Somport from Spanish side to France

[GerTee]

We are thinking of coming out of Spain via the aire at Jaca and through the Somport Tunnel, any hints and tips for this journey. We are not too keen on scary roads with vertical drops but crash barriers are a bonus. T.I.A peeps ⛷??

 

[Solwaybuggier]

The road is excellent on the Spanish side - markedly more winding on the French side but still not too bad. It’s not a scary route, other than perhaps some of the French drivers!

 

[BwB]

Going over the pass is very nice and not too taxing,

 

[DavidG58]

Agree that over the top is easy enough, the tunnel is a doddle, French side of both though is more ‘interesting’ but easy driving if not in a hurry ?

 

[Flamenca]

Jaca aire is a good stopover and the route through Somport is easy. On the French side I have stopped overnight a couple of times at the free aire at the wine cellar in Gan which was peaceful.

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[DavidG58]

Jaca aire is a good stopover and the route through Somport is easy. On the French side I have stopped overnight a couple of times at the free aire at the wine cellar in Gan which was peaceful.

We like Gan, lovely pizzas and bread by the temporary Aire, the grapes in September are brought in 24/7 on trailers on the back of virtually anything that moves ?

 

[bigtree]

Have done the tunnel and over the top, personally I like over the top. Depending on your onward route there is Gan or Navarrenx for a stop over, wine or a historic town it's your choice.

 

[tonyl]

I was surprised how much quieter it was on a Sunday. Hardly any Big trucks. Our journeys have been in February and March, so we used the tunnel, though the pass has always been open, according to the signs. Canfranc station is worth a short stop near the tunnel entrance on the Spanish side.

 

[mid4did]

Top up your fuel while still in spain.

 

[138go]

We always do the tunnel, there and back. We like that route.

Mrs QFour

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[Sundowners]

Some people complain about the trucks on that route. They are just doing their job, if you are a bit uneasy, slow down, almost come to a standstill and let them pass. You should not be in a hurry anyway, enjoy the beautiful scenery. We always use that route when coming to Central Portugal. We have camped many times in the picnic areas along that route too. You will wonder why you had any reservations once you’ve done it.

 

[DJA]

We found the road up to the tunnel on the Spanish side very good indeed whilst the French side was narrower in places but easily navigated.

I once drove through the tunnel with SHMBO following in a car and our friends following her in their Van. As soon as we entered the tunnel I realised that SHMBO was driving too close behind me as were our friends too close behind her. I tried to increase the gap but to know avail. When we stopped on the French side I asked her whether she had plenty of money to pay the fine. She said what fine? I said for driving too close to the vehicle in front when in the tunnel as requested on the many signs on the way up to the tunnel. I didn't see any signs she said. I also asked if she had noticed that her Car registration was being displayed on the overhead gantry and she said so was our friends. I suggested it was not a friendly welcome but a warning that they were concerned about how close she was driving behind me etc.

We never did hear anything but just remember to keep your distance.

 

[Peter & Elaine]

Do it fantastic route just be careful going down french side on corners

 

[bertiebasset]

We always use the tunnel and then stop at the aire at Oloron st Marie, lovely quiet place with a walk to town for dinner.

 

[roaming roger]

col du portalet is quicker did,nt like all the roundabouts at oleron ste marie

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[scotzsue]

can't help with the tunnel route as our Tom re-routed us a couple of years ago and we came out at the French end of the tunnel. was an interesting drive round the mountain. I am not good with heights, big drops no barriers, and found the drive ok.

 

[Flamenca]

col du portalet is quicker did,nt like all the roundabouts at oleron ste marie

Most of the roundabouts are avoided if you don't drive round the 'by-pass'. If I recall correctly the short route through town only involves one roundabout.

 

[Flamenca]

Navarrenx for a stop over

I have never stopped there as I have tended to travel via Pau. Might try it next time