‘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 four yurt-style eco-tents, which come with circular wooden floors, futons, pillows, chill-boxes for food, cooking sets, and camping chairs.
There’s also space for four tents if you want to bring your own, though short-term tenting is preferred as a courtesy to passing cyclists and hikers. 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 also works with around 30 local producers, who supply the place with everything from cheese and veal to honey and wine.You can buy their products from L’Orri’s shop, but Arif will happily give you directions to the farms themselves.
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 – and food.
