Sos del Rey Catolico to Pau over the Pyrenees
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Nick Carthew - (MRA Master)
Last edit: 23-12-2020
Route Summary
A scenic route that crosses the Pyrenees from Formigal and stops at Lake Fabreges for the cable car.
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Verdict
Duration
3h 59m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
211.01 km
Countries
Border at Portalet
RouteXpert Review
This route starts after a very comfortable stay at Sos del Rey Catolico. The route heads east and then turns north to cross the Pyrenees and into France to a budget hotel in Pau. An early start is advisable because there are so many beautiful sights and breathtaking vistas that you will want to take your time and stop to take lots of photographs and just take in the magnificent views. Plus, there is a lunch stop at Lac de Fabreges. We took the cable car up and had a nice lunch at 2000m. After about 9 miles (14 kms) of very rural countryside, you approach some wooded hills, the road from now on is quite uneven for the next 6 miles (10 kms), but the occasional glimpse of the foothills of the Pyrenees and the heavily wooded area, make it all worth it. As you start to descend you will see the ruined castle of Ruesta at route point (RP) 5. There is parking for a photograph and a view of the Yesa Reservoir. The roads from here, then start to even out.
The route then continues on a smoother, straighter section used by trucks and so includes a roadside ‘truck stop’ at Berdun RP 8 for you to take a break and have a very delicious but very inexpensive coffee. These Spanish truckers enjoy their food and so these truck stops always serve cheap but very good food and drink. From here you ride parallel to the Pyrenees and you feel the anticipation rising for a great ride ahead.
Take the N-260 north to Biescas and Formigal and as you travel closer and closer to the Pyrenees, the beautiful picture in front of you gets bigger and bigger. There are not many places to stop for a picture, so when you see one, stop. You will pass two turquoise coloured reservoirs and a 500m long tunnel before you get to Formigal. Here you can stop for the last Spanish fuel which is normally a little cheaper than French fuel.
Start climbing, bend after bend and take in the magnificence of the mountains. The road has a gradual gradient and isn't too steep, but ‘Wow’ will be your word of the day! Crossing the border into France at Portalet RP 17 was insignificant really, there are a few shops bars etc but we didn't stop. On the descent and on the way to the ski center at Lac de Fabreges RP 18, you will pass under several stone verandahs that protect the road by diverting the melt water over the road and into the valley below. At this point you will imagine that you are James Bond, especially as you are just about to go up a mountain by cable car from the ski centre. This stop makes a lovely break to catch your breath and have a croque monsieur for lunch at the café at the top. The Petit train d'Artouste departs from here and although we didn't ride in it, I understand that it is quite spectacular.
See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petit_train_d'Artouste You may even see some Marmots which are known as the guardians of the mountains.
The route continues along sometimes narrow roads and villages to an overnight stay at the Ibis budget hotel at Pau. We had a very comfortable night there but be warned, they have no restaurant, we bought essential supplies (wine) at the supermarket RP 23. Details of hotel here: https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-2583-ibis-budget-pau-lescar/index.shtml
Cable car lunch with Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m) in the background.
Tramacastilla de Tena RP 15
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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