Traveling by van from the South-West

Séjour bien être en van aménagé dans les Landes et le Pays Basque
Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Wellness holiday in a campervan between the Landes and the Basque Country

Want to be pampered and take care of yourself? At The Family Van, we’re all about slow travel. So what could be better than a wellness holiday in a campervan, while travelling in a more eco-responsible way?

We’ve selected a number of wellness providers in the Landes and Pays-Basque regions, so you can make the most of the relaxing van experience.

Whether you’re into yoga, relaxation therapy, massage, balneotherapy or simply relaxing in the forest or by the beach… We’ve got all the good addresses you need to spend a delightful time in the south-west.

wellness holiday in a campervan in the Landes and the Basque Country

The Landes, a land of tranquillity, for a wellness holiday in a campervan

With its fragrant pine forests, beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and tranquil lakes, the département is an invitation to well-being. The spas and health resorts in Dax, which promote the therapeutic properties of mud, offer unrivalled relaxation. Nature also plays a part in your well-being, and is ideal for meditation. Cycling or walking in the nature reserves and regional parks brings a deep sense of calm. But above all, the Landes gastronomy, with its local produce, encourages a varied and tasty diet. This atmosphere of tranquillity, combined with the omnipresence of nature and local culture, promises a total reconnection with oneself.

Discover all the wellness activities in the Landes region here

The Basque Country, authenticity and uniqueness for a wellness stay in a campervan

The Basque Country is a land of well-being, combining tradition and nature. Between the majestic Pyrenees and the fine sandy beaches, the region offers a unique balance. Walks along the coastal paths or in the picturesque hinterland offer a breath of fresh air. Seaside resorts such as Biarritz and Saint-Jean-De-Luz invite you to relax and enjoy water sports. The spas and thalassotherapy centres offer revitalising treatments, while the festivals and cultural events make for a dynamic stay. Basque gastronomy, with its combination of fresh fish, local produce and the famous Espelette chilli pepper, will delight the taste buds of all travellers. The harmonious coexistence of the ocean, mountains and local culture creates an atmosphere conducive to a wellness holiday in a campervan, combining escape and tradition.

At The Family Van, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your needs and desires.

If this article makes you want to come and recharge your batteries in the south-west with a wellness holiday in a campervan, don’t hesitate to contact us via thefamilyvan.eu website to find out more about our tailor-made tours in 100% electric converted vans.

Roadtrip en van aménagé électrique dans les Pyrénées
Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Roadtrip ideas in an electric campervan in the Pyrénées

In the collective imagination, the Pyrenees are synonymous with winter holidays and ski slopes. These days, however, we realise that there’s so much more to explore in this region, with its magnificent landscapes accessible in all seasons. Here’s an idea for a roadtrip in an electric campervan in the Pyrénées.

Between the ocean and the mountains, the Pyrenees offer a wide range of activities combining sport, culture, gastronomy and local produce.

To make the most of these activities, it’s best to travel by electric campervan in the Pyrénées in September and October. The mild autumn temperatures are ideal for vanlife.

Benefit from the experience of responsible roaming specialists.

To help you discover this resourceful region, we offer tailor-made holidays in a 100% electric converted van, which will allow you to reconnect with nature while discovering the splendour of the towns and villages of the Atlantic Pyrenees.

Once you’ve collected your van in Dax, our team will give you expert advice so you can hit the road with peace of mind. You’ll then have the opportunity to explore several of the region’s key towns, including Pau, the Navarre region, and Oloron st-Marie, where you can stay at the Pyrénées Nature campsite. Then there’s Saint-jean Pied de Port, classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Itxassou or Espelette and to finish on a high note with some pure Basque products, head for Saint-Jean-De-Luz followed by Bayonne and Biarritz.

See also our article on Travelling in a van in the Pyrenees: 5 hikes to do

Road trip in electric campervan in the Pyrénées

Adventure and freedom, a roadtrip in an electric campervan in the Pyrénées

We select different campsites for you, to offer you the best possible experience. In fact, we take great care to ensure that our campsites are suitable for recharging our electric vehicles. You can count on our advisors to help you find your destination, or you can follow your own desires and travel freely.

Click here to read our article on travelling in a custom-built van.

Park4night and Chargemap: the essentials for travelling in an electric van

There are two applications to help you make the most of your stay.

