Mid October trip to SW France, Pyrenees and Spain.

[Blackbrogue1962]

We are taking Portsmouth - St Malo overnight ferry next week and heading initially to friends near Biarritz. Any suggestions for a one day stopover around the La Rochelle area? After visiting friends we’re heading to Lourdes, into the Pyrenees if the weathers ok and then venturing into N Spain or possibly more central S France. A much delayed 3 week break due to family circumstances, any suggestions for an active retired couple welcome. Conscious that resort type sites may be closed this late in the year.

 

[Dill Tart]

We did a week on Ille de Re, I think we stayed at Amis de la Plage, it’s a lovely island for gentle cycling as there are cycle paths separate from the roads. Saint Martin de Re was delightful, lots of interesting places to see and great sea food. You may already know it, but there is a causeway that connects to the mainland so no ferry needed.
Many years ago we also drove from Collioure to Saint Jean de luz south to north Pyrenees via Andorra, the start & finish were far too busy for us, nose to tail traffic, but the mid sections were stunning and deserted. You may struggle to find places open to stay this time of the season, worth researching though.

 

[briwy]

If you are going to Lourdes carry on south up to Cauterets, through the village and up to Pont d'Espagne. Fabulous waterfalls and walking area. You can stay overnight in the car park up there as well. Or the Cirque de Gavarnie is well worth a visit. You could go via st Lary Soulon and through the Bielsa tunnel into N Spain. Very scenic route.

 

[AJQ]

If you're heading for the Pyrenees we stayed a few years ago at La Pene Blanche campsite in a small town called Loudenvielle, on the French side and not far from Lourdes. Beautiful views from the pitches, great place for hiking, with food shops and restaurants within walking distance and a really lovely spa in the town.