Lourdes towards Zaragoza

[Laughing Gravy]

Hi
Just wondered if anybody had done a route from Lourdes across the Pyrenees in the general direction of Zaragoza and which roads did you take please ? Weather is fab atm in Bordeaux and fancied a detour to Lourdes and into Spain across the hills ! Eventually ending up in Calpe

Thank you

 

[The Wino]

Hi
Just wondered if anybody had done a route from Lourdes across the Pyrenees in the general direction of Zaragoza and which roads did you take please ? Weather is fab atm in Bordeaux and fancied a detour to Lourdes and into Spain across the hills ! Eventually ending up in Calpe

Thank you

I don't have a route but would suggest a stop in Lourdes to see the religious tat shops firsthand!

 

[L' Hobo]

There are a lot of gift shops in Lourdes, but I'm not sure I would describe them as 'Tat'.
The town is well worth a visit as is the source of the water up in the mountain at Gavarnie.

I took a number of Coach parties there in the 70 & 80's and was impressed with the non-pushiness of the vendors (unlike the nuns at Notre Dame)
Just one word of warning if anyone does go, the authorities used to change the one-way road system overnight so all the traders could get equal share of the punters. This may have changed but worth a check!

 

[GrahamnSue]

Not sure about a fairly direct route from Lourdes but the easiest crossings in that area are via the Somport tunnel or the Bielsa tunnel (weather permitting).
Stay on the aire at Ainsa if going via the Bielsa tunnel to see the medieval village.

 

[Just smiffy]

Somport tunnel would be easiest from Lourdes…

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[x17ken]

We did this exact route in one day from Lourdes to Zaragoza. We just followed Google maps. Let me just say - the route is a bit challenging in places - quite a few bends to negotiate but nothing too serious. The sights and experience of coming through the Pyrenees into Spain on this route is unmissable - just do it - allow the route time and you will have an experience to remember - enjoy!

 

[Just smiffy]

We did this exact route in one day from Lourdes to Zaragoza. We just followed Google maps. Let me just say - the route is a bit challenging in places - quite a few bends to negotiate but nothing too serious. The sights and experience of coming through the Pyrenees into Spain on this route is unmissable - just do it - allow the route time and you will have an experience to remember - enjoy!

But what time of the year…?

 

[x17ken]

But what time of the year…?

Good point. I'm pretty sure we did it around October. Weather fair, but chilly. A small bit of white stuff on the tops of highest points - but nothing problematical on the roads

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
Camping Pyrennees Parc Natura ? Near Lac D'estaing ?. We did Lourdes from there,so, it is a super site,if you have time check it out. Lourdes...Go with an open mind,its like Knock shrine in Ireland,while we were there with a c/van on its campsite,there was an All Ireland M/ho rally going on and dancing that night,i was passing with the growler and remarked to one of the chaps. " Seems a fine time you are having " He replied. " Yes,get yourselves over,join in " I said we were in a c/van,he replied. " Your on site,who cares " Result.
Tea Bag.
PS. If you have a BIG outfit, FOLLOW the Coach signs to the Lake/lac D'estaing and campsite

 

[L' Hobo]

Hi.
Camping Pyrennees Parc Natura ? Near Lac D'estaing ?. We did Lourdes from there,so, it is a super site,if you have time check it out. Lourdes...Go with an open mind,its like Knock shrine in Ireland,while we were there with a c/van on its campsite,there was an All Ireland M/ho rally going on and dancing that night,i was passing with the growler and remarked to one of the chaps. " Seems a fine time you are having " He replied. " Yes,get yourselves over,join in " I said we were in a c/van,he replied. " Your on site,who cares " Result.
Tea Bag.
PS. If you have a BIG outfit, FOLLOW the Coach signs to the Lake/lac D'estaing and campsite

Easter is a great time to visit Lourdes, it's VERY busy but the processions and services are a thing to behold and I'm not a believer!

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[Lenny HB]

Somport tunnel would be easiest from Lourdes…

Horrible roads roads on the French side with loads of HGV's the Bielsa tunnel route is much nicer.

 

[jongood]

I would be checking weather this time of year, can be Ok but can also be shut.

 

[gus-lopez]

Horrible roads roads on the French side

You mean scenic. Much prefer the French side even though the Spanish side is excellent but lacking the scenery.

 

[jongood]

You mean scenic. Much prefer the French side even though the Spanish side is excellent but lacking the scenery.

I agree, its a lovely road, Jaca is a nice stop and it goes right past Canfranc station.

 

[easabhal]

Came through Somport tunnel yesterday from Jaca to a stopover north of Pau. Great weather, no problems.

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[Neil S]

Love the Somport route and the scenery in the Aspe valley approaching the tunnel , have used it many times both towing and with the Motorhome both in Winter and summer .
My preferred route if travelling Spain to France or vice versa

 

[Gaston aires]

There is an aire right in the middle of Lourdes, pronounced “Lourda” by the French. Not free but nothing in Lourdes is.
Once is enough for me. One of those Marmite sort of places depending on your beliefs.
Phil

 

[L' Hobo]

There is an aire right in the middle of Lourdes, pronounced “Lourda” by the French. Not free but nothing in Lourdes is.
Once is enough for me. One of those Marmite sort of places depending on your beliefs.
Phil

Or your company!

I made many friends down there in my Coach driving days. Being able, and willing, to speak in French (however slightly) helps (as in all of France)

 

[The Wino]

There is an aire right in the middle of Lourdes, pronounced “Lourda” by the French. Not free but nothing in Lourdes is.
Once is enough for me. One of those Marmite sort of places depending on your beliefs.
Phil

As I said we thought that the shops selling little and big statues bottles for holy water etc were pretty strange. We actually bought a bottle to use for a water bottle when we went wine tasting!

 

[Gaston aires]

Or your company!

I made many friends down there in my Coach driving days. Being able, and willing, to speak in French (however slightly) helps (as in all of France)

We had a house in Brittany 15 years ago, so our French is “getbyable”. Loved it . Gill also has a long time pen pal who lives in Lourdes, she has turned ultra religious (the pen pal, not Gill) which didn’t help me “understand” Lourdes.
Phil

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[Windy66]

We did the route just 6 weeks ago. See our blog for more info. Basically the road N230(?) was really easy.

France Spain 2023 – Page 6 – Windy Miller Tour Blog