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-   -   Roadtrip from Barcelona to Bordeaux (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/roadtrip-from-barcelona-to-bordeaux-1480642/)

Chersh10 Oct 11th, 2017 10:31 AM

Roadtrip from Barcelona to Bordeaux
 
Hi,

I need tips! I am planning a roadtrip from Barcelona to Bordeaux, and I want to stop at Andorra along the way. I want to go to a few cute small towns in between, as well as maybe an easy hike in the mountains. My husband and I are doing this in December, and are hoping to do this in 1-2 possibly 3 days, because we want to make it to Bordeaux for Christmas. Any suggestions would be super appreciated!

Thanks,
Cali

StCirq Oct 11th, 2017 11:14 AM

If this is in a rental car, it's a terrible idea, as it will cost you a king's ransom to rent a car in Spain and drop it off in France.

Plus 1-2 days with a stop in Andorra and a hike is going to be really pushing it. And weather could be an issue in December.

There are dozens and dozens of "cute towns" along the way. Any more details on what you're looking for?

Frankly, I would take the train.

Robert2016 Oct 11th, 2017 11:16 AM

You do realize that there will be a lot of snow in the Pyrenees in December, don't you? Hiking in the mountains will be difficult, even wearing snowshoes. Check out the Rural Pyrenees Guide for more information: www.rural-pyrenees-guide.com

The roads through the Pyrenees that should be open in late December include the N-230 through Val d'Aran and into France on the A-136 that will take you past Formigal and over the pass at Frontera del Portale, then straight north to Pau and on to Bordeaux.

The E-7 through Candanchú should also be open, as will the N-135 over the pass at Roncesvalles.

The N-145 through Andorra should be open, depending on the weather. It will take you up to Toulouse and then to Bordeaux, but it's not the quickest route and the lines at the customs going into France can be long.

The A-138 may be open, but you'll have to wait to see if they open the pass.

Cathinjoetown Oct 11th, 2017 06:18 PM

Until two years ago I lived about halfway between Barcelona and Bordeaux. First, as StCirq said, you probably want to avoid a steep rental car drop-off fee for picking a car up in Spain and dropping it off in France. One way would be to take the train from Barcelona to Perpignan and pick a car up there.

However, the train takes you up along the coast, not through Andorra, which from Barcelona can only be reached by car, bus and I think flights on Vueling. Not everyone will agree with me but I really don't think Andorra is worth the effort at that time of year unless you plan to ski. Hiking in the mountains requires full winter gear. Sure, you may have an unusually warm day but there will already be snow at the higher elevations.

The fast train to Perpignan is an hour and 20 minutes which would give you time to explore some on the French side. You could make your way to Foix and approach Andorra from there if you really want to go or take the autoroute north then west and drop down toward the mountains from Pau. I find south of Pau prettier than the Foix area, much like Swiss mountain valleys. You could also take the cable car up to the top of the Pic du Midi which on a sunny day has incredible views. http://picdumidi.com

If you stay overnight around there then head on up to Bordeaux, from Pau it's just a little over two hours' drive, from the base of the Pic, add another hour. Do be alert when driving, weather can change quickly in the mountains. Also, watch for signs advising whether or not passes are open. Many people go skiing over the holidays, I wouldn't leave it long to plan out a route and book a place to stay. And, finally, remember the days will be short.


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