Andorra, the mountains and Southernmost France

Andorra

Andorra is located between France and Spain in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is perhaps best know for buying ‘duty free’ free goods, since this Pyrenean country is not a member of the EU. French locals are known to make the trip just to buy CD’s, although others may choose:

Alcohol: 1.5 litre of liquors of over 22%, or 3 litres of liquors/aperitifs of under 22%, or sparkling wine
5 litres of table wine
Tobacco: 300 cigarettes or 150 cigars (of under 3 grams each) or 75 cigars (of over 3 grams each) or 400 grams of pipe tobacco
Perfume:
75 grams of perfume
375 ml of eau de cologne

The personal limit for items not specifically controlled (e.g. tobacco, alcohol, foodstuff) is goods up to a value of €525 (if aged under 15, up to €270).

Health spa

Europe's largest health spa, Caldea, is in Andorra, and is housed in a stunning modern building. An extensive range of traditional and innovative treatments are provided, and facilities include indoor and outdoor lagoons, roman baths and hydro massage pools. Entrance to Caldea costs €26.00 for a 3 hour visit.

At the Roc del Metge in Escaldes-Engordany there are thermal springs which surface at a temperature of 70°C. These waters are said to be especially suitable for treating rheumatism and skin disorders.

Andorra has a pleasant and mild climate, and enjoys many days of sun throughout the year.
The official language is Catalan. The currency is the Euro.

Travel to Andorra

The easiest way to get to Andorra from Rodes is by car along the N116 towards Puigcerda, and then take the E09 for Andorra.

By train you can take the Yellow Train from Villefranche to Latour-de-Carol, and then take a coach Andorra Bus into Andorra.

The Pyrenees mountains

Whilst Rodes is in the foothills of Mount Canigou, it is not until you pass Villefranche de Confluent do you feel that you are truly in one of the biggest mountain ranges in Europe. Once through the town, the road & railway climb steeply through the Tet valley to the Cerdagne plateau at Mont Louis. At 1550m the fortified town is approximately 45 mins drive from Rodes. From here, you have a multiple choice of skiing resorts such as Font Romeu (Paula Radcliffe, the athlete, amongst others, uses the town as a training centre), Les Angles, Pyrenees 2000 & Puyvalador. Further on, the main road leads to the major skiing resorts in Andorra.

Self Catering holiday gîte and B&B accommodation in South France for holiday / vacation rent in Tet Valley near Pyrenees Mountains Southern France
For either Gite or B&B accommodation in the Roussillon area please contact the resident English speaking owners of the Peach Valley gite:
Jolanta & Steve Williams on
Tel: 00 33 4 68 05 96 44
6 Cami Ral, 66320 Rodès, France.
Email us at enquiry@peachvalley.co.uk