Back to France

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Geo: 42.8158, 0.32049

It was another nice, sunny morning as we headed out of La Seu D'Urgell. We thought we would make a quick run up north to the country of Andorra just to get a picture of the border sign, but the highway in that direction was dead stopped due to an accident. We picked up N-260 again, this time heading west on a wonderful 30 mile winding road of scenic switchbacks to the Sort. The beautiful little town is a popular spot for hiking a rafting, situated along the Noguera Pallaresa River.
From there, we picked up C-13, following the river canyon for 28km,with fast sweepers on great pavement with little traffic. The road transitioned to C-28 for an amazing climb up to the summit of Port de la Bonaigua. In the winter this is a major ski area, but this time of year it. is a haven for hikers. It is also open grazing land for hundreds of pack horse used in the recreational area. They roamed freely among the many tourists who stopped to take pictures, completely at ease around the cars. We then descended into the valley on our way north and west to Viehla, along more awesome roadways.
From Viehla it was just a short 20km ride to the French border. We missed our turn for the smaller road (D618A) over the mountain, instead following the signs to Toulouse. (The roundabouts require close attention.) After 10 km we figured out our mistake and backtracked to the smaller, narrow twisty road up over the mountain, again with virtually no traffic, to the little town of Saint-Mamet. There another great winding road led us through a pastoral valley, over a small summit to the village or Arreau. Then we headed south 12km to the ski resort/village of Saint-Lary-Soulan, and our lodging for the night at the Hotel la Pergola, close to the Spanish border.
To date, the 70km ride from Sort to Viehla is the best of the motorcycle roads we have enjoyed in Spain. That said, all of the roads and highways we've traveled have been just wonderful (thanks in part to recommendations our friend John Meyer who took some of these routes last year.) For the most part, all have been well maintained, with plenty of services for travelers along the way. The Spanish Pyrenees will not disappoint any motorcycle traveler, regardless of skill level.

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Photos

Outside of Sort
Start of the climb on C-13

Great roads
On the way to Sort

St.-Lary-Soulan
Looking south towards Spain