Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Looking for Pyrenees route suggestions... Looking for Pyrenees route suggestions...
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 May 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Scotland
Posts: 8
Looking for Pyrenees route suggestions...
Hi folks

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a week long circuit in the Pyrenees? We are renting a BMW F800 GT in Barcelona on the 1st July to be returned on the 8th. We will be looking to stick to tarmaced roads and are fairly good at putting in the miles so reasonably long days are not a problem.
Any route suggestions/must-sees most welcome!

Thanks in advance!
Last edited by chrish; 9 May 2015 at 15:53.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 380
I loved this one. https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...w.k_HJH0bwJg2c

Ignore the detour to Toulouse - had to fly home for a day mid way through my week for a client's board meeting!

Ride home was nothing to shout about (there are better routes given time, but we were maximising our time in the Pyrenees) but the Pyrenees route was great - quiet and beautiful Spanish side, picks up the main tour de France cols on the French side.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 174
The N260 is the classic route east-west but there are many adjoining or parallel roads that are great too.
Staying a couple of nights at a "junction point", e.g.Sort or Seu d'Urgell will give you a choice of loops for a day trips. Then you can ditch the luggage.

I remember looking at the map and thinking one loop (Bagneres - Val D'Aran - Sort, BEnasque) would be too ambitious for the day. When we checked the actual distance on GPS it was very do-able.

I like to use Michelin maps. Online viamichelin.com is very useful.

Sightseeing suggestions:
Bassella Moto Museum Fantastic collection of ~200 classic\vintage bikes in great condition, beautifully presented. All sorts of bikes and manufacturors represented. (I should be creating a dedicated thread for this topic really.)
They also have a museo in Barcalona but smaller.

Figueres: Dali museum. Could be very busy. Not difficult to find and convenient parking - on the pavement outside!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 May 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 86
Lots of good info and route ideas here

https://thespanishbiker.wordpress.com/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 May 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Scotland
Posts: 8
Many thanks for the info!

Also, does anyone have any advice re accomodation? We were planning on booking cheap hotel accomodation through Tripadvisor but having never been there before, I'm not sure if this is the best option. I noticed on "The Spanish Biker" website that some campsites have self-catering bungalos for rent. We usually camp but would prefer not to have to bring all the gear. Does anyone have experience of this sort of thing?

Thanks again!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 380
Loved this one in Banca - small, hood value, great local cuisine: http://www.logishotels.com/fr/hotel/...reguina-143354.

This one in Ainsa. Didn't eat there but decent accommodation at reasonable price. http://www.mesonainsa.com/es/inicio

Both on the route i provided in earlier post (nights 1 & 2), both have bike parking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 174
Campsite bungalows were very convenient and good value. I was surprised how many campsite offered them. Approx €60-€70 per night, that's in Sept 2014. Another benefit over B&Bs: the campsite pool.

Accommodation is usually good value in Spain/Catalunya, more so when a couple, or group. Personally I'd leave the tent at home on a short visit.
Last edited by Two wheels good; 11 May 2015 at 12:20. Reason: wrong date: Sept is low season
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 May 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Scotland
Posts: 8
(Just posted this on my other thread but thought I'd stick it here too in case it can help someone looking for similar budget accomodation info.)

Thanks again for all the help guys!...

Many thanks for the info. I've managed to book several great looking places:
a static tent for one night near Saint Girons (30E)-Camping Audinac Les Bains, Saint-Girons, France - Booking.com, a bungalow near Fiscal, to be used as a base for 3 days (49E/night)-https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/cam...ail_hotel_name then from the Spanish Biker website a night here-Molí de Fòrnols before returning to Barcelona. Got two nights to book but going to leave them til after I've done further route research. For anyone looking for similar accomodation, I found that Booking.com was very usefull as it lists bungalows, static caravans, tents etc. It seems to offer very good prices and is in english with good search options (type of accomodation, distance from specified location, map locations etc)

This is the first time we've done a fly/hire trip and love the fact that we won't have to bring all our camping kit
...roll on July!

