Has anyone used the road and newish tunnel between Pau, France and Zaragoza, Spain

[Hymie835]

I am thinking of using this route early January 2014 and would like to know what the road is like.

I understand that with the new tunnel you do not have to climb up as high as previous which may make a big difference to snow and ice etc.

 

[Solwaybuggier]

I'm assuming you mean the Somport tunnel, in which case, yes, we used it in the summer. We'd never used the pass, so no basis for comparison, but the tunnel was fine - well-engineered road , especially on the Spanish side, and it was free. We'd use it again.

 

[vindiboy]

YES good route used it several times,but be aware you could need snow chains that time of year and they are MANDATORY in your vehicle when in the snow line,IE French law says you must carry them,,but that of course s up to you to risk it or not.

 

[snowbirds]

New Tunnel

Hi Hymie,

We came back from Spain that way in November and it was very wet and misty but OK.There were signs about snow chains but a bit early for snow.I have never used this route before so can not comment on the older road.Good luck.

Snowbirds.

I am thinking of using this route early January 2014 and would like to know what the road is like.

I understand that with the new tunnel you do not have to climb up as high as previous which may make a big difference to snow and ice etc.

 

[Hymie835]

Thanks for all replies, I have snow chains.

I think I will give it a try depending on weather in January.

 

[bill scouse]

I have used this route for the last four years in December and never had any problems.

 

[Deleted member 9237]

I'm assuming you mean the Somport tunnel, in which case, yes, we used it in the summer. We'd never used the pass, so no basis for comparison, but the tunnel was fine - well-engineered road , especially on the Spanish side, and it was free. We'd use it again.

There is some talk that soon you will have to pay for this as on the TV but only talk at this stage

 

[marydot]

So, as we are driving down to Albufeira, would this be an advisable route for us, or too far East?:drive:

Any comments on a good route would be welcome, we are setting off on 2nd January, and have four days to get down to the Algarve.

Thanks in advance

Marydot

 

[vindiboy]

We usually go from St Jean d Luz to Irun and on to Palencia, good free aire there ,then Vitoria Gasteiz ,free aire or Caseres free aire then on towards Huelva staying on the free aire at Valverde de Camino and on to the Algarve all very good free roads and fast.but we take longer than four days as we are in no rush.Let the Sat Nav take the strain.