R02 - Sant Julia de Loria to Pierrefitte Nestalas
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RouteXpert Arno van Lochem - Advanced RX
Last edit: 27-07-2021
Route Summary A little more to the north are the Pyrenees, where it is of course also beautiful to drive.
The route starts in the south of Andorra, a few kilometers from the Spanish border. Via a number of beautiful passes and nature reserves, including the Parc Natural Alt Pirineu, you drive straight through the Pyrenees towards the west. You will come across the Col d'Aspin and the Tourmalet. The end of the route is in Pierrefitte-Nestalas, France, at Grand Hotel de France.
This route is part of a tour through Catalonia, Andorra and the Pyrenees. This tour is divided into seven routes, of which this is the second part.
The route is for the more advanced motorcyclist. The occasional (tight!) Hairpin bends require good engine control.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
8h 18m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
290.21 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review The Pyrenees are a true paradise for motorcyclists: beautiful views and magnificent winding roads between imposing mountains. This route covers a part of those roads where enjoyment is of paramount importance. Hence, my rating for this route is 5 stars.
The route starts in the south of Andorra, at Hotel Coma Bella in Sant Julià de Lòria. The first few kilometers is a nice descent to the valley where the road that takes you to Spain runs. When you arrive on that road, you will first see a row of petrol stations, so if necessary, you can still fill the tank here for an affordable price.
After 2.5 kilometers you cross the border with Spain towards La Seu d'Urgell. Shortly after this place the 'boring' part of the route: A straight stretch of 5 kilometers. Although, boring .... look around and the straight is suddenly a lot less boring. You can see the hills left, right and even in front of you. This means that you will soon be driving in the hills and later in the mountains. Nice prospect!
Shortly after the 'boring straight', the first hairpin turn arrives. And many more will follow. At various places you have beautiful views of the underlying valleys from those hairpin bends, such places are indicated at a number of places in the route. A shame to just pass by, such views deserve to be viewed and yes, a photo is of course also part of it.
After 45 kilometers you will drive over the first pass of this route, the Coll del Roc Picó with an altitude of 1559 meters. There is a nice parking lot with some benches. Here too you have the opportunity for a short stop to enjoy the great view.
The Coll del Roc Picó is soon followed by the Port del Cantó which has the highest point at 1718 meters. Despite the fact that this is only 200 meters higher than the previous one, the view is significantly less. The cause is that the pass does not cross the highest point. However, a vast landscape with forests. Still nice to see.
A short while later it is time for the first coffee stop in the town of Sort. The road to it is another piece to enjoy! Wonderful curves and beautiful views, the Pyrenees all over!
In Sort you can also visit a small museum / prison after your coffee, the Camí de la Llibertat. That is a very small museum (only one room, being the prison). Many people were imprisoned in this prison during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, when they tried to cross the Pyrenees in order to escape the wars. Although it is a small museum, it is interesting to hear from the guides what it was like at the time.
The museum is within walking distance of the restaurant where the coffee break is scheduled, it is a walk of about 500 meters.
After the coffee break you continue to drive northwest. From Sort the route runs along a river, the Noguera Pallaresa. This is a river that has its source at Era Font d'era Noguereta at an altitude of about 2000 meters and barely 100 meters from the Garonne. As the Garonne flows towards the Atlantic Ocean, the Noguera Pallaresa flows south and just before the reservoir of Camarasa (Noguera) flows into the Segre, which in turn flows into the Ebro to end up in the Mediterranean Sea. The Noguera Pallaresa has been dammed in various places such as the Talarn Dam, the largest reservoirs are La Torassa, Sant Antoni, Terradets and Camarasa.
After 25 kilometers you arrive at the former lake, La Torassa. The name, which means tower, comes from the old and large (lookout) tower that stood on this spot. It is possible to drive over the dam and then follow the narrow road around the lake. Just a nice diversion, it is something different than via the main road on which the route runs. You will be treated to nice views of the lake along the way. This is due to the height difference between the lake and the road around it. However, watch out for oncoming traffic, it is that narrow.
At the tail end of the reservoir is the Mollera d'Escalarre, a beautiful wetland area with crystal clear and relaxing waters, of great natural importance where different plant and animal species coexist. Nature lovers should definitely take a look here.
All this beauty is located in the middle of one of the natural parks that the Pyrenees are rich: The Parc Naturel de l'Alt Pirineu.
