My friend and I are traveling between Aix and San Sebastian and would like to spend a day in the Pyrennes. We would love some information about how to best spend a day in the Pyrennes, where to stay best tails to hike, etc.
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
355 posts
How are you traveling? Driving?
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Check out the Vallée de l'Ossau, at the foot of the Pic du Midi. The small town of Bielle has a nice guesthouse. It's somewhat off-the-beaten path (for now...) and still retains the traditions of the Pyrénées: the unique language (Occitan), culture, and sheep! It's a great place for hiking and donkey trekking. http://www.hotel-ayguelade.com/ http://www.valleedossau-tourisme.com/index.html?L=2
http://www.ane-en-rando.com/l_association_051.htm
Posted by
OP
Prescott Valley, Az, USA
9 posts
We will be driving, thanks for the websites
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
A day is not really enough to do the area justice and I don't think you are going to see much at all, aside from the autoroute, if you are going all that way in 24hrs. Even as the crow flies that is 400 miles. I would say it is getting on for 500 on the autoroute. On the French side of the mountains it is good fast (expensive!) road all the way. If you follow the (excellent) suggestion of seeing the gorgeous Ossau valley, it is a very narrow winding road to the top of the pass which will take you 2-3 hours from the autoroute. (Here's a picture I took up there last week - http://www.panoramio.com/photo/50237788 ) Once you get to the Spanish side, the roads are not as good but they are free. It will take you several hours from there to San Sebastian. You will barely have time for "comfort" stops, let alone hiking. Hotels in the Pyrenees??? Mine is best, of course! :-)
Roger