Pyranees

[Nigel tindale]

I am thinking of trying this area next year. Has anyone got any recomendations as to whereabiouts I should head for. I use mainly ACSI sites. Nigel

 

[KeithJ]

Hi Nigel

Everybody has their personal likes and dislikes. I would say be sure to not miss Andorra. I love it there - not everyone does, because the main road through is rather busy, but the mountain scenery is wonderful. Also prices are low(er), and there are some tax free bargains. Petrol and diesel prices are probably second cheapest in Europe, after Gibraltar.

Last time we stayed at Frontera Park, which is actually in Spain but only just across the border. It is in the Camping Cheque book, very conveniently located. and nice for a few nights stop.

There are plenty of other interesting places in the Pyranees, too, especially if you like mountain scenery, so if you have not been before, almost anywhere would be worth exploring.

 

[Murakami09]

Hi Nigel
Spent a lovely three weeks in Pyrenees and Spanish/French Atlantic coasts three years ago. Not strictly Pyrenees but if you are travelling via Santander there are two nice sites to try. Camping Playa Joyel(on Acsi) is near to the port. It's quite big and at first a little ordinary, but it is on a most stunning beach and estuary. The sea and rocks are beautiful, there's safe swimming and also surfing. The site has a pool (we just swam in the sea). The local town has lots of facilities - I remember finding an outstanding fishmonger.
Second is Camping La Paz (ACSI) - a little further west. Quite stunning location with pitches on tiers like a paddy field down to a sandy beach. The coast here is unspoilt and rocky - rather like Pembrokeshire but warmer. Nearby too are the Picos de Europa mountains. Again, quite worth a visit.
In the Pyrenees themeselves we used three sites. Airotel Luz Saint Sauveur is OK site in nice area - easy access to the Col Du Tourmalet (huge Tour De France climb) and the stunning Cirque Du Gavarnie. Lots to do in the area - biking, walking, watersports etc. Not far from Lourdes.
On the spanish side of the Gavarnie is the equally stunning but completely different Ordesa Valley - a national park and great for walkers. Near there is a site at Gavin. Not a very dramatic park but recently built and with fantastic quality pristine facilities. Nice pool too.
Overall we preferred the French Pyrenees to the Spanish - based largely on the fact that we found the standard of restaurants to be higher. Not everyone's first priority! But there was also a more established adventure sports infrastructure too.
Hope that helps.