This park is not only special in terms of surface area, but also in terms of level difference. For example, the lowest point in the park is around 600 meters and the highest is well above 3100. As a result, the nature park has an enormous diversity of flora and fauna. Within the park there are different microclimates, so you can not only walk along babbling brooks over large green grass plains, but also over the completely bare rocky surface on the high peaks. In between grow large beech forests and high plains that are here and there overgrown with a few shrubs and even Edelweiss.
If you look at the fauna of Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu, the most notable inhabitant of this area is the brown bear. Not many live there, partly due to the great resistance among the local residents that there was in the past against this king of the forest. However, several bears have now been released and young, newly born bears have also been spotted. The latter shows that the bears now feel completely at home in this area and that their population is growing. In addition, you can often encounter another mountain dweller, the mountain goat, in the higher regions. But also different vulture species that circle around in their majestic way in search of food are a real happening to see.
The route winds further to the northwest through various passes, including the Port del Cantó (1718m), the Eth Portilhon (1293m, this col is on the border with France), the Col de Peyresourde (1569m) and the Col d'Aspin ( 1490m). All beautiful to drive. Beautiful roads, forests interspersed with mountain meadows, great. Don't forget to stop the engine every now and then for some photos.
Near La Mongie in France, you can already see the gondolas on the cable car sliding up and down from a great distance. This cable car takes you to Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Since 1882, this mountain has housed an observatory where the universe is studied. Its construction began in 1878 under the direction of General de Nansouty and engineer Célestin-Xavier Vaussenat. The building materials had to be delivered by mules. Initially it was a simple weather station. There is an interactive museum about astronomy at the research center. Here you can learn all about the stars and planets, as well as the history of the Pic du Midi observatory. There is also a broadcasting station for radio and television. From the top one has a unique view on all sides of the chain of the Pyrenees.
A platform has been built for the daredevils, part of which hangs above the cliff. From this platform you look straight down into the depth. Stand on it if you dare!
The last col in this route is the Col du Tourmalet. The 2,115-meter-high passage is best known for the Tour de France, where it was first recorded in 1910. No other mountain has been climbed as often as the Tourmalet since then. Near the top of the climb is a monument in memory of former Tour director Jacques Goddet.
After this Col de Tourmalet (phenomenal view!) The route continues to Luz-Saint-Saveur. From here, another 13 kilometers towards today's hotel, Grand Hotel de France in Pierrefitte-Nestalas, a nice hotel in a small town.
Have fun driving this route!
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Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Catalonia
About this region
Catalonia (; Catalan: Catalunya [kətəˈluɲə, kataˈluɲa]; Aranese Occitan: Catalonha [kataˈluɲa]; Spanish: Cataluña [kataˈluɲa]) is an autonomous community in the northeastern corner of Spain, designated as a nationality by its Statute of Autonomy.Catalonia consists of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. The capital and largest city, Barcelona is the second-most populated municipality in Spain and the fifth-most populous urban area in the European Union. It comprises most of the former Principality of Catalonia (with the remainder Roussillon now part of France's Pyrénées-Orientales). It is bordered by France (Occitanie) and Andorra to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the Spanish autonomous communities of Aragon to the west and Valencia to the south. The official languages are Catalan, Spanish, and the Aranese dialect of Occitan.In the late 8th century, various counties across the eastern Pyrenees were established by the Frankish kingdom as a defensive barrier against Muslim invasions. In the 10th century the County of Barcelona became progressively independent. In 1137, Barcelona and the Kingdom of Aragon were united by marriage under the Crown of Aragon. Within the Crown, the Catalan counties adopted a common polity, the Principality of Catalonia, developing its own institutional system, such as Courts, Generalitat and constitutions, becoming the base for the Crown's Mediterranean trade and expansionism. In the later Middle Ages, Catalan literature flourished. In 1469, the king of Aragon and the queen of Castile were married and ruled their realms together, retaining all of their distinct institutions and legislation.
During the Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659), Catalonia revolted (1640–1652) against a large and burdensome presence of the royal army, being briefly proclaimed a republic under French protection, until it was largely reconquered by the Spanish army. By the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), the northern parts of Catalonia, mostly the Roussillon, were ceded to France. During the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), the Crown of Aragon sided against the Bourbon Philip V of Spain; following Catalan defeat on 11 September 1714, Philip V imposed a unifying administration across Spain, enacting the Nueva Planta decrees which, like in the other realms of the Crown of Aragon, suppressed the Catalan institutions and rights. This led to the eclipse of Catalan as a language of government and literature, replaced by Spanish. Throughout the 18th century, Catalonia experienced economic growth.
