Over the Pyrenees
 

Ever since I read Kate Mosse's Labyrinth I've wanted to visit Carcassone. After that, I'm considering the idea of then going to Barcelona by way of Andorra. Has anyone driven from say Toulouse to Barcelona, and if so, what was the drive like?

It does look like there is a train from Narbonne if the drive looks too exciting for the likes of me.

I've driven to Andorra from the French side but did not continue into Spain. I didn't find it difficult.

I think it would depend on your route and your vehicle. I didn't cross the Pyrenees from France into Spain, but drove through several sections of the Spanish Pyrenees.

I remember seemingly endless switchbacks, made more difficult by a vehicle with rearview mirrors positioned to optimally obstruct my view of the roads. :mad: I remember winds in northeastern Spain that literally forced my vehicle out of it's lane. :omg: I remember clutching the steering wheel so hard on so many days that my hands hurt each evening.:( And I remember being incredibly grateful for having the chance to see those mountains ... at least what little I could see by taking the risk to shift my eyes from the road ahead. :worry:
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I've driven that route a number of times and it was always pleasant, except for one time it was late in the season and it was snowing on the pass to Andorra. The road was closed to unequipped vehicles shortly thereafter, but once you get past Pas de la Casa, you are already on the "warm" side of the Pyrénées with much less risk of snow.

The unexpected detail is that there is a huge customs checkpoint entering Spain from Andorra and they really do look all through the cars..

Hi Shelemm, what did you think of the trip - was Andorra worth the journey?

wow Kja, you sound like quite the brave soul. I'm not sure I would be up for that kind of driving. thanks for the feedback.

I'm not sure I would call it brave -- there aren't many choices when you are find yourself facing these challenges on your own and miles from anywhere with other people! :cry:

Great Roads, Great Views
 

I have driven from Perpignan to Andorra la Vella via D66 and N260. Then next day from Andorra to Carcassonne via N26 and D119 to Carcassonne. Absolutely enjoyed the drives and would do it again in a heartbeat. The roads were fine and though it was August the traffic was light. I was lucky enough to have been in a turbo diesel Passat and the car was comfortable and quick in the mountains. I have no issues with mountain driving, Love it!

We were in a bit of a hurry on the way to Andorra as we'd left from Nice early that morning so didn't stop at any of the towns on the way. Heading to Carcassonne we stopped in Mirepoix which was lovely and had lunch in the market square in Foix followed by a climb (on foot) to the castle.

Unless you're planning the drive in the dead of winter, by all means do it!

I've cycled along some of the low passes and it was easy enough, the views can be good

The highlight of the drive you are proposing are places to stop along the way. Foix, Mirepoix (this is a detour) and Tarascon. Andorra is no big deal.

I have even spent the night in Pas de la Casa before. The ambience after all the frenzied duty free shoppers have left for the day is totally different.

the drive to Andorra
 

@Kerouac and @bilboburger - it gives me joy to see your names again. I've been following your advice for years! @Shelemm and @ParisAmsterdam, thank you for the insights - Mirepoix sounds lovely and it's nice to know you can see the views without gut churning drops. I have to admit - part of the pull to Andorra is a Pete Seeger song my family used to sing together.

:love:

Pete
 

LOL I'd never heard that before. I'd wanted to go since I was a kid collecting stamps and then reading about Charlemagne crossing the Pyrenees. Thanks for posting the tune!

Love the song! 😄