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A friend and I are planning a trip to Spain in mid-April. We are flying into Barcelona, and staying there for about 2 1/2 days. Then we plan to bus over to Girona and rent a car. Right now, we're planning on having 4-5 days to drive around, and intend to end up in Lyon in France. My friend is visiting family there, and I am taking a train to visit friends in Brussels. We have heard great things about so many places along the way, and really need to narrow it down.
Something we're considering is Ordesa National Park. We both love to hike; however, I've read on this forum somewhere that hiking is best mid-May through October. Is it unrealistic that we might go there to hike?
We both want to see Cadaques and Carcassonne. We've also talked about driving through Andorra. Originally we'd discussed southern France too, but we know we'd be stretched our trip too thin.
What kind of car would be best for us to rent? I'm not sure what kind of conditions to expect in April.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd appreciate any help!!
Driving through Pyrenees in mid-April
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Two friends and I flew into Barcelona last March and rented a car and drove to Perpignon, France. We explored the idea of driving through Andorra but found that there were serious warnings about the mountainous roads and serious traffic jams. Then, when we rented the car, we read the lease pretty carefully and discovered we were not allowed to drive through Andorra. We had already decided not to do that, but so glad we read that, just in case. We did drive along the Costa Brava, some very pretty villages and winding roads, vineyards, etc.
I don't really have any information on the other issues, but wanted to let you know about Andorra.
Ordesa Park is closed until May. Once you've planned your route, I'd check with rental agencies on restrictions per Challiman's experience and advice on what sort of car to rent for mountain driving. By April, I would expect all but the high passes to be open.
Girona is of course still in Spain so if you pick a car up for drop off in France there will be drop off charges which experienced posters say are quite high.
You could see Girona and Cadaques then train or bus up to Perpignan and pick a car up there? Perpignan to Carcassonne is just over an hour by main roads but I'd be tempted to try back roads.
From the French side, it's not a long drive up to the ski areas and lower hiking trails. Regarding trails, I'm don't know what will or won't be open by then.
Most of the passes are still closed in April.
Thanks so much! My friend is keeping the rental car during his time in France, and then driving back to Spain to fly home, so drop off fees shouldn't be an issue. Glad for the warning about Andorra! We may have to plan around that idea. Thanks again!
Hiking is possible in April, but all the peaks are covered with snow.
Ordesa Valley is one of the nicest valleys in Pyrenees. It is famous of its Faja routes, and they are too dangerous that time of the year because of snow.
I would consider routes lower in the Valleys. The Valley of Chistau is the best spot that time of the year.
You can study the routes, valleys and views here:
http://www.topwalks.net/en/index.htm
You will find the Nature parks and valleys of Pyrenees by moving the mouse on top of Huesca on the map.
Winter time (and snow) is a problem in Andorra too in April.
I would consider driving all the way to National park of Picos de Europa in Asturias and Cantabria in April. It is closer to the sea, so it's much warmer. Only the highest peaks are covered with snow in April. (you will find the routes from the above mentioned website).