One hour by car from the Ariège évasion campsite , the Principality of Andorra offers you for a day trip. Known to be a paradise for shopping , the principality nestled at 2000 m between France and Spain is full of other assets in the conditions of exceeding the box and its many shops.
The Pas de la Case:
Once the border has crossed (Andorra is not part of the European Union) you arrive at the Pas de la Case in the middle of a heap of shopping centers in the middle of the mountain. We will not dwell on the tourist interest of Pas de la Case because it is rather a paradise for detaxed shopping than a haven of peace in the middle of the Pyrenees. Keep in mind that the quantities of cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes and other foodstuffs that you could buy in Andorra are subject to customs franchises. Please note the French customs officials watch over the road on the road to your return!
The Pas de la Case is therefore the front door of the Principality on the French side, once exceeded you can continue through the Col d'Envallira and join the Port of Envallira (2400m) which will offer you an exceptional panorama on the Andorran Mountain.
Useful links:
Pass customs in Andorra: taxes and franchises
Webcam Pas de la Casa - Andorra Webcams . Do not hesitate to consult them to find out the traffic conditions.
The other good reasons for a getaway in Andorra:
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, the 30 lakes:
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror UNESCO humanity in the cultural landscape category. It is located south-east of the Principality of Andorra and occupies 10% of the country's territory and has an area of 4,247 hectares.
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley extends into the parishes of Andorre-la-Vieille, Escaldes-Engordany, Green and Sant Julià de Lòria. One of the most popular access to the valley is on the road to Engolasters (42,517536, 1,571087). For the more athletic we can also access it also by the parking lot of the Grau Roig station, this will be an opportunity to cross the circus of the Pessons and its magnificent lakes. This valley extends over 12 km and has a drop of 1,855 m. Its highest point is the peak of La Portelleta (2,905 m). Its network of hiking trails and high mountain shelters allows you to make a large number of excursions and observe fairly rare or disappearance animal and plant species.
Useful links:
Thermal water center and caldea spa:
Located in Escaldes-Engordany just before Andorra La Vieille, 1.5 hours from the Ariège Evasion campsite and 30 minutes from Pas de la Case. The thermal Caldea has become a reference spa for tourism in Andorra. Its revolutionary thermoludic concept and its magnificent installations make it one of the essential places of the Principality. It is today the largest thermal station in southern Europe with more than 40,000 m 2 to relax in an anti-stress atmosphere.
Playful thermal waters:
The Caldea spa station is original and innovative. It combines both relaxation and entertainment, making it a " thermoludic " destination. Natural water, which is the big star in the center, is rich in sulfur and other minerals. This water springs at 70 ºC. Among its effects there are healing, decongestive and antiallergic properties.
Spaces and services:
This immense thermal complex revolves around 4 spas: the thermoludic spa, the inúu spa reserved for adults, the Orígines Spa and the Likids spa for children. The thermoludic houses a large interior lagoon of thermal water at 32 ºC-34 ºC and an area reserved for Indo-Roman baths, where a contrast of the temperatures excellent for health. It also has an outdoor space with a view of the mountain and Andorra la Vieille. It is the ideal place to relax the day after a descent from the Ariège in canoeing .
Useful links:
Info and ticket office.
Roc del Quer and Tibetan bridge in Canillo:
On the road between Pas-de-la-Case and Andorra-la-Vielle, make a hook by Mirador Roc del Quer. The breathtaking views will remain engraved forever in your retina. You will never forget this feeling of floating in the air, as if the Pyrenees mountains hug you. This explains why this recently inaugurated Mirador is already one of the most famous places in Canillo. A place open to everyone and exceptional to discover Andorra in all its splendor. Not to be missed!
How to get to the belvedere?
Access to the belvedere is very simple, even if it is not by the side of the road. Once on the Route du Col d'O Ordino (CS-240), the belvedere is at kilometer 6.5. Just before you get there, you will find a large parking lot on your left. From there, take the path leading to the belvedere.
From this area, descend for ten minutes, with an elevation of 70 m, to reach the platform of the Roc del Quer . Bring comfortable shoes for this outing.
The Canillo Tibetan bridge:
The Tibetan bridge
Discover one of the most impressive tourist attractions in the Pyrenees. This minimalist structure is located in the Vall del Riu at more than 1800 m altitude. It is one of the longest in the world with a length of 603 meters, a width of one meter and up to 158 meters in dizzying height compared to the ground!
This unique pedestrian bridge is located in one of the most spectacular natural places in the Principality of Andorra.
Access the Tibetan bridge by shuttles from the Roc del Quer Belvedere car park. Transport is free.
From the Tibetan bridge bus stop at the start of the bridge, you travel 900 meters on foot. You offer you a breathtaking view of the central valley of the parish of Canillo and the mountains where the Grandvalira ski slopes are located.
Sames sensitive to dizziness abstain!
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Grandvalira the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees:
The Ariège évasion campsite is closed in winter, but we could not mention Andorra without talking about its Grandvalira ski area. This large ski area offers skiers 210 km of slopes . Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees . The station offers six different sectors with all the necessary services. Sporty, the station has the only descent track in Andorra adapted to the World Cup events. For several years, the Principality has made a name for itself in the field of skiing by welcoming many World Cups.
The slopes:
located between 1,710 and 2,640 m above sea level, its 118 tracks served by 64 ski lifts are essentially blue (therefore accessible to the greatest number). The field which consists of 6 sectors (Sector of Gamble, Canillo sector, sector of El Tarter, Sector Sector, Grau Roig sector, Pas de la Casa sector) entirely linked by teleported means at the cutting edge of technology. Adapted to all practices, the field is a freestyle reference thanks to its three snowpark constantly improving. On the freeride side, in addition to the many possible routes, Grandvalira offers two new controlled areas: the framework Freeride Area by Gore-Tex, located in the El Tarter sector, and that of the White Pic to Grau Roig. The station guarantees still good snow thanks to its artificial snow network (1,013 cannons) which covers 65 % of its ski area.
Far from crowds and artificial stages:
Ariege Evasion offers walks and snowshoeing hikes . From the half day to the day on the discovery of the natural environment in winter.
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Andorra-la-Vella:
78 km (1h30) from the Ariège évasioncampsite. Discover Andorre-la-Vieille Capital of the Principality of Andorra and the highest capital of Europe (1050m). This city in full effervescence symbolizes the passage of the Principality in a new era while proudly hosting the jewels of Andorranne culture. There is something for everyone, luxury shopping, museum, gastronomy, casino, well -being ...
Andorra-la-Vieille organizes many festivals. Do not miss the famous spectacle of the "Cirque du Soleil" which is in representation every evening of summer.
Do not hesitate to consult the entertainment agenda , you never get bored at Andorra la Vieille!
Useful links:
- Gastronomy in Andorra.
- The history of the Principality.
- Customs formalities.
- All about Andorra.
- The entertainment agenda.
- The Cirque du Soleil.
- Hiking in Andorra.
