Spain / France trip advice please

[92kk k100lt 193214]

We stay at St Leon sur Vezere down near Sarlat [SW of Brive] and the Millau is on our list. I have explored Street View and decided some time we will do an overnight at Millau and also go under as it appears quite amazing. Visitor centre is a recommendation too.

As for camping, my response is simple. We love bbqs and you can't do a bbq beside a river in an hotel...

[Spike941]

We stay at St Leon sur Vezere down near Sarlat [SW of Brive] and the Millau is on our list. I have explored Street View and decided some time we will do an overnight at Millau and also go under as it appears quite amazing. Visitor centre is a recommendation too.

As for camping, my response is simple. We love bbqs and you can't do a bbq beside a river in an hotel...

If you're going to stop over in Millau, then another 'must do' is the ride up to the viewing area on the high plateau to the south of Millau. Basically, cross the tarn as if you're taking the old main road south to Creissels, which is just part of Millau, but south of the river, then find the narrow steep twisty lane that leads due south up to the plateau. The views of the bridge from there are the best.

[moto al]

Another ,great hotel . In another gem the small town Torla ,on the way to Ainsa (thumbs)

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[Devonboy]

Are you planning on going over or under the Millau bridge. You could stay in Millau itself and do both. Plenty of good cheap hotels in Millau, and somewhere I have stayed a few times. May in the Massif Central can be a mixed bag, expect anything between warm sunshine and snow. Snow's unlikely though, but it can happen. Most of the routes over the western side of the Pyrenees should be clear by mid May

Couple of years ago we went up Puy Mary middle of June, left Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne in 35 degrees got to the top and it started sleeting, we were in summer riding kit, didn't stay long.

[Simon_100]

Getting to Ainsa: the road d pretty boring all the way to Sabiñánigo but it covers the distance. The 'classic' route is to take the N-260 from Biesca, which is great but it's very narrow and prone to lots of holiday traffic. Note that there's a 'new' N-260 that goes almost direct from Sab to Fiscal - good if you're in a hurry or if the weather is bad in the higher mountains. But I much prefer the little known A-1604 from a few miles south of Sab to Boltaña, which is a few miles short of Ainsa. One of the best roads in the Pyrenees IMHO - NB risk of cattle on this road - especially ponies! - the only section of the Pyrenees that I've seen this although it's common along the north cast ranges.

From Ainsa to Toulouse you'd be better staying on the N-260 to Sort and then over the Port de la Bonaigua pass (the c-28) to Vielha and onto the French motorway to Toulouse - the a 'spur' just before you get to Montrejeau that saves a lot of time. That's quite a hard ride, especially if the weather is bad, but there's a 'short cut' if you need it, i.e. take the N-230 straight to Vielha through the tunnel - you 'join' this road a bit north of Pont de Suerte.

There's lots of accommodation in Ainsa, all much of a muchness. If you haven't travelled in Spain before you find hotel breakfasts, such as they are, a sad disappointment and they don't start serving until 08.00 by which time you should be on the go. So it's a good idea to not bother with the B&B deal and pay for you digs in the evening before - likewise receptions may open late and have a queue yo pay up - get going and then stop at a roadhouse from 09.00 - 11.00 for a big cooked breakfast - there's a really good place beside the road at Campo - just right timing wise - and if you eat well then you can avoid wasting time over the Spanish siesta times, about 13,30 - 16.00 when you'll have the roads to yourselves.

I'm not much on France but if i were me I'd avoid staying in Toulouse, it's a bloody big city and the ring roads are bad enough just going round, finding the right exit to go into the city makes my blood run cold. I'd much rather stay at St gaudiness, which is a really nice little place and start your day in France - very different riding conditions - without having to 'change the chip' in the same day.

Regs

Simon

[ollydog]

Hotels - not sure Mrs EMF is ready for camping just yet :pinch:

ok, a great hotel I used in Ainsa ,last September

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10 out of 10

just had a quick check on maps, we have stayed here twice, good price decent food and well on route

steve

[ollydog]

just get the map out highlight a rough route and get on booking.com but getting accom that time of the year is easy and keep the missus happy

steve

[Simon_100]

just get the map out highlight a rough route and get on booking.com but getting accom that time of the year is easy and keep the missus happy

steve

If you book following this link I get about 0.5% commission - after seven years I think I've gained about €5 - time to retire and take it easy ...

[RandG]

Not much to add other than the C-28 that spanish biker mentions is ace, did it in September, empty and fantabulous (thumbs)

[Emf#53]

Some excellent tips - thank you everyone for sharing, it's much appreciated (thumbs)

Time to get back on google maps and street view