Aragonese Pyrenees: national parks, canyons and Romanesque villages

This is where your trip begins. You'll head southwest via Basel and Alsace towards the Rhône valley.

A well-kept, easily accessible town campsite in the wine town of Beaune, ideal for a stopover on the long journey south. You can walk into the beautiful old town with its famous Hôtel-Dieu. A quiet night before continuing south.

A spacious campsite by the lagoon near Narbonne, peacefully located with plenty of room for motorhomes. A good place to catch your breath after the long drive, before crossing the border into the Pyrenees tomorrow. Narbonne's Roman-influenced old town is worth a short detour.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The medieval upper town of Aínsa is one of the most beautiful town centres in the Pyrenees: cobbled streets, a Romanesque church and the wide Plaza Mayor with mountain views. In the evening, the stone façades glow warmly in the light. A perfect start to your days in the mountains.

A terraced campsite with views over the old town of Aínsa and the surrounding mountains. Peacefully located close to the valley, and a good base for Ordesa and the Añisclo gorge. The historic upper town is just a few minutes' walk uphill.

The Añisclo gorge is a dramatically narrow side canyon of Ordesa National Park, carved by the Río Bellós. From the San Urbez car park, a scenic path runs past waterfalls and moss-covered rock walls. An impressive, shaded walk away from the main tourist crowds.

The stone village of Torla sits at the entrance to Ordesa National Park, with narrow lanes, slate roofs and a striking church tower silhouette set against the Mondarruego massif. From here, shuttle buses run into the restricted Ordesa valley. An atmospheric mountain village to arrive in and wander around.

A campsite right by the approach road to Torla, close to the valley on the Río Ara. A peaceful base for visiting the national park, with the shuttle bus departing almost from the doorstep in the morning. Surrounded by mountain woodland and rock.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

From the Pradera de Ordesa starting point, the classic route follows the Río Arazas through beech forests to the Gradas de Soaso waterfalls and on to the Cola de Caballo. Above you, the limestone walls of Monte Perdido rise up. One of the finest mountain hikes in the Pyrenees, well marked and manageable for experienced walkers.

The remote Vall de Boí is home to nine Romanesque churches from the 11th and 12th centuries, together forming a UNESCO World Heritage site. Slender Lombard bell towers of natural stone rise above the mountain villages. A unique ensemble of medieval architecture in the heart of the Pyrenees.

A small mountain campsite above Taüll, peacefully located with views of the valley's churches and the peaks of Aiguestortes National Park. A good base for both the Romanesque churches and the national park. Peacefully located close to the valley.

The church of Sant Climent de Taüll, with its six-storey bell tower, is the landmark of the valley and famous for its wall paintings, whose original Christ Pantocrator now hangs in Barcelona. On site, you can experience an impressive light projection that brings the frescoes back to life. Just a few steps away stands the second church, Santa Maria.

In Erill la Vall stands the church of Santa Eulàlia, with one of the valley's finest slender bell towers. Next door is the visitor centre, which explains the history and building techniques of Lombard Romanesque architecture. A good place to understand how all nine churches connect.

Catalonia's only national park impresses with over 200 mountain lakes, granite peaks and highland bogs. From the entrance at Boí, 4x4 taxis take you to Aigüestortes, from where trails lead to the estanys. Clear mountain air, mirror-like lakes and the striking twin peaks of Els Encantats.

The Mont-rebei gorge is one of Spain's most spectacular limestone canyons, where the Río Noguera Ribagorçana runs between sheer walls. A path cut into the rock runs, vertigo-inducingly, above the turquoise water. An unforgettable but exposed natural experience.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The Mallos de Riglos are mighty reddish conglomerate rock towers rising up to 300 metres sheer above the village of Riglos, and a mecca for climbers. In the late afternoon, they glow a deep red. Griffon vultures circle above the village, where they form a large colony.

A simple, peaceful campsite right beneath the rock towers of Riglos, close to the valley at the foot of the Mallos. Perfect for watching the sunset light up the red walls and spotting vultures. The next day, it's just a stone's throw to Castillo de Loarre.

Castillo de Loarre, dating from the 11th century, sits on a rocky spur above the plain and is considered one of the best-preserved Romanesque fortresses in Europe. You can explore the chapel, crypt, towers and battlements, with far-reaching views over the land. It's no surprise that historical films have been shot here.

A peaceful campsite by the lake at Lourdes, a good stopover on the northern side of the Pyrenees. After crossing the border via the Somport pass or Bielsa, this is a good place to spend the night. Close enough to the motorway to make good progress towards home the next day.

Back at your starting point, your Pyrenees tour comes to an end. You'll head home with your memories full of national parks, canyons and Romanesque churches.