Have you ever based in Ainsa and what were your impressions? Our plan is to spend a couple of weeks self-catering, taking 4x4 (4WD) daytrip tours, plus buses to nearby easy-hikes and towns.
Will also be doing same on the French side for the following 2 weeks.
I am done. The end.
Posted by
la rioja
532 posts
Take a look at the Baztan Valley in Navarra. It is the tail end of the Pyrenees, but it has what your are looking for.
A good place to start would be to look at the Navarra Tourism page about the valley. You will find tours, routes, and hiking routes.
Elizondo, the capital of the valley, is a bit bigger than Ainsa, but has lots of lodging, and the food is very good.
About 12km from Elizondo is the Izpegi pass, which is the border between France and Spain. On clear days there are great views of the north face of the Pyrenees. There several restuarants there, and various hiking trails.
As for France, Saint Jean Pied de Port might be an interesting base.
You do not say when you are going. I just came back from France though Candanchu, and while the road were fine, not too much higher there was snow. In Baztan it doesn´t snow.
Hope that helps
Posted by
424 posts
The beginning...
We enjoyed our 3nites Ainsa. It is well positioned to access the Pyrenees. There are numerous outfitters mostly specializing in raft, kayak and other canyoneering activities. Lots of outdoor shops. We had a car so no info on bus transportation but lots of outfitters who transport people to the canyons, can't hurt to give em a call. Sorry no names but google is your friend. Brad
Posted by
OP
620 posts
The um, middle?
Gracias todos. I appreciate your advice towards our fall trip. We always do copious research and part of that process involves afterwards asking fellow travelers about their experiences. Compare and contrast, then decide: that's our thought process.
*We always budget some extra $ for taxis and combine that with local buses. Whenever the local buses are scant, and bases are rather small, we realize those facts well ahead of arriving.
We're leaning to Ainsa and Luz as bases, small places to be sure. But in both cases, we've found tour van/4x4 possibilities: a gal operating out of Lourdes plus a rugged outfit based in Escalona (nearby Ainsa). They each have a bit of competition, so I'm confident that things will work out. For the first time, I may just send each a token deposit to each - even though its hard to pin down precise daytrip dates this far ahead.
Btw, we went to St Jean back in '88- -matter of fact my foto of its iconic bridge is matted and framed on the wall right above me now!
Again thanks all, we appreciate your taking the time.
I am done. The friends.