Thanks to everyone for your help with info!

All the best.


Chris
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 May 2015
RJ76's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 10
i was 2013 in the Pyrenees, it was a great trip...
watch out these informations:

1st ist in german, but some nice pics and some names you can put into your plans
[url=http://www.fernweh-jochen-andrea.de/Einzelseiten/Pyrenaen%202008/Pyrenaen-index.htm]Fernweh - Pyrenaen - Pyren
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 May 2015
RJ76's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 10
i was 2013 in the Pyrenees, it was a great trip...
watch out these informations:

1st ist in german, but some nice pics and some names you can put into your plans

Fernweh - Pyrenaen - Pyren�en - Pyreneen 2008 mit dem Motorradgespann - Motorradtouren-Pyren�en - Motorradreisen-Pyren�en - Frankreich - Spanien - Anreise mit dem Autozug

some nice routes...

Routenguide: Die besten Pässe der Pyrenäen - Motorradtouren - MOTORRAD

i personally preferred the spanish routes
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 May 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 49
The route shown at Temporaryescapee map is a pretty cool one. Basically N260 as mentioned is good. And I agree the roads on the Spanish side I enjoyed much more than the French ones, especially from the road quality pov.

I would also add the road from Vielha to the east (C-28, C-13), I really like this one - beautiful ascent over the Vielha valley as well.

Also, I wouldn't bother with Andorra if you're contemplating this - way too much traffic and nothing special to see.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 May 2015
kingkoru's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 45
Nature Park Bardenas Reales
I went to the Spanish Pyrenees side with no idea or plan and it was all awesome... Like the Nature Park Bardenas Reales, and any side road. Only place to avoid is Andorra, annoying mad drivers.

I wrote about the route: Spanish Pyrenees road trip - Summer 2014 - Wheelie Adventurous
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 May 2015
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Geneva
Posts: 199
Plenty to ride, and enjoy great wine for 2€ in the evening
I particularly enjoy Denis Smyth's (Road Trooper) blog for info, he does ride the Pyrenees regularly. It was inspiring for me early April, though some cols were not passable. Road Trooper – Independent Motorbike Touring Magazine � 2013 Pyrenees Motorbike Tour

I'd also recommend not to cross into Andorre unless you wish to buy some motorcycling clothing as you arrive in the region. This is a pretty good place to get some stuff at a good price actually, but apart from that it sort of have become a large open sky mall...
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Jun 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
"must do" in pirineos
I live close to these mountains in the Basque Country and there´s many routes you could take
generally roads are in better shape in spain...anyway here is in my opinion the list of sites you should not lose

french side east-west:
-col de Peyresourde, col d´Aspin and Tourmalet
-Gavarnie circle
-col de Aubisque (the best in french side)
-col portalet (from Gabas to Sabiñanigo)
-col de la pierre san martin and puerto las Coronas in Navascués

Spanish side west-east:
-puerto de Ibañeta
-road from Lumbie r to Tardets (puerto Larrau) visiting foz de Arbayun
-Biescas-Broto-Ainsa
-Ainsa-Escalona-Fanlo-Ainsa (cañón Añisclo) espectacular!!!!
-Ainsa-Campo-Castejón-Pont de Suert
-pot de la Bonaigua (Vielha-Adrall)
-Collada de Tosses

Andorra:
-port d´Envalira

There´s many many others but these are the essentials...have fun
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Route suggestions for UK to Crete trip lord-flint Europe 11 24 Sep 2014 16:09
Route Suggestions From Kyrgstan to China and the Himalayas brennan West and South Asia 2 25 May 2014 00:29
Buenos Aires to Bogota guest123 Route Planning 12 2 Jan 2013 08:18
Cape Town to Nairobi on small bikes, any suggestions?! kfukuda87 Route Planning 2 29 Jul 2012 17:27
paris to eastern europe/turkey route suggestions? zundapp Route Planning 5 30 Mar 2012 13:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top