FRENCH & SPANISH PYRENEES - 14 Nights
THE PYRENEES These rugged mountains stretch along the border between
France & Spain and extend from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
They offer excellent hikes on both sides. The Spanish side is drier
and more barren whilst the French side is greener and less rugged. Both
offer excellent hiking possibilities.
The Ordesa & Perdido National Park extends along the Spanish side
and is quite dramatic, with beech and poplar forests, mountain streams
and waterfalls and a startling backdrop of limestone palisades. Wildlife
includes golden eagles, lammergeiers, Griffon and Egyptian vultures,
as well as the abundant Pyrenean Chamois.
On the French side the Pyrenees National Park offers equally beautiful,
if in parts a softer mountainscape, with also many waterfalls, rivers,
streams and lakes. The famous Cirque de Gavarnie and the Breche de Roland
offer more challenging hikes, snow conditions permitting.
The wildlife on the Spanish side extends over the border into France
and there are many opportunities for the keen birder to spot some rarer
species, including Lammergeiers, vultures and the Great Black Backed
Shrike.
THE RESORTS
The attractive small village of TORLA lies in the Spanish province of
Aragon and is located in a beautiful setting at the gateway to the Ordesa
National Park. It is a delightful conglomeration of old stone houses
and narrow cobbled streets, with fabulous views to the mountains in
the north and the lush green valley to the south. The village is primarily
geared to the needs of the hiker and a shuttle bus operates a transfer
service from the village car park to the parking lot inside the Park.
The local tourist office and the National Parks office issues leaflets
and general information on hiking trails in the park. There are a number
of hotels, cafes, bars and shops, with at least two supermarkets where
you can buy the makings for your box lunches.
CAUTERETS is a larger town with more hotels, shops and other facilities,
situates at the junction of two river valleys. It is strategically placed
for hikes to the Pont d’Espagne and a series of lush valleys. leading
to some very impressive waterfalls, cascades, ridges, cols and peaks.
Gavarnie is a short drive away. Cauterets is also geared to the hiker
but offers a wider choice of services. The town is an easy drive from
the local airport of Pau.
YOUR HOTELS
We have selected the Hotel Edelweiss in Torla and the Hotel Le Sacca
in Cauterets. Both are 3 stars and the best available.
The Edelweiss is very clean and comfortable, well decorated and conveniently
located in the village. Food is typically local Spanish but good. The
manager speaks good English which is fairly rare in Torla and is friendly
and helpful.
The Le Sacca is an excellent hotel, the decor is immaculate, the rooms
very comfortable and well fitted out, the manager is friendly and helpful
and the food is wonderful!
Both have all rooms with private bathrooms and are centrally located
in their respective resorts.
THE HIKING PROGRAMME
The programme is designed to offer superb hiking at Grades 2 and 3,
as described overleaf but the actual walks are always tailored to suit
each individual group. With two experienced Footloose Leaders, we offer
a choice of two hikes on each of the 9 hiking days, thus accommodating
most degrees of ability. Because of the early arrival date we expect
that there will be a considerable amount of snow still lying on the
higher peaks and trails, so the hikes may will be limited to lower levels
along valleys, rivers and lower alpine pastures. These in turn lead
to higher, more strenuous options, for those who prefer something more
demanding, snow conditions permitting. Some of the medium height level
paths will be open but others may remain closed, so everything will
depend on how early Spring has arrived. It is possible that the warmer
Spanish side might give higher options. The leaders will determine just
what can and cannot be attempted, always with the safety of the group
paramount.
NON-HIKING EXCURSIONS
During the holiday there will be three free days, when you can relax
and do your own thing, or join one or more of our optional extra sightseeing
excursions. Possibilities include the cities of Zaragosa and Huesca
on the Spanish side and the city of Pau, as well as the fashionable
Atlantic French Riviera resorts of Biarritz and St.Jean de Luz. The
Catholic Pilgrimage town of Lourdes is also a short drive away.
FLIGHTS
Footloose Europe does not arrange flights to France. We can however
assist by putting you in touch with suitable licensed Travel Agents
if you wish.
TRAVEL
Within Spain & France will be by deluxe coach or passenger van from
/ to Pau Airport to your hotel and return. Local transport will be by
private coach or local service bus, as appropriate.
THE HIKING GRADES
The hiking programme is designed at Footloose Grades 2 & 3. With
two Leaders we can offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 10 walking
days. The distances and ascents / descents may be modified to suit the
needs and abilities of the group members but will generally be :- Grade
2 : Up to 3,000 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain
may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock at times.
Snow may be encountered at higher levels. Distances 10-15 miles.
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths.
Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly
some loose rock. Distances 5 - 8 miles.
Note : On some Grade 2 walks, more strenuous extensions may be offered
but only at the request of the members of the party and again always
subject to snow conditions.
PRICING
14 Nights, 21st June : Call
14 Nights, 6th Sept : Call
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 14 nights accommodation in twin or double rooms, all with private
bathroom & toilet, in good quality 3 star hotels.
* 14 x evening meals with buffet breakfast each morning.
* All the transport costs necessary to fulfil the hiking programme.
* Airport transfers from Pau Airport to the hotel and return and between
resorts by deluxe coach / passenger van.
* Services of one or two Footloose Leaders
* V.A.T. and all local service charges and taxes.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flights to Pau ; Lunches ; insurance (we consider medical and accident
& emergency cover, including repatriation expenses to the USA. is
essential) ; optional extra sightseeing excursions (details will be
advised by the Footloose Leaders) ; single room supplements ; admissions
to castles, museums etc. ; local transportation costs not part of the
hiking programme ; items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone
calls etc.
Please note that you can also take this holiday as a 7 night holiday in either Spain or France. We can also arrange the holiday on an individual, non-escorted holiday on any dates, subject to availability ~ details on application.
