Spain & France: Pyrenees Explorer – May 2023
Guides Mark & Joy Holroyd, supported by Brendan Hale, report on our “Epic Roads and Classic Cities” tour.
Spain and France: Pyrenees Explorer Trip Report May 2023
Day 1
OK Magellanites muster! Today sees eleven of us departing from Plymouth on our way to the Pyrenees for the next 10 days. There are two trips this year: winding roads, stunning views and excellent hotels – what more could you want? Come on join me again in September, you know you want to…
Day 2
We took the motorway direct to the hotel to make sure we were there in time for dinner! It was also the chance to test out all the sat navs, which by and large nearly worked faultlessly! 
The scenery en route was super, a portent for the days to come. The dinner, however, was great! Thank you Hotel Albret. 
Day 3
We have our first full day on tour and the weather decides to try and dampen our spirits. It failed! Sure, it limited the view, especially over the Pyrenees where visibility fell close to zero at times, but it was a good day in the saddle and the destination, Canfranc Estacion, is a gem. Tucked away in a steep-sided valley with a fascinating hotel that was once a railway station. Super hotel, and a band of riders who are becoming firm friends. That’s the power of motorcycles and the joy of touring.
Day 4
After the rain soaked ride yesterday all were hoping for the weather gods to smile on us today, and they did not disappoint! We left the hotel with 3° showing on the dash, but that rapidly changed and we enjoyed a truly spectacular ride through the Northern Spanish countryside, blue skies, 20 plus degrees and almost empty roads.
The views were amazing and we took the opportunity to stop and take pictures, or simply to take it all in. The hotel in Andorra La Vella looks out over the town and the surrounding hills and provided us with a super buffet to round off a brilliant day.
Oh, and did I mention the amazing views??
Day 5
Today was almost the same as yesterday..but only because the route taken was the same but in reverse for most of the way. That said, the perspective is always different when travelling the other way, and this was the case for us. Another day of amazing roads and good weather. The route covered fewer miles, and we ended up at yet another fine hotel, although nobody braved the unheated outdoor pool despite a few bold promises! Tony the crane found a mascot tie-wrapped to his bike this morning…it survived the day’s ride, so I guess it will likely complete the tour with the rest of us!
Day 6
A 149 mile technical ride taking in 2 high passes across the Pyrenees. Unfortunately, the second pass was closed, and we had an 80 mile diversion to reach Panticosa, our hotel for the next 2 nights.
The hotel is a spa complex, so the choice tomorrow is a leisurely ride out or a hot tub (well ok, maybe slightly more upmarket than just a hot tub!)
We had it all today, sun, rain, snow and wind. 4 seasons in one day, just like home! Even spotted a few French classic cars during the day. Highlight of the day had to be the ascent to the Col de Soulor. Magnifique!
Day 7
Spa day on the Pyrenees Tour, and it’s been a relaxing pause on the tour. David and Margaret ventured out to find the local beauty spots; they didn’t have to go far, you’re spoilt for choice here.
Most stayed in the resort and put their feet up. Not much to say about this location that the photos cannot tell you, an intriguing mix of old and fairly modern architecture surrounded by mountains and waterfalls..and a bit of snow for effect!
Another superb dinner to look forward to, and no doubt a drop of the good stuff. Buenas Noches.
Day 8
Just one image to sum up the beauty of this adventure…
Day 9
The Pyrenees Tour nears its end and another great day’s riding courtesy of the guide, Mr Mark. Due to the closure of some high passes and the forecast bad weather, Mark decided on an alternative route to the south, and it turned out to be an inspired choice. Well done Mark, gold star for you!
We all had an early arrival at the hotel so several of us decided to go walkabout to the old town of Pamplona. It didn’t disappoint….and with the bull run still a couple of months away, there was more chance of being mown down by the deliveroo (Spanish equivalent) riders than by rampaging bulls! A great city to visit, if you do this tour make it a must see.
The final meal in the Hotel Albret was a fitting way to round off a superb tour. Ferry tomorrow, and back to reality!
Day 10
Last day of the Pyrenees tour… how did that happen? Ferry home and thanks for an awesome tour folks.