Fancy a spot of wild camping? You’ll find all the information you need about where to sleep on the Park4night app. The different car parks and campsites are listed, as are the different viewpoints and wild camping spots. You can take advantage of the opinions of previous campers to help you make the right choice.

To maximise the range of our electric converted vans, we advise you to recharge the vehicle in the place where you are staying whenever possible. This will save you charging time and ensure that you’re fully charged when you wake up in the morning. If you ever need a boost on your journey, we recommend downloading the Chargemap application. It lists the charging points available around you, which will make your day-to-day life a lot easier.

After that, you’ll have no excuse not to take advantage of this special trip in an electric campervan in the the Pyrénées.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to build your tailor-made roadtrip in an electric campervan in the Pyrénées.

Read Camping car Park article on The Pyrénées in a converted van

Travelling in an electric campervan in the Landes
Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Idea of roadtrip in electric campervan in the Landes

Kilometres of forest bordering the Atlantic Ocean, dozens of spots accessible by car or van, a warm and outgoing population … you guessed it, a roadtrip in an electric campervan in the Landes is the perfect place to experience the van life.

The opinion of experts who love their region

The promised land for electric converted van travel in the south-west, this is where The Family Van, an electric van rental company, has decided to set down its luggage to begin the adventure: welcome to the Landes!

The Landes region is made up of coastal towns with an unrivalled reputation, as well as lesser-known villages whose culture is second to none.

We’re here to help you discover the gems of our region.

Our electric vans are perfect for this environment. In fact, our vehicles are specially equipped to satisfy your desire for water-based and city activities.

Travelling in an electric campervan in the Landes

Departure point: meet at our agency, 1 minute’s walk from Dax TGV station, where we will welcome you to hand over the van and brief you on the trip.

Biscarrosse, temple of surfing

The journey begins in Biscarrosse, a resort renowned for hosting one of the best surf spots in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Here, you can recharge your batteries in the heart of nature with a range of walks along the shores of Lac de Sanguinet and Parentis, or in the Landes de Gascogne forest. If you’re a keen cyclist, there are plenty of cycle paths to take you to the south of the region.

On a practical note, there are plenty of recharging points available, which you can find on the Chargemap application.

Mimizan, the vitamin cocktail

Day two, head for Mimizan to discover the vitamin cocktail: ⅓ ocean, ⅓ lake, ⅓ forest! Here you’ll discover a clever mix of sport and culture offered by the diversity of the terrain and landscapes. After the effort, the comfort: go to the restaurant The Meltin’pot, to sustenance within an establishment with soft and positive energies.

Vieux Boucau, out of time

Next, head to Vieux-Boucau les Bains. Here you can stay at Camping Les Sablères, where you can recharge your vehicle on site while enjoying the facilities. What’s more, imagine a beach hemmed in fine sand swept by the rollers of the Atlantic, imagine a marine lake with a view as breathtaking as it is sublime. Got it? You can take advantage of this excursion in an electrically-powered van to experience slow-travel to the full.

Capbreton & Hossegor, what else ?

How can you travel by electric van in the Landes without passing through Capbreton and Hossegor? Their reputations precede them, but let us convince you to go there by electric van. Kilometres of fine sandy beach, public or naturist, there’s something for everyone.

This Swiss Army knife landscape is sure to delight everyone.

Our advisors invite you to stop off by the beach at the Surfing restaurant in Seignosse. A real HQ for water sports enthusiasts, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a few tapas and why not, if you’re lucky, a little concert.

Hossegor remains THE star destination of this leg. With its lake and its many water-based activities (stand-up paddle, sailing, catamaran, etc.), its oyster-farming port and its seafront, you’re sure to find something to occupy your days.

If you’re looking for something tasty, there’s a market and covered market, and don’t forget to try the oysters around the lake!

If you want to spend the night, we’re particularly fond of La Civelle campsite in Capbreton. Their facilities mean you can enjoy a hot shower while recharging your electric van.

Tarnos, the last bastion of the Landes region

Finally, one last stop to round off this trip in style: the town of Tarnos, the last bastion before the Basque Country. The town has a particularly well-preserved natural heritage. The Barthes district (wetlands on the banks of the Adour) stands out from the typically Landes coastal area (ocean, dune, pine forest…). The footpaths and cycle path make it easy to get out and about, so there’s plenty to keep young and old alike busy.

