occupied during your trip. They will be able to (almost) disconnect from everyday life and get closer to nature. The Pyrenees are full of free activities to delight young and old alike. Hiking remains the star activity. We took to the trails that wind through the mountains, with their sumptuous panoramas. The whole family enjoyed swimming in the crystal-clear rivers, a refreshing and unique experience.
The local heritage also deserves a special mention. Villages like Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, with its impressive cathedral, are historical treasures to be discovered. Strolling through the local markets, we sampled regional specialities and exchanged ideas with producers.

Local festivals, such as the flower festival and the apple festival, are not to be missed. These celebrations are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, often accompanied by entertainment. The children have been treated to some really cool free shows.
Don’t forget to take a tour of the orientation tables, which offer exceptional panoramic views of the region and make for great family photos.

Tous les évènement dans les Pyrénées Haut-Garonnaises - Photo Arnaud Spani

Eating locally
without breaking the bank

For meals, we opted for picnics, buying our provisions at local markets.

The fresh, tasty produce from the Pyrenees is very affordable and makes for simple, delicious meals.

Local shopping is also an opportunity to discover local produce that you won’t find anywhere else.

Local products
Marché de Luchon

Economical and practical
economical and convenient

Carpooling or hitchhiking is another economical way to travel. Locally, liO buses and local shuttles also serve the main tourist attractions at lower cost. In the near future, trains will provide even better links between the various towns and cities in the region, making it even easier to get to the must-see sites.

The Pyrenees are a great destination for budget holidays. Thanks to these tips and tricks, we were able to make the most of our stay, creating unforgettable memories without breaking our budget (a small miracle for us!).

I invite you to discover this wonderful region, where nature and culture combine to offer an authentic experience that’s accessible to everyone. Your best family holidays and memories are just a click away!

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