We are considering driving from Carcassone to San Sebastian via Pau and Jaca with an overnight stop in Jaca, late September is the time.
Is this worth doing and what can we expect?
Any thoughts on accomodation things to see and where to eat would be greatly appreciated.
No one can say whether any trip will be worth it to you, as we don't know you, your interests, your ages, your budget, or anything else, and you haven't given any hints.
You need a guidebook and maps to determine where to stay, where to eat, etc. Once you have some ideas of your own, people here can help you focus.
You can use www.viamichelin.com to learn about roads, tolls, routes, etc.
And in case this is a rental car to be picked up in France and dropped off in Spain, be aware that will incur a hefty one-way drop-off fee.
For accommodation http://www.aspejacetania.com/oficina_turismo.php?idio=fr&Id=5 and for sure they can help you.
For where to eat - Did you know what you would like to eat?
Going from Carcassonne to San Sebastian through Jaca is quite a big detour. Jaca is worth to be visited if you are interested in romanesque churches. The cathedral is an important momument in the history of romanesque architecture. Close to Jaca, the monastery of San Juan de la Pena is a gem.
If you are more interested by mountains I would recommend other roads through Pyrenees :
- from Pau through Ossau valley with a stop to walk in the area of Pic du Midi d'Ossau
- longer from Lannemezan to Ainsa through Aure valley and Bielsa tunnel. You can make a short stop and walk in Neouvielle lakes area and then from Ainsa to Jaca to go to Ordesa (Torla) and sleep there instead of Jaca.
Thank you all for your responses, I will look at the alternative roads and towns over the coming weeks
You can avoid the one-way drop off fee for your car if you leave it at Hendaye on the border with Spain, walk a few steps along the railway platform and take the local UESKA train to San Sebastian; it is a twenty minute trip and you can hire another car there.
have plenty of change handy for the road tolls watch car speed there are cameras where you least expect it it will be put on your credit card later on if you get nailed
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