The only one of its kind in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, this tailor-made tour takes you along the Cheese Route in an electric camper van (PDO Ossau-Iraty). Between Béarn and the Basque country, 129 stages punctuate the experience.
This cheese route crosses the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Discover farms, cheese dairies, maturing cellars, producers’ shops, mountain huts, etc. You’ll have the chance to meet all the people involved in creating a unique product.
Discover the Pyrenees on the Cheese Route in an electric camper van
Following the Cheese Route in an electric camper van is the best way to discover an authentic product and appreciate all the richness of the Ossau-Iraty PDO appellation, while having a low-carbon impact on the environment.
At The Family Van, we’re offering you this experience in a 100% electric van, on a 6-stop tour of the Pyrénées Orientales.
Vallée de l'Arbéroue, a lovely stop-off on the Cheese Route in an electric camper van
First step: off to the Grottes d’Isturitz for a short guided tour, following in the footsteps of the region’s history. This is followed by a visit to an authentic farm to learn about dairy farming in compliance with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) specifications.
Vallée de Baigorry, a must-see accessible with our converted vans
Following this trip in an electrically-powered van, visit a winegrower for a tasting of Irouléguy before starting a tour of a new farm, developed by people who care about the welfare of the animals.
St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Saint-Palais and the surrounding area
The next stop is all the more authentic! You’ll be welcomed to visit a shepherds’ hut perched high in the mountains.
You’ll also have the pleasure of visiting a very important cheese dairy in the Ossau-Iraty PDO industry. Its expertise was rewarded with a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole for its Ossau-Iraty in 2014. We can’t wait!
Soule, to be visited ethically on board our converted vans
To learn a little more about the geography of Soule, take a van to the Holzarte Gorge. You’ll have the chance to enjoy this breathtaking viewpoint and maybe even challenge yourself by crossing the suspension bridge if you dare!
The Bearn valleys, following the cheese Route in an electric camper van
Our penultimate stopover is at the side of two livestock enthusiasts who are passionate about organic farming, for an educational moment.
The last farm is at the gateway to the Vallée d’Aspe in the Béarn region, perfect for a trip in a converted van. It was awarded HVE (High Environmental Value) certification in 2022, the result of a choice where the values of responsible farming make sense. Yet another example of authenticity on a route steeped in ethical values.
One last trip to Pau and the surrounding area
To round off this trip in an electrically-powered van, head for the suburbs of Pau for a visit to a maturing cellar. There, you can discover the last stage before the marketing of Ossau-Iraty.
The cheese Route in an electric camper van is the promise of a cultural, tasty and low-carbon trip like no other.
If you enjoyed this article, please contact us to find out more about our tailor-made tours in a 100% electric van.
Discover here an article about the Ossau Iraty cheese route by Le guide du Pays Basque.
Click here to find out more about our made-to-measure trip Les trésors du Médoc in an electric camper van
