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driving through the Pyranees

We are planning a trip from Madrid to Bordeaux in early March. We are thinking of driving but not sure what the driving conditions will be like at that time of year. Does anyone know what driving conditions are likely to be like at that time of year, driving from Madrid through northern Spain into the Dordogne region of France? Thanks
Anne

Posted by
2373 posts

Have not done that but are you planning to rent car in Spain and drop if off in France? There can be a significant charge for renting car in one country and leaving it in another country.

Posted by
425 posts

Presumably you will be taking the Madrid-Zaragoza-Huesca-Somport-Pau-Bordeaux route?? Unless there is exceptionally heavy snow the Somport Tunnel will certainly be open and probably the pass as well. You will get plenty of warning if the road is closed and you will get diverted to the (boring!) coastal route. Although it will be cold, the conditions will be perfectly OK. If you have an old map, it may not show the new A65 autoroute from Pau to Bordeaux.

Posted by
2829 posts

The high mountain passes will in all likelihood still be closed. The mid-altitude passes are likely to be operating normally. The two tunnel routes should have no problem. The two crossings at Irun are barely above sea level and one of them is highway-grade.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all for your quick responses, they are very helpful. Anne