‘Rustic boutique’ is perhaps a good way to describe L’Orri des Planès; a small but perfectly formed campsite nestled atop the lovely Planès Valley. Owner Arif originally came here to transform a ruined farmhouse into a rustic 10-room lodge for nature-lovers. A few years on and he’s added a lovely pool, dorm-style hiking lodge, and a clutch of tent pitches for a little extra passing trade.
His real pride is the four brand new yurt-style eco-tents designed by local craftsmen and kitted with circular wooden floors, futons, pillows, chill-boxes for food, cooking sets, and camping chairs. Their fabric walls give a tent-like feel to what appears a very permanent structure and the roofs, soiled and seeded, are just beginning to green up. Soon they'll have long, shaggy, grass hair like an eco-yurt version of a rockstar, blending them into the tree-clad surroundings.
The secluded space for four tents is perfect if you plan to bring your own, though short-term tenting is preferred as a courtesy to passing cyclists and hikers who are the most frequent users of the spot. There’s a covered eating area for campers, with a BBQ grill and twin-burner stove; picnic tables are dotted around, and round the back you’ll find a nice stream that the kids can play in.
As well as being impressively eco-friendly (solar installation, water-consumption limiters, and discounts for guests arriving by public transport), L’Orri’s maison d’hôtes is one of the best places to eat in the area, by a long shot. The site works with around 30 local producers, who supply the place with everything from cheese and veal to honey and wine and you can buy their products from L’Orri’s shop, though, if you want to be more adventurous Arif will happily give you directions to the farms themselves. It's can be a good reason to spur you away from the delights of the campsite itself – never an easy thing here. With the GR10 Trans-Pyrénées walking trail, nearby hot springs, and a beautiful nature reserve within walking distance, as well as the entire Pyrénées region at your disposal, this is a great place to immerse yourself in nature as well as food!