The Family Van, the specialist of electric campervan in the Landes

If you haven’t had enough, why not extend your roadtrip in an electric van in the Landes to the Basque Country?

Discover all the tips to travel in a converted van here or our article about travelling in a camper van in the South West 

The Family Van offers campervan rental, tailor-made holidays and group surftrips in the Landes and the Basque Country.

See you soon !

Voyager en van aménagé en arrière saison
Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Travelling in a camper van in the off-season in south west

Summer’s over, but your desire to get away and travel is not. The last rays of the summer sun and the beautiful landscapes of the south-west are irresistible. Don’t worry, travelling in a camper van in the off-season or during the Indian summer is just waiting for you.

The mild temperatures of the off-season are perfect for hiring an electric van to visit the region.

The answer to the question of where to travel in a converted van in September and October is obvious. With its wide open spaces that will help you unwind, its towns with a rich heritage and its mild, sunny climate, it’s safe to say that the South-West is THE ideal part of France to travel in a converted van in the off-season!

Travelling in a camper van in the off-season, the ultimate slow-travel experience

At The Family Van, we offer organised group trips, or you can simply hire your own 100% electric van for a spontaneous trip.

Travelling by van in September and October is, in our opinion, the perfect opportunity to travel out of season while enjoying the same benefits as in summer. You can enjoy the good weather, outdoor activities, culture and gastronomy, while avoiding the crowds of tourists, making the experience even more authentic.

What’s more, there are fewer restrictions on the parking of converted vehicles at this time of year, due to the reduction in traffic on the roads.

A destination that's accessible by van and still has a lot to offer

Our electric vans are perfect for visiting mountainous areas, large pine forests or the west coast. Between the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées regions, you’ll find plenty of pretty spots to observe these seasonal changes.

Travelling in an electric converted van in the off-season or during the Indian summer will give you the freedom to move around as you wish, and go in search of the rarest viewpoints along the way. Make way for a cosy corner to enjoy life in a converted van with friends or family on the roads of the South-West.

Unforgettable moments of adventure in the heart of the region

At this time of year, the light is perfect and the countryside is bathed in brilliant colours. The conditions are right for discovering more secret itineraries, far from the hustle and bustle: it’s the new “dolce vita”.

Take advantage of this opportunity to travel in complete freedom and catch the last days of sunshine before winter.

Discover all the tips here to travel in camper van off the season in the south-west of France.

So, are you convinced? Why not take a trip with The Family Van this year?

voyager en van électrique dans les Pyrénées
Non classé Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Traveling in an electric van in the Pyrenees: 5 hikes to do

The Pyrenees offer a variety of breathtaking landscapes and many exciting hikes for nature and adventure lovers. In this article, we suggest traveling in an electric van in the Pyrenees to explore five iconic hikes that will allow you to discover the beauty and diversity of this region.

voyager en van électrique dans les Pyrénées

1. The Gavarnie Circus

The Gavarnie Cirque is one of the most popular hikes in the Pyrenees, and for good reason! It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. You will discover majestic waterfalls, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and breathtaking landscapes. The hike takes about four hours round trip and is accessible to beginners as well as experienced hikers.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: SDE Haute Pyrénées Charging Station

2. The "Pic du Midi d'Ossau"

The Pic du Midi d’Ossau is an iconic summit of the Pyrenees, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The hike is quite challenging and can take up to nine hours round trip, but the effort is worth it. You will traverse beautiful landscapes and discover waterfalls, lakes, and pine forests. If you are a photography lover, look no further: you are in the right place!

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: Mobive Charging Station

3. The Basque Coastal Trail

The Basque Coast Trail is a hike that follows the Atlantic coast from Hendaye to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, passing through picturesque villages and sandy beaches. This hike can be done in several stages and is accessible to hikers of all levels. You will be able to admire the cliffs, coves, and bays of this magnificent coastline and discover Basque culture along the way.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: Tiers Charging Station

4. Mount Valier

Mount Valier is a majestic mountain in the Pyrenees, reaching a height of 2,838 meters. The hike to the summit is difficult, but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley. You will be able to admire mountain lakes and unique alpine flora. This hike can take up to eight hours round trip but is reserved for experienced hikers.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: Reveo Charging Station

5. The Ayous lakes

The Ayous Lakes are a set of four mountain lakes located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The hike to reach them is quite easy and can be done in a day. You will be able to admire the surrounding peaks, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

More information here

Electric charging station located near the start of the hike: SDE Pyrénées Atlantique Charging Station

So, convinced?

