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The natural border between two countries cannot be more defined than that by a large river, or a mountain range. For most of the border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees mountain ranges mark the division between these two great countries.
I have travelled this area extensively over the past 40 years and I never fail to be awestruck at the sheer majesty of these peaks. Whether it be a sunshine holiday on the magnificent Atlantic coast beaches of Les Landes in South West France, or on the Mediterranean beaches of the Costa Brava in Spain, or a winter skiing holiday in Andorra, the Pyrenees are the backdrop.
There are many ways of getting there. You can fly to Bilbao, Biarritz, Barcelona, Gerona or Toulouse and hire a car. SNCF French Railways can get you down there very quickly by High Speed train from Paris to Perpignon or Biarritz. You can drive down in 12 hours from most of the western Channel ports. You can cruise down with your car by ferry to Santander from Plymouth, or Bilbao from Portsmouth.
The beaches of Northern Spain and the South West of France are some of the best in Europe. The weather is usually very good, the people are charming and the food is simply wonderful. The Victorians regularly holidayed in Biarritz, as well as the Cote d'Azur. They knew a good thing when they found it. A lot of the hotels in this corner of France reflect the regal architectural elegance and styles of the times.
This part of Europe is also famous for its divine visions and has been a route for pilgrims for generations. The famous Shrine of Our Lady in Lourdes, is situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees and the pilgrimage route to the Shrine in Santiago de Compestella Spain, passes through these mountains.
Once out in the mountains, you can really appreciate the efforts that early pilgrims made passing this formidable obstacle. As a result there are several good walking and hiking trails.
In the high Pyrenees and within the Parc National des Pyrenees, the Cirque de Garvarnie is a spectacular, natural horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre, which boasts Europe's highest waterfall. As you get nearer to the waterfall, the woodland gives way to allow you to gaze up at the towering cliffs around you.
The area abounds with wildlife such as vultures, golden eagle, whistling marmots and spectacular butterflies in the summer. Although the Pyreneean ibex is thought to have become extinct in the area only recently, there are still many other species to be found.
From these heights, glacial valleys radiate out to form rough meadows full of wonderful flowers in the spring and summer, and skiers in the winter. The snow comes relatively early to the Pyrenees and the ski resorts in Andorra have a height range in excess of 2,500m, usually ensuring a full ski season until Easter. The traditional mountain resort of El Formigal is Spain's largest ski resort and the area continues to grow in popularity. This is a good skiing area and the resorts of Andorra offer slopes for all grades of skier. Arinsal is a great choice for families, with plenty to entertain everyone. Pas de la Casa is the highest resort in Andorra, on the extensive Grandvalira ski area. It has an excellent snow record. popular with snowboarders as well as skiers, it is renowned for it's nightlife.
Along with the Picos de Europa, a not too far 3 hour drive away, in Northern Spain, the Pyrenees area is a fabulous choice for mountain scenery, wonderful walking, hiking and camping. You can be on the beaches of the Mediterranean in the morning, or surfing, near Biarritz, in the afternoon you can be hiking in the high Pyrenees.
Make this area your choice for a summer holiday or a winter sports holiday and you will not be disappointed.