Santander - Pyrenees - Carcassonne

[Polestargh]

Morning all,

Long time lurker finally time to post.

This year’s Road trip is Santander, the Basque Country and over the Pyrenees to Carcassonne.

I’m looking for recommendations of places to visit either between Toulouse and carcassonne or the general area going north back to Calais over the following 10’days.

Walks and vineyards etc are the always welcome.

All recommendations gladly accepted!

Edited by Polestargh on Tuesday 8th August 11:40

[psychoR1]

Stayed here in Carcassonne a few times - was always very good and a short walk from the Cite. Note the Cite is traffic free https://www.hotelmontmorency.com/fr/hotel-3-etoile...

[Polestargh]

Thank you - looks great, will definitely investigate that.

[psychoR1]

Depending on where you want to go could check out the Tarn Gorge - like the Ardeche but quieter.
https://www.dangerousroads.org/europe/france/4688-...

We used to head back via Ales - great road up to Mende and then on to Le Puy

Don't discount staying south side of the Pyrenees, San Sebastian > Pamplona> Picos> Jaca, Huesca etc - pretty spectacular in Aaragon

[Polestargh]

That's cracking mate thank you very much!

[bolidemichael]

Torla is a nice base for hiking on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, located within the Monte Perdido National Park.

Edited by bolidemichael on Wednesday 9th August 12:45

[Johnniem]

Sounds like an epic trip ahead. I would highly recommend staying in Paradores when you are in Spain. Join their membership club (it's free) and you get points for free accommodation as time goes by. I forget how many stays you need for a free room but the benefit is that all the hotels are excellent, many are in historic buildings and you will be assured of good food and comfortable rooms.

We normally take our first night in San Sebastian (Mercure hotel on end of bay - hillside - has amazing views!). SS is the foodie central of Europe and the pintxos (tapas) bars are legendary. If you get there, find 'La Cuchara De San Telmo'. It gets busy but definitely worth a wait.

JM

[21st Century Man]

We're heading down to Carcassonne and the Pyrenees too, 7-10 days touring on the way down, 7-10 days there staying at a friends house, 7-10 days touring back. We'll probably do an anticlockwise circuit of France. We've been to Carcassonne and Andorra before but can't say we know the area, so will follow this thread for any tips. Thanks.

[bolidemichael]

When in Carcasonne, it presents an almost irresistable opportunity to drive what is my favourite costal road experience along the Costa Brava, all the way to Roses.

[Polestargh]

Brilliant! Re Paradors, I have spotted one in Bielsa miles from anywhere in the mountains. Defo one to use.

San Sebastian sounds like a good idea for the first night also.

Keep them coming guys, really appreciate it.

[21st Century Man]

bolidemichael said:

When in Carcasonne, it presents an almost irresistable opportunity to drive what is my favourite costal road experience along the Costa Brava, all the way to Roses.

Looking at maps now, would that be the N-260 and the GI-612'ish?

[21st Century Man]

Polestargh said:

the general area going north back to Calais over the following 10’days.

Are you thinking of heading North up the West coast, through the middle or further over to the Eastern borders?

[bolidemichael]

21st Century Man said:

bolidemichael said:

When in Carcasonne, it presents an almost irresistable opportunity to drive what is my favourite costal road experience along the Costa Brava, all the way to Roses.

Looking at maps now, would that be the N-260 and the GI-612'ish?

Yes, from Banyuls-sur-Mer to El Port

[NDA]

I've just come back from Carcassonne ...

In the area Mirepoix, Puylaurens, Peyrepertuse… Camon.. Foix and Puivert are worth seeing.

The chateau in Puivert is where they filmed The Ninth Gate.

[21st Century Man]

bolidemichael said:

21st Century Man said:

bolidemichael said:

When in Carcasonne, it presents an almost irresistable opportunity to drive what is my favourite costal road experience along the Costa Brava, all the way to Roses.

Looking at maps now, would that be the N-260 and the GI-612'ish?

Yes, from Banyuls-sur-Mer to El Port

Thanks, I might do that as a day trip or an overnight.

Apologies for any thread hijack, but it seems relevant?

Really looking forward to my first road trip in the Century.

[psychoR1]

Good call on the paradores would recco this one
https://spainparador.com/Parador-Vielha.htm

[Polestargh]

21st Century Man said:

Are you thinking of heading North up the West coast, through the middle or further over to the Eastern borders?

I've really got no idea. I was planning a couple of days in the vineyard regions on the way home, but nothing else besides really. All very loose