Winter sun routes

[snail]

Thinking of East coast Spain wandering, if I want to travel out in December and back in March, driving both ways through France.

Which route to avoid the worst weather, low altitude, good roads, is it better to cross northern Spain or cross northern France, would like to avoid tolls as well! To use the route in mmm or come in from med France

Thanks snail

[Matrix Meanderer]

There are many previous threads on this forum about this issue to read.

 

Also the October edition of MMM has a full feature on the possible routes. Pages 104 to 108.

[starvin marvin]

We do this trip most winters, our route is from the tunnel terminal via Rouen/Poitiers/Bordeaux/Biarritz, this is often referred to as the "western route" and is low altitude.

 

The return trip depends on where you wind up and of course the weather. If you're right at the end of March then the Somport tunnel may be open, which means you can amble back up through Pau and then take your pick.

 

Early this year because it had been warm there was no snow on the French side of the Pyrenees so we crossed at St Jean Pied de Port, for a bit of a change. The return was a bit later than your date, and we came back through the Somport which is a great drive, even in our 7m van.

[derek500]

starvin marvin - 2016-09-30 3:14 PM

 

We do this trip most winters, our route is from the tunnel terminal via Rouen/Poitiers/Bordeaux/Biarritz, this is often referred to as the "western route" and is low altitude.

 

The return trip depends on where you wind up and of course the weather. If you're right at the end of March then the Somport tunnel may be open, which means you can amble back up through Pau and then take your pick.

 

Early this year because it had been warm there was no snow on the French side of the Pyrenees so we crossed at St Jean Pied de Port, for a bit of a change. The return was a bit later than your date, and we came back through the Somport which is a great drive, even in our 7m van.

 

We regularly travelled via Somport tunnel in all the winter months and never known it closed, even during snowy weather.

 

But, now the Irun to Pamplona N121a road has been upgraded, that's the easiest route.

[John52]

derek500 - 2016-09-30 7:29 PM

But, now the Irun to Pamplona N121a road has been upgraded, that's the easiest route.

But is it toll free 8-)

[derek500]

John52 - 2016-09-30 9:03 PM

 

derek500 - 2016-09-30 7:29 PM

But, now the Irun to Pamplona N121a road has been upgraded, that's the easiest route.

But is it toll free 8-)

 

Yes. Toll roads are prefixed AP.

 

 

[John52]

derek500 - 2016-10-01 8:55 AM

 

John52 - 2016-09-30 9:03 PM

 

derek500 - 2016-09-30 7:29 PM

But, now the Irun to Pamplona N121a road has been upgraded, that's the easiest route.

But is it toll free 8-)

 

Yes. Toll roads are prefixed AP.

 

 

Just wanted to be sure ;-) Thanks for the clarification B-)

[snail]

Thanks for your replies, think the western route into Spain will be the best, last stop in france at cap Breton, then cascante in spain, tereul, then to sagunt, thinking about leaving end of November, and the ccc rally at moncofa? Anyone been there is it any good?

Thanks snail

[Bojitoes]

Hi

We have been on a number of C&CC rallies in the last 7 years and with one exception found them very enjoyable and friendly. The exception? Moncofa. When we were there the stewarding was poor, the site management unhelpful and, despite the location being near o the town, very hard to get around without your own transport.

 

Doubtless others will say it is a great rally, wonderful site, etc but that was our view.

Have a good trip, we are heaing over early January and heading down to Castilo de Banos first

Bob

[starvin marvin]

derek500 - 2016-09-30 7:29 PM

 

starvin marvin - 2016-09-30 3:14 PM

 

We do this trip most winters, our route is from the tunnel terminal via Rouen/Poitiers/Bordeaux/Biarritz, this is often referred to as the "western route" and is low altitude.

 

The return trip depends on where you wind up and of course the weather. If you're right at the end of March then the Somport tunnel may be open, which means you can amble back up through Pau and then take your pick.

 

Early this year because it had been warm there was no snow on the French side of the Pyrenees so we crossed at St Jean Pied de Port, for a bit of a change. The return was a bit later than your date, and we came back through the Somport which is a great drive, even in our 7m van.

 

We regularly travelled via Somport tunnel in all the winter months and never known it closed, even during snowy weather.

 

But, now the Irun to Pamplona N121a road has been upgraded, that's the easiest route.

 

I have known it to be closed. I agree the N121a is very good, but it's not so dramatic as the Somport. We like to use the Somport going north.

[Matrix Meanderer]

Bojitoes - 2016-10-02 12:04 PM

 

Hi

We have been on a number of C&CC rallies in the last 7 years and with one exception found them very enjoyable and friendly. The exception? Moncofa. When we were there the stewarding was poor, the site management unhelpful and, despite the location being near o the town, very hard to get around without your own transport.

 

Doubtless others will say it is a great rally, wonderful site, etc but that was our view.

Have a good trip, we are heaing over early January and heading down to Castilo de Banos first

Bob

 

Agree with all Bojitoes says about Moncofa. Not our favourite either. Large club room for functions but not up to the standard of other C&CC locations. Not much of a beach front, few places to eat but reasonable supermarket 10 minutes away. Small town - not much of interest there either. Lots of yearly lets on site - some in poor condition. On pitch sinks and drains are good. Good flat area for cycling. Far better sites elsewhere.