In the 19th century, Catalonia was severely affected by the Napoleonic and Carlist Wars. In the second third of the century, it experienced industrialisation. As wealth from the industrial expansion grew, it saw a cultural renaissance coupled with incipient nationalism while several workers movements appeared. With the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1939), the Generalitat was restored as a Catalan autonomous government. After the Spanish Civil War, the Francoist dictatorship enacted repressive measures, abolishing Catalan self-government and banning the official use of the Catalan language. After a period of autarky, from the late 1950s through to the 1970s Catalonia saw rapid economic growth, drawing many workers from across Spain, making Barcelona one of Europe's largest industrial metropolitan areas and turning Catalonia into a major tourist destination. During the Spanish transition to democracy (1975–1982), Catalonia regained self-government and is now one of the most economically dynamic communities of Spain.
Since the 2010s there has been growing support for Catalan independence. On 27 October 2017, the Catalan Parliament unilaterally declared independence following a disputed referendum. The Spanish Senate voted in favour of enforcing direct rule by removing the Catalan government and calling a snap regional election. The Spanish Supreme Court imprisoned seven former ministers of the Catalan government on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds, while several others—including then-President Carles Puigdemont—fled to other European countries.
Read more on Wikipedia
During the Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659), Catalonia revolted (1640–1652) against a large and burdensome presence of the royal army, being briefly proclaimed a republic under French protection, until it was largely reconquered by the Spanish army. By the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), the northern parts of Catalonia, mostly the Roussillon, were ceded to France. During the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), the Crown of Aragon sided against the Bourbon Philip V of Spain; following Catalan defeat on 11 September 1714, Philip V imposed a unifying administration across Spain, enacting the Nueva Planta decrees which, like in the other realms of the Crown of Aragon, suppressed the Catalan institutions and rights. This led to the eclipse of Catalan as a language of government and literature, replaced by Spanish. Throughout the 18th century, Catalonia experienced economic growth.
In the 19th century, Catalonia was severely affected by the Napoleonic and Carlist Wars. In the second third of the century, it experienced industrialisation. As wealth from the industrial expansion grew, it saw a cultural renaissance coupled with incipient nationalism while several workers movements appeared. With the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1939), the Generalitat was restored as a Catalan autonomous government. After the Spanish Civil War, the Francoist dictatorship enacted repressive measures, abolishing Catalan self-government and banning the official use of the Catalan language. After a period of autarky, from the late 1950s through to the 1970s Catalonia saw rapid economic growth, drawing many workers from across Spain, making Barcelona one of Europe's largest industrial metropolitan areas and turning Catalonia into a major tourist destination. During the Spanish transition to democracy (1975–1982), Catalonia regained self-government and is now one of the most economically dynamic communities of Spain.
Since the 2010s there has been growing support for Catalan independence. On 27 October 2017, the Catalan Parliament unilaterally declared independence following a disputed referendum. The Spanish Senate voted in favour of enforcing direct rule by removing the Catalan government and calling a snap regional election. The Spanish Supreme Court imprisoned seven former ministers of the Catalan government on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds, while several others—including then-President Carles Puigdemont—fled to other European countries.
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Route Collections in this region 7 day roundtrip from Girona to Catalonia Andorra and the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees stretch for more than 450 kilometers from the Bay of Biscay in the west to the Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean. The mountain range, with peaks of more than 3000 meters, forms a natural barrier that cuts off the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. The main ridge of the mountain range also largely forms the state border between France and Spain, while the microstate Andorra lies between these two countries.
Bordering the Pyrenees is Catalonia, the hinterland of Barcelona. No wonder many new models of motorcycles are introduced to the press in Catalonia. There are many great ways to test the new models there. An additional advantage is that it is very quiet! You would almost say 'too quiet' because there is a danger that at some point you will use the entire width of the road, under the guise of 'you won't see oncoming traffic here'.... But let's keep it safe and stay on the right side of the center line.
These seven routes of this collection pass through these beautiful areas. Each and every one of these routes where especially the sides of the tires have a hard time. Whether on the gentle slopes in Catalonia or on the balcony roads in the Gorges in the French Pyrenees, make sure they're excited, because you can bet it's going to be exciting!
A few sights are discussed in the review for each route. These often tell something about the history of the area in which you drive. Fun facts, quite educational. There are also places where you can refuel and where you can drink coffee and/or have lunch. You are completely free to visit these places, you can of course also determine your own points of interest.
But the main thing you probably traveled to this area for is simply driving. And as mentioned above, you are in a true motorcycle paradise where the steering is fantastic!
