pyrennees driving route, Bielsa to San Sebastian
Apr 17th, 2011, 11:06 AM
#1
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pyrennees driving route, Bielsa to San Sebastian
Google maps has a couple of choices, but it boils down to:
Drive north into France, thru Pau, or
stay in Spain and drive thru Jaca.
We will be doing this drive in one day, and other than bathroom stops and photo stops, we don't plan to make extended stops or stay overnight. Perhaps just a nice lunch stop.
We would enjoy knowing which might be better for scenery.
Thanks much,
EK
Drive north into France, thru Pau, or
stay in Spain and drive thru Jaca.
We will be doing this drive in one day, and other than bathroom stops and photo stops, we don't plan to make extended stops or stay overnight. Perhaps just a nice lunch stop.
We would enjoy knowing which might be better for scenery.
Thanks much,
EK
Apr 17th, 2011, 11:50 PM
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I will recommend to stay in Spain and drive through Jaca. Did this tour some years ago, and its breathtaking.
First you go through Torla: http://www.google.no/search?q=Torla&...w=1379&bih=805
It's kind of dull on the Jaca stretch, but soon you go into the valley and up in the mountains through wonderful Isaba. From there you can either go up to the ski resort Arrete la Pierte St Martin (just passing the French border) and towards St. Jean Pied de Port, then heading for San Sebastián.
Or from Isaba, you could go to Burguete and famous Roncesvalles, and then to St. Jean Pied de Port - San Seb.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roncesvalles
I would have stopped for lunch in either Isaba or, if time allows you, in one of the local cuisine restaurants in pictoresque St. Jean Pied de Port. http://www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysb...me.com/en.html
First you go through Torla: http://www.google.no/search?q=Torla&...w=1379&bih=805
It's kind of dull on the Jaca stretch, but soon you go into the valley and up in the mountains through wonderful Isaba. From there you can either go up to the ski resort Arrete la Pierte St Martin (just passing the French border) and towards St. Jean Pied de Port, then heading for San Sebastián.
Or from Isaba, you could go to Burguete and famous Roncesvalles, and then to St. Jean Pied de Port - San Seb.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roncesvalles
I would have stopped for lunch in either Isaba or, if time allows you, in one of the local cuisine restaurants in pictoresque St. Jean Pied de Port. http://www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysb...me.com/en.html
Apr 18th, 2011, 12:21 AM
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It's one of those tough calls. Both sides of the mountains are lovely. I know the French side better than the Spanish, and love it. (none of it's dull)
Are you staying at the parador? Will you tell what it's like, please? I stayed over Christmas one year, but for reasons beyond their control it was a mixed experience. Fabulous location
Are you staying at the parador? Will you tell what it's like, please? I stayed over Christmas one year, but for reasons beyond their control it was a mixed experience. Fabulous location
Apr 20th, 2011, 07:42 AM
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I suspect that the drive through Spain would be faster even with a little detour to San Juan de la Peña:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623190654780
For scenery on the French side, besides just going north through the Pyrenees to A64, one would have to take the time to drive over places like the Col de Tourmalet:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623717915043
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623190654780
For scenery on the French side, besides just going north through the Pyrenees to A64, one would have to take the time to drive over places like the Col de Tourmalet:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623717915043
