Discover our
history
The history of Monlôo, camping in Hautes-Pyrénées (65)
We celebrate 45 years in 2026
In the summer of 1981, our family said goodbye to calves, cows, pigs, wheat and corn, and decided to create a natural camping area. The site was soon extended to 90 pitches, becoming a 3-star campsite in the late 80s. In 2013, Camping Monlôo in Bagnères de Bigorre has 198 pitches, including 155 camping spaces, and receives its 4ᵉ star rating.
Today, there are 4 sanitary blocks, including one equipped for winter use, two cabins accessible to people with reduced mobility, and the swimming pool has changed a lot, but there’s still the timeless tennis court from the 80s. A waterslide was added to the pool in the 90s, followed by a second, larger one a few years later. Terraces were added to enlarge the contours, and a cover was installed in 2015. Since then, the pool has been heated and open for more than six months of the year.
The original meeting room has been transformed into a bistro, and the offer has grown year on year, transformed into a restaurant where we make a point of working with local suppliers. Today, the terraces are cosy, colorful and offer great views of the mountains and surrounding area. Disco evenings in the TV room with friends’ 45s have given way to concerts, flamenco shows, local choirs and today, once a week, we dance with our feet in the sand at the lagoon, until late at night under the stars.
In fact, this is the next event to come: stargazing from this area of the campsite, free of trees and outdoor lighting.
The beach in the mountains
In 2013, we created a natural bathing area facing the Pic du Midi, offering a remarkable view and much-appreciated bathing comfort. The lagoon features a straw hut, where you can enjoy a drink or an ice cream. You can swim, sunbathe and make “little” sandcastles.
The lagoon is 1.70 m deep, 40 m long and covers an area of 1,500 m². The beach also covers 1500 m². Did you know? Natural filtration uses a sand filter system to ensure quality, controlled water (without products).
Miraculous virtues
In the forest near Monlôo lies a spring that has been known for over four centuries. Henri IV himself came here to enjoy its miraculous virtues! La Fontaine de Crastes cures the body’s ills and feeds the imagination. You can drink or bathe in the basin carved out of the rock. The water has been flowing for centuries in this valley, in a soothing atmosphere beyond the bridges and the moss on the trees…
Elegant, top-of-the-range mobile homes, warm, functional chalets
Your comfort is our priority, and we strive to offer you new accommodation and equipment on a regular basis.
In 2020, the Suite chalets were installed, with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the lagoon.
And, because you asked us to, we’ve also inaugurated one-bedroom mobile homes, for solo or duo stays.
Every year since 2022, we’ve been adding new mobile homes from the Exception range; the first offer views over the lagoon, and the latest from 2025 and 2026, located in the new Pré
long district, face the mountains. These top-of-the-range, comfortable accommodations can sleep up to 6 or 8 people, and have been designed to let you enjoy your vacation in a chic, elegant atmosphere. Each has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen equipped with oven and dishwasher, and a large covered terrace
for convivial outdoor evenings with a big table and barbecue.
In the new Pré Long district, facing the mountains, our Duos for tribes, comprising a 3-bedroom mobile home and a 1-bedroom mobile home, are linked by a large, beautiful, covered, landscaped terrace.
Don’t do the Mariolle
Do you know where the expression “don’t do the Mariolle” comes from?
A lumberjack from the Campan valley, Dominique Gaye Mariolle joined the army. During a review of the troops in 1807, Napoleon 1st noticed this giant of more than 2 meters in his imperial guard. Factious, he presented his arms not with his rifle, but with a cannon. The emperor gratified him, and the grognards took him as an example of rewarded disobedience: “don’t be a Mariolle” became a popular expression.
Today, a plaque can be seen on his birthplace in La Séoube, to the left of the water and forestry house.
Tourmalet – Pic du Midi Tourist Office
Hiking, walking, cycling, information… the Tourist Office has everything you need! Prepare your stay as well as possible thanks to the good plans and addresses of the Tourmalet-Pic du Midi Tourist Office.
Col du Tourmalet: A local celebrity
Le Monlôo is the ideal base camp for discovering Bagnères de Bigorre and the surrounding area in the Hautes-Pyrénées, including the summit of the Col de Tourmalet, 30 km from the campsite.
Not forgetting its little brother, the Col d’Aspin, and the Hourquette d’Ancizan, both of which will be used by Tour de France 2022 cyclists.
The campsite is also close to 5 Grands Sites Touristiques d’Occitanie: the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the medieval city of Lourdes, the Cirque de Gavarnie, Cauterets Pont d’Espagne and St-Bertrand de Comminges.
