We had a very comfortable stay in a small B&B in Sos del Rey Catolico. The fortified hilltop village has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site and can boast of preserving one of the best medieval complexes in Aragon.
The route heads east and then turns north to cross the Pyrenees and into France to a budget hotel in Pau. An early start is advisable because there are so many beautiful sights and breathtaking vistas that you will want to take your time and stop to take lots of photographs and just take in the magnificent views. Plus, there is a lunch stop at Lac de Fabreges. We took the cable car up and had a nice lunch at 1993m.

After about 9 miles (14 kms) of very rural countryside, you approach some wooded hills, the road from now on is quite uneven for the next 6 miles (10 kms), but the occasional glimpse of the foothills of the Pyrenees and the heavily wooded area, make it all worth it. As you start to descend you will see the ruined castle of Ruesta. There is parking for a photograph and a view of the Yesa Reservoir. The roads from here, then start to even out.
The route then continues on a smoother, straighter section used by trucks and so includes a roadside ‘truck stop’ at Berdun for you to take a break and have a very delicious but very inexpensive coffee. These Spanish truckers enjoy their food and so these truck stops always serve cheap but very good food and drink. From here you ride parallel to the Pyrenees and you feel the anticipation rising for a great ride ahead.

Take the N-260 north to Biescas and Formigal and as you travel closer and closer to the Pyrenees, the beautiful picture in front of you gets bigger and bigger. There are not many places to stop for a picture, so when you see one, stop. You will pass two turquoise coloured reservoirs and a 500m long tunnel before you get to Formigal. Here you can stop for the last Spanish fuel which is normally a little cheaper than French fuel.

Start climbing, bend after bend and take in the magnificence of the mountains. The road has a gradual gradient and isn't too steep, but ‘Wow’ will be your word of the day! Crossing the border into France at Portalet was insignificant really, there are a few shops bars etc but we didn't stop. On the descent and past the ski centre and on the way to Lac de Fabreges, you will pass under several stone verandahs that protect the road by diverting the melt water over the road and into the valley below. At this point it is easy to imagine that you are on the set of a James Bond movie, especially as you are just about to go up a mountain by cable car!
This stop makes a lovely break to catch your breath and have a croque monsieur for lunch at the café at the top.
You can also take the Petit train d'Artouste that departs from the cable car station and although we didn't ride in it, I understand that it is quite spectacular. I have included a link for this below.

The route continues to descend from the mountains along sometimes narrow roads and through pretty villages to an overnight stay at the Ibis budget hotel at Pau. We had a very comfortable night there but be warned, they have no restaurant, we bought essential supplies (wine) at the supermarket just before the hotel. We shared the hotel with some of the teams from the 2015 Tour de France!
Enjoy