Each route ends at a hotel. It is of course not an obligation to use these hotels, you can always find another place to stay in the area, that decision is up to you. My experience, however, is that they are all simple but good hotels for a very reasonable price. They are known and can be booked at booking.com.
The routes of these collections:
R01 - Girona to Sant Julia de Loria, 269km
R02 - Sant Julia de Loria to Pierrefitte Nestalas, 290km
R03 - Pierrefitte Nestalas to Barbastro, 291km
R04 - Barbastro to Puig Reig, 266km
R05 - Puig Reig to Figueres, 268km
R06 - Figueres to Quillan, 243km
R07 - Quillan to Gironam, 286km
Have fun driving these routes!
Bordering the Pyrenees is Catalonia, the hinterland of Barcelona. No wonder many new models of motorcycles are introduced to the press in Catalonia. There are many great ways to test the new models there. An additional advantage is that it is very quiet! You would almost say 'too quiet' because there is a danger that at some point you will use the entire width of the road, under the guise of 'you won't see oncoming traffic here'.... But let's keep it safe and stay on the right side of the center line.
These seven routes of this collection pass through these beautiful areas. Each and every one of these routes where especially the sides of the tires have a hard time. Whether on the gentle slopes in Catalonia or on the balcony roads in the Gorges in the French Pyrenees, make sure they're excited, because you can bet it's going to be exciting!
A few sights are discussed in the review for each route. These often tell something about the history of the area in which you drive. Fun facts, quite educational. There are also places where you can refuel and where you can drink coffee and/or have lunch. You are completely free to visit these places, you can of course also determine your own points of interest.
But the main thing you probably traveled to this area for is simply driving. And as mentioned above, you are in a true motorcycle paradise where the steering is fantastic!
Each route ends at a hotel. It is of course not an obligation to use these hotels, you can always find another place to stay in the area, that decision is up to you. My experience, however, is that they are all simple but good hotels for a very reasonable price. They are known and can be booked at booking.com.
The routes of these collections:
R01 - Girona to Sant Julia de Loria, 269km
R02 - Sant Julia de Loria to Pierrefitte Nestalas, 290km
R03 - Pierrefitte Nestalas to Barbastro, 291km
R04 - Barbastro to Puig Reig, 266km
R05 - Puig Reig to Figueres, 268km
R06 - Figueres to Quillan, 243km
R07 - Quillan to Gironam, 286km
Have fun driving these routes!
View Route Collection
Ten Day Roadtrip from Spain to Portugal
This route collection describes a 10-day Road trip in the north of Spain and Portugal, a true paradise for motorcycling.
You drive over beautiful mountain ridges and through beautiful valleys. Along the way you drive through beautiful villages and countless nature reserves, great passes with countless curves, tunnels cut out of the mountains and azure blue reservoirs. The roads are fair to good, sometimes unpaved.
What you get to see along the way;
Spanish Pyrenees
Parc Naturel del Cadi-Moixero
Serra del Cadí
Serra de Moixeró
Pedraforca
Serra del Monsec
Collada de Clarà
Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido
Collados del Asón Natural Park.
Parque natural Saja-Besaya
Parque natural de Fuentes Carrionas y Fuente Cobre
Parque natural de la Montana de Riano y Mampodre
Picos de Europa
El Parque regional Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre
El Parque natural de Redes
The Sierra de la Culebra
Parque natural Montesinho
Along the routes there are more than enough nice places to stop for a short or longer period, these are described in the review and with a waypoint and POI included in the routes.
Have fun reading and planning your next motorcycle vacation.
If you have ridden these routes I would like to hear your feedback.
You drive over beautiful mountain ridges and through beautiful valleys. Along the way you drive through beautiful villages and countless nature reserves, great passes with countless curves, tunnels cut out of the mountains and azure blue reservoirs. The roads are fair to good, sometimes unpaved.
What you get to see along the way;
Spanish Pyrenees
Parc Naturel del Cadi-Moixero
Serra del Cadí
Serra de Moixeró
Pedraforca
Serra del Monsec
Collada de Clarà
Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido
Collados del Asón Natural Park.
Parque natural Saja-Besaya
Parque natural de Fuentes Carrionas y Fuente Cobre
Parque natural de la Montana de Riano y Mampodre
Picos de Europa
El Parque regional Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre
El Parque natural de Redes
The Sierra de la Culebra
Parque natural Montesinho
Along the routes there are more than enough nice places to stop for a short or longer period, these are described in the review and with a waypoint and POI included in the routes.
Have fun reading and planning your next motorcycle vacation.
If you have ridden these routes I would like to hear your feedback.
View Route Collection