The Pyrenees

Im currently planning this years holiday, and have come to the descision that as it will be our first time out of the UK in the Landrovers then a week to 10 day holiday in the Pyrenees would offer the best experience.

So this is the bit where im after information!
Can anybody recommend any Campsites in the pyrenees either French or Spanish that would offer a good base for 2 to 3 nights, possibly in an area where we could take in some tracks, lanes, sights etc?

Any must see sights areas and tracks that people know of would be great too?

If any body knows of any local clubs or groups that could be contacted?

And obviously any other information or advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance
Daz

Hi you may not wish to join a tour, but if you speak with Tom , I am sure he will give you some advice.
he may even see this post and make himself kown to you.

http://www.pyrenees4x4tours.co.uk/

regards yoda

Thanks Yoda, but Daz has already beaten you to it and contacted me. He was considering Landy Rally as well, so I said that if he fancied roughly 10 days of fun/parties/mayhem/amazing scenery/exhaustion (the rewarding type!)/security in numbers/fantastic camaraderie/making friends for life/etc. then the event would be perfect for him.

However, costs have also got to be considered. All I've just mentioned does come at a price, exactly the same as a guided tour would (although I think the Landy Rally entry fee is very fair), so the cheapest method is definitely going independent. Personally I would be shooting myself in the foot if I disclosed my routes, campsites, favourite eateries, etc. as they have taken years and lot of money to find, but there are a lot of folk out there who would willingly part with knowledge gained over the years. I'm sure Daz will understand my position.

Basically Daz, like I had to do previously, you have to do your homework with hour after hour of trawling through magazines, internet searches, and so on. If you don't you could find yourself paying out twice, three times the price for something that on Landy Rally or a guided 4x4 tour would be considered 'cheap' because of discounted deals struck in advance. That's just one of the many benefits of an organised trip, something you wouldn't get by touring alone.

Then again if you are brave (some would say reckless), just do the basics of finding out a route to the Pyrenees, get down there and play it by ear. Half the fun of 'going solo' is the feeling of 'exploration'. Sure you will get it wrong a times, but that's all part of overlanding.

It is difficult as a novice, either choosing an organised event or guided tour, with all the security and knowledge of the 'good places' that accompanies it, or a heading into the wide yonder with all the many pitfalls and excitement that goes with the territory; your choice!

Forgot to say the most important thing - at least you want to get out there and exprience the thrill of overlanding. With so many others electing to lazily sit by a pool for two weeks turning into lobsters, you are halfway there already. Where there's a will ...

Well I new you would give him some advice

It depends on how confident Daz his in his abilities and his vehicle. Does Daz speak French or Spanish?

Most of the commercial guys will not give details of their routes, why should they?

Part of the travelling experience is doing the research.

Some suggestions try the Spanish Land Rover forum, unfortunately it is in Spanish but some of their lads speak English.

There is an English Land Rover Club in southern Spain.

Don't think there is a French Land Rover club but am sure there will be a 4x4 one.

Contact Barros on the LRA forum. English speaking Portugese LR owner who lives in north Portugal

There is a one guide book which does the Pyrenees coast to coast in tulip diagrams

So start doing the research and enjoy yourselves


Brendan

PS Have a look at northern Spain HERE

Thanks guys for all your information, Totally understand your position Tom, I will keep you updated on the progress of the planning and no doubt will be trying to press you guys for more info along the way!

Daz

Also remember the RGS overland weekend at the end of May

Brendan

Some great stuff there Leeds/4x4Overlander/Brendan about Asturias, what a lovely part of the world the Pyrenees is. Long may it continue.

'Professional secrets' or not Daz, it won't stop Brendan or myself talking you to death at a show, we have a track record in that department.