Renting an electric converted van with The Family Van can be the right option to immerse yourself in nature, in the context of a week dedicated to hiking and reconnecting with yourself.

We offer our travelers a free contactless Chargemap card that allows you to recharge at more than 95% of charging stations in France.

Traveling in a camper van in the South West
Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Traveling in a camper van in the South West

Are you looking for a unique way to discover the Southwest of France? Why not try traveling by camper van? This unusual mode of transportation allows you to discover remote places, breathtaking views, and have unforgettable experiences. In this article, we’ll give you tips and tricks for traveling in a camper van in the South West.

Traveling in a camper van in the South West

1. Find the right camper van

The first step to traveling by camper van in the Southwest is to find the right vehicle. There are many models of vans, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The camper van is usually equipped with a bed, a kitchen, and storage space for a compact size. On the other hand, the converted van offers more space and comfort, but also has its disadvantages: too high for barriers, category 2 tolls, difficulty parking. Before renting or buying a van, make sure it meets your needs and budget.

At The Family Van, you can rent 100% electric camper vans. Our e-Jumpy models will allow you to go anywhere and offer comfortable amenities and all the necessary equipment for a successful road trip.

2. Traveling in a camper van in the South West : itinerary

The southwest of France is full of natural and cultural sites. Before leaving, plan your itinerary according to your interests and desires. Here are some must-see places to visit: the beaches of the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenees, the cities of Bordeaux, Toulouse and Montpellier, the Cévennes National Park, the Basque Country and many others. Don’t forget to book your campsites or parking areas in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises, and to be in compliance with the rules (wild camping is widely controversial in the southwest).

Discover all our tailor-made itineraries adapted to the electric van travel.

3. Equip yourself

Make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable trip. The basic items include a sleeping bag, pillows, towels, cooking utensils, cooking plates, a cooler, camping chairs, a folding table, and a flashlight. When renting from a rental agency, these items are usually provided for you. While some agencies may charge extra for these items, others such as the electric van rental agency The Family Van offer them for free.

4. Respect the nature

When traveling in a converted or camper van, you have the opportunity to discover beautiful and preserved places. However, it is important to respect the environment and minimize your impact on nature. There is no planet B, so don’t leave waste and sewage anywhere, don’t make fires outside of authorized areas, and don’t park your van in prohibited areas. Respect wild animals and do not feed them.

5. Be flexible

One of the great advantages of traveling in a converted  or camper van is the freedom to change your itinerary at any time. Stay open to unexpected opportunities that come your way. If you come across a beautiful spot, don’t hesitate to stay there longer. If the weather is bad, improvise for a cozy moment in your van or visit an indoor site.

Discover this great review written by Bongo Camper of their summer roadtrip in France.

electric camper van rental agency
The Family Van ecosystem The guide to traveling in a camper van Traveling by van from the South-West Traveling in a 100% electric converted van

Traveling with an electric camper van rental agency

As an adventurer at heart, traveling by van has always appealed to you. Why not consider an electric camper van rental to unleash your inner adventurer while protecting the planet? Let’s take a closer look at traveling with an electric camper van rental agency.

electric camper van rental agency

The Family Van, the electric camper van rental agency

If you’re looking to rent an electric camper van, these are THE specialists: whether you’re planning a group trip, an individual rental, or a custom-made stay, you’ll find what you need at this young startup created in March 2021. On the agenda: comfortable electric vans and advisors available to meet your desires for unique and more responsible travels.

Visit their website now to book your next vacation: thefamilyvan.fr/locations

Wikicampers and Yescapa

Although Wikicampers and Yescapa are currently the leaders in peer-to-peer camper van rentals in Europe, they don’t yet offer electric vehicles from individuals. However, in an effort towards responsible practices, The Family Van’s electric vans will be available and listed with these two rental companies.

Travelers who are more concerned about current environmental issues

Today, rental agencies must meet the desires of users who are concerned about choosing new, more responsible ways of traveling.

The idea is to find alternatives that combine tourism, environmental awareness, and pleasure. Why not try out The Family Van by choosing a 100% electric camper van trip?