Bordeaux to Cadiz

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I'll list this as being in Spain, as that's where most of the driving was.

Our drive from the French city of Bordeaux to Europe's oldest city was about 1340km. We took about two and a half days. It could have been much quicker, but we decided to set our trusty TomTom to avoid all toll roads. Previous experience has been that if you have the time, this slower option takes you through much more interesting countryside, towns and villages than the super-highways that skirt everything interesting for the sake of expediency (a bit like life???)

We stopped for a picnic lunch on the beachside in the (French) Basque town of St Jean de Luz. Then it was in to Spain - unknown language and little known food etc (to us). We were quickly into the ruggedly beautiful northern Pyrenees, remembering our last trip through here in the winter of about 1982 - by train, with the full Monty of armed soldiers escorting us through Basque separatist occupied territory, frequent stops to search the train or because of heavy snowdrifts. This time it was all much more peaceful - and hot!

As we crossed Spain from its far north to its 'deep south', we crossed many different landscapes, and stayed in a couple of very interesting and unique hotels. If anyone wants to find where Manuel has gone to seek asylum since the days of Fawlty Towers, I can take you straight to him (affable, enthusiastic and as disarming as ever!).

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Photos

St Jean de Luz
Last stop in France before heading into Spain

Basque Country
In the foothills of the northern Pyrenees

El Toro
He pops up all over the countryside.

Comments

[Ruth]

I like the sound of Spain. Some nice warm weather and lots of paella to enjoy. Hope there are no "running of the bull" festivals occurring near you. Being the adventurous travellers that you are, you might have been tempted to take part. I am enjoying your blogs. It is a nice way to travel without having to leave Australia. Bye for now. Love Ruth