?? Somport tunnel

[Jillymac]

Hi, we are new motorhomers, started last year with trip to Spain, through France. Had very hairy route on return, coming over by San Sebastian over border to France, hard work going up and worse down!! Thinking of going this year via Somport, does any have any advice?
Many thanks jill & Paul

 

[Lenny HB]

Somport tunnel is a fairly good route only advice is to check the weather forecast that applies to any route through the mountains.

 

[138go]

We always go through the Somport Tunnel. Last year it was snowing heavily but the tunnel was still open.

 

[63720]

There are illuminated signs at the bottom of the climb to advise if it's closed. Plus thanks to Google traffic you can confirm it yourself. It's a good route but imo best done France to Spain because the roads get better.

 

[Jillymac]

We are not going until September, just planning ahead, weather shouldn’t be an issue then??
thanks folks?

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[Lenny HB]

Weather won't be an issue in September providing you like it hot. I thought your departure was imminent.

A nicer route is via the Aragnouet-Bielsa tunnel.

 

[Jillymac]

Just looking for the lower altitude route, found some parts of the journey was a struggle in our large motorhome tbh!!

 

[Lenny HB]

Just looking for the lower altitude route, found some parts of the journey was a struggle in our large motorhome tbh!!

Bayonne to Irun, pay few Euro to use the Autoroute from just north of Bayonne to get across the border. If you use the ordinary roads getting around Bayonne is a right pain and slow and the coast road across the border has village every few km with 30kph limits and hundreds of pedestrian crossings. Even for an FLT like me it's well worth the cost.

 

[donnkim]

We have just returned from our 7 week trip. We used the N135 from Pamplona. Lovely route and no problems in January.

 

[PeteH]

InSept; ? I would not anticipate issues. IF you like tunnels!!. I would not tackle any tunnel longer that 2 Minuets as SWMBO would go into meltdown!. I suggested the Chunnel (once) her reply?. You go, I will fly/ferry and meet you!.

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[138go]

We are not going until September, just planning ahead, weather shouldn’t be an issue then??
thanks folks?

You will be fine in September! The roads in Spain are good, when you emerge from the tunnel. There are two good free Aires we use on the Spanish side, Jaca and Huesca. We especially like Jaca, there’s a decent Mercadona in Jaca and a dedicated dog park next to the Aire. Jaca is a lovely town with views of the Pyrenees.

 

[peterc10]

I am struggling a bit here. The altitude of the Somport Tunnel is much higher than the A10 route through France to St Sebastien. So you will get a lot more climbs. Where exactly did you struggle?

 

[GerTee]

Hi Jillymac, we have done both routes, my preference is the Somport route, sweaty palms on the San Sebastian side but a good free aire and a lovely Spanish seaside town as compensation...enjoy either route

 

[Speve]

We always do San Sebastián on past Zarautz and down past Burgos never found climbs or descents very difficult if you stick to main trunk roads? and our rig is 12m long including the trailer.??

 

[rosalan]

My favourite route is from St Jean Pied de Port in the autumn. The colours of the leaves on the Spanish side are lovely. If you do not mind the windy bit on the Spanish side.

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