Pyrenees, (C) Wikimedia
While the pandemic is still with us, you are probably hoping it stops so you can go on your trip. Am I right? You take part in travel zooms, look too often at the Expedia website, or salivate watching people on TV who are not sitting in their living room. Admit it, I am not far off the mark! You may have saved a lot of money by not spending much since the start of the pandemic. Money that could be put to good use on a nice trip. I have the best destination for you: the Pyrenees! People love Europe to see Paris and the Eiffel Tower, Spain and Barcelona, but they never go further than the major attractions. Why not go to less explored areas like the Pyrenees? This region abounds in magnificent places to visit, where past and present blend in picturesque architecture. It is well worth a visit!
The trip is divided into three, allowing you to do just one part if you wish. The French section, which starts in Perpignan and ends in Bayonne & Biarritz for those doing just this part, or at the border for those doing the whole tour. The Spanish section, which begins in San Sebastian and ends in Girona for those who only do this part, or from the French border to the Andorran border for those who do the whole trip. The third section consists of the Principality of Andorra. Andorra has no airport, so you must come from the French or Spanish side. In our case, especially if you are doing the entire trip, the route would be from Girona to Andorra la Vella and then on to Perpignan to catch the plane.
Let us finish with the third part, Andorra. We will discover the ideal itinerary for your trip, with places to stay, things to do and transport to take. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to France! On behalf of the entire crew, your flight attendant wishes you a pleasant stay at your destination!
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Suggested itinerary
Map of the Pyrenees - Andorran Side, (C) Google Maps
Unfortunately, the Principality of Andorra has no airport, no matter the size or type. There is, however, one under construction, with private investment. Construction is due to be completed around 2026. As such, it will serve more than just tourists. As a small European nation on par with Monaco, for example, it is a tax haven. For now, you will have to fall back on the neighbouring towns, whatever the country. There is one, very close by in La Seu d’Urgell, Spain, technically the nation’s official airport. On the other hand, flights are not very frequent and do not cater very well to the massive influx of tourists. The best are those from Perpignan, Toulouse or Barcelona. Then, it is best to fly in and out of Perpignan or Barcelona. Let us take Barcelona as an example. You will need to take the bus, which will take you directly inland. It is best to check the Andorra Direct Bus website for more information, as prices often change.
After spending the day in long-distance transport, you will want to curl up on a cozy, comfortable bed. There are many choices to choose from, in every possible price and comfort range. The best choices are; Eurostars Andorra, Hôtel de l’Isard, and Novotel Andorra. Prices have been taken from their websites and Expedia ratings.
Eurostars Andorra: 4,3/5
Price: Minimum of $100-120 CAD per Night
Good: Clean, Downtown, Service Quality
Bad: — Nothing Major –
Hôtel de l’Isard: 4,2/5
Price: Minimum of $110 $ CAD per Night
Good: Clean, Downtown, Service Quality
Bad: — Nothing Major —
Novotel Andorra: 4,1/5
Price: Minimum of $65 CAD per Night
Good: Clean, Cost, Downtown, Service Quality
Bad: — Nothing Major —
There are many luxury hotels in the Principality, so the first two places, considered expensive elsewhere, are not so expensive here. That is why I have not included it as a positive or negative point. I find it hard to believe that the Novotel costs so little, but after checking, it still does. I recommend it if you have spent a lot of money—too much money—at previous destinations. As such, all the accommodations are in the centre of Andorra la Vella, because there is nothing else. The country is dissected by mountains, leaving little room for new inhabitants. As a result, almost everything is concentrated in one place.
Despite the nation’s small size, there is plenty to do. First of all, visit the historic centre of Andorra la Vella, including the Casa de la Val, the Consell General, and l’Église of Saint-Estève. You can also visit the small stores in the area, which are very popular with people who are just passing by. Talks have been underway for years to establish a casino in the area. As of now, nothing has been confirmed, let alone how long it would take to build. A jazz festival is held there, but with the current situation, it is unclear whether it will take place after the coronavirus. There is also the panorama to visit. You can go to the Belvedere de la Comella, the Sola Irrigation Canal Trail and several other places in the mountains to admire the view. However, stay on marked trails, to avoid any kind of injury. So, unless you are shopping, all activities are free, which is a plus!
Allow a full day to visit the city and one to visit the mountains, so about three nights. You will not be able to stay any longer, as you will have done the tour quickly. As mentioned earlier, getting in and out of Andorra is complex. You will need to take a BlaBlaCar to the Font-Romeu-Odeillo train station. Expect to pay $10, as the journey is very short. Despite the proximity between the two places, there is still no shuttle connecting the two. Then take the train to the Villefranche-Vernet-Les Bains stop. Another train will take you to Perpignan. The price is currently undetermined, as the line is not used frequently on this stretch. You can always decide to carpool, but this will be time-consuming and expensive. Take the day trip, which may allow you to catch an overnight flight home.
After all these adventures through the Pyrenees, I hope you enjoy your trip. On the other hand, if you are just dreaming, I hope that one day you will dream hard enough to make this journey through the mountains a reality. Maybe…
Entrance sign to France, (C) Wikimedia
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Sources:
- Andorra Direct Bus
- Expédia
- Google Maps
- Rome2Rio
- Routard
- TripAdvisor
- Wikimédia
- Gouvernement d’Andorre