Hi Darren,
I did a solo trip from the UK to Barcelona in September, & rode over the pyrenees at Andorra. I also thought about whether or not I should get the ferry straight to Spain. In the end I decided to ride the whole length of France, & I'm glad I did.
It was 2 long days of riding to get down France (I avoided toll roads), but I loved every minute of it - the French countryside / scenery was amazing.

I also camped most nights, but occassionally stayed in an 'F1' hotel - these are very cheap / no-frills hotels (but very comfortable) in France & the cost is often not much different to the cost of camping for the night (I spent approx 30 euros for 1 night) - see hotelf1.com: 260 budget hotels throughout France

For camping, if you have a satnav, download the 'Archies camping' POI for it (free). I use this a lot when I'm riding in Europe; whenever I get tired of riding I just tell it to take me to the nearest campsite.

I took the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre (LD Lines), only £35 for me & the bike. Arrived about 7am in Le Havre. Highly recommended.

I stayed in Poitiers first night. On the second night, I was intending to stay in Toulouse, but I just kept riding & managed to get to Andorra before sunset. Stayed at Valira campsite, which is a good location, close to the centre of Andorra la Vella.

Sorry don't know anything about the pyrenees apart from Andorra.
Have fun!

John

thankyou john

anyone recomend some good roads to ride?

Another option is ferry (or tunnel) to France then ride to St Nazaire and get overnight ferry to Gijon then head east to the Pyrenees or just stay in the Picos de Europa which is a brilliant area to ride, hardly any tourists, spectacular roads and very friendly area. We did this in August this year, had 8 days of great riding no rushing and will definately be going back again.

Last month I rode from Barcelona to Saint Sebastion following the Pyrennees and then down the coast to catch the ferry to Portsmouth from Santander.

The route I used basically came from the Spanish Bikers (who posts here on the HUBB) website thespanishbiker.wordpress.com. The core of the route was the N260 - this was a simply superb road, winding over hills and switchbacks and then diving through gorges. I did it on a KLR650 but you could do it on anything and enjoy it. I free camped 3 nights whilst doing this route with no problems - but if that isn't your style I'm pretty sure accommodation wouldn't be a problem.

If you strictly have a week available I think catching the ferry both ways is the only way to go if you want to enjoy Spain - but if you can stretch it to 9 - 10 days go down through France to the eastern end of the Pyrennees, then through the mountains before catching the ferry home.

By the way I loved Barcelona and its worth a couple of days if you can fit it in.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/

Been to the Pyrenees a few times. Twice on the HUMM, the 2nd time with a couple of additional days riding off road along the pyrenees on the way, plus another trip to the western Pyrenees and Navarra desert area. Lots of good off road riding if that's what you're hoping for. Depending where you are going, you probably need to look at June onwards.

Happy to discuss routes / look at maps etc at the Cornwall mini-meet in February if you're up for it.

Thanks guys, my idea was to ride down through france, spend some time in the pyrenees then get the ferry back to the uk, looks like i might have to try increase my number of days riding, think i should be able to do 8-10

also, anyone recomend a cheapish sat nav for europe? not going to be using it very much so cant afford to splash out sadly.

thanks again

+1
I could have writen that...
John933

__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

I just bought a waterproof cover for my tomtom but it will work on most makes .( ebay no 330566540030).
I got the model with the extra width(5 inch) & battery compartment.
So far I'm very impresed with it.
Rory

getting to the s/west France area is a long haul, but potentially a lot cheaper than the ferry to Santander or bILBAO.

The A roads are great, but slowing and stopping in a million villages that all look alike is a crock if you are on a short trip.
I have done the overnight to Santander a few times and if it falls within your budget its a great way to sleep 800+ miles away.
IF YOU DO THE FERRY there, don't miss the the Pico's it would be a shame to miss their charm and the 'Grand Tour' roads are quiet and scenic. Camp at Fuente De and do the ski lift..... scary with only one wire and two towers with 2 miles in between straight up.

|San Sebastion is cool, I have nor done the P's yet, but would consider the ferry if I was flush ££££££