Autorondreis de Pyreneeën

About the destination: Bordeaux is an exhilarating and sprawling city where wine still flows and churches still stand. Attractive shopping arcades and handsome 18th century riverfront facades decorate its streets. This city is a paradise for wine lovers and it’s a perfect choice for a romantic gateway. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Cathédrale St-André is the wide variety of flying buttresses that encircle it. To the right of the main portico is a 16th century buttress composed off a string of slender columns. Adjacent to the Church of St-Michel is the equally beautiful, free-standing bell tower, an imposing and hollow shell. If you ever wondered what Flamboyant Gothic was all about, these edifices provide an unsurpassed definition of that style. Also not to be missed is Bordeaux’s Romanesque representative, the Church of Ste-Croix, with its richly ornamented façade. And of course you cannot leave Bordeaux without visiting the Maison du Vin that offers free tastings of regional wines. The city is also within striking distance of the sublime, immensely enjoyable Dune du Pilat, a gargantuan mountain of silken sand that seems to bring out the acrobat in everyone.

About the destination: San Sebastian is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa. It became a popular touristic destination in the late XIX century thanks to Queen Christina of Austria, who spent her summers there. The beauty of the city and its gastronomy are two of its main tourist attractions. La Concha Bay presides over the city flanked by the Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull. Facing La Concha is the Island of Santa Clara, where the lighthouse is located and it is accessible by boat from El Puerto. To the left of La Concha we find Ondarreta beach and at the far end of it, we have the set of sculptures “Comb of the Wind" by Eduardo Chillida. The old town, located at the foot of Monte Urgull between the port and the mouth of the Urumea, comes alive each evening when tapas and Basque specialities such as shellfish, seafood and squid specialities, can be enjoyed in local bars. The old town displays a Belle Époque splendour that will amaze all visitors. The city is home to the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Quincena Musical, among other important events, that attract spectators coming from all over the world. Elegant, sophisticated and with a fin-de-siècle feel to it, San Sebastian is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

About the destination: Huesca is the capital city of the province by the same name, and is one of three provinces in the autonomous region of Aragon Spain. It is the gateway to the Pyrenees, and an area rich in Romanesque architecture, ski resorts and stunning landscapes. At the same time, Huesca is a city full of legends and history. Huesca has a rich ancient past and a hospitable face reflecting the friendly character of its people. Its urban design and short distances allow people to walk and enjoy their streets, parks, plazas and historic center, where stand important monuments as the Gothic style Cathedral, the Romanesque church and the cloisters of San Pedro el Viejo; the old Palace of the Kings of Aragon, Provincial Museum; The Town Hall Aragonese Renaissance, whose interior contains the spectacular canvas and the Bell of Jose Casado del Alisal.

About the destination: Baqueira-Beret is a ski resort located in the heart of the Pyrenees, in the Aran Valley. The heart of Baqueira is situated at 1.500 m high level, and its winter station was declared Center of Tourist and National Interest.

About the destination: Cadaqués is a Spanish municipality of the region of Alto Ampurdán in the province of Gerona, Catalonia. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Casa Museo Salvador Dalí. - Old and church of Santa Maria. - Natural Park of Cape Creus. - Lighthouse Cabo de Creus.

About the destination: Carcassonne is a city in south-west France that is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage listed walled city. Carcassonne’s medieval fortress-city is a child’s toy castle grown to lifesize proportions. The Cité, with its bristling towers and battlements, was begun in Gallo-roman times. It played an important role in Languedoc’s unsuccessful effort to remain independent of northern France. The exterior wall was completed under Louis IX. By the mid-19th century, villagers had so thoroughly pillaged the walls for building materials that only truncated ruins remained. But rising interest in medieval France spurred the rebuilding of the Cité. For the best castle-roving, visit the Cité in early morning or at night. The Basilique St-Nazaire, on the south side of the Cité, is an exceptional church, combining a northern Gothic transept and apse with much older Romanesque nave. The stained glass is generally considered among the finest in southern France. Near the Basilique, an amphitheatre built to provide entertainment during the town’s long sieges host many events. Located in a stunning and diversified region, Carcassonne is home to a fascinating cultural and historical past. Moreover, it offers delicious traditional dishes, some of the best vineyards in the south of France and very friendly locals.

About the destination: Lourdes is a large town in the French Pyrenees. It is a global center of Marian pilgrimage, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, appeared 18 times at the Grotto to a young girl, St Bernadette Soubirous.Originally a sleepy market town on the road to the spas of the Pyrenees, Lourdes has grown into the largest Marian pilgrimage center in the world. The town has two sections: the international portion by the river, consisting of the spiritual area containing the Grotto and churches, known as the Domaine or the Sanctuaries, and the French portion, centered around the Marketplace and Hotel de Ville.Lourdes is a pedestrian friendly city with several pedestrian only streets and it is very easy to get around the town center. It really is worth walking and exploring. Don't miss the nightly candlelight procession in front of the Basilica and around the main square, with singing, prayer and a rosary said in many languages.

About the destination: Bergerac is located on the banks of the Dordogne in Aquitaine, France. Castles, chateaux, and other important historical museums are sprinkled throughout the region. The whole area is well known for its wine production. Bergerac is another of these beautiful towns and villages that abound in the Dordogne. It is a fascinating town which is steeped in history. The historic old quarter is full of patios, balconies and churches. The old port area of Bergerac is lovely. There are spots both on the quay and on the banks of the river to sit and gaze over the Dordogne. Unfortunately, Bergerac's most famous son, Cyrano, seems to have had absolutely nothing to do with the town at all, although there are now two statues of him hereQuiet, modest and unassuming, Bergerac is the type of quiet town that sneaks up on you.