We went to two peak viewing sites today, after an overpriced continental breakfast at the Lourdes Best Western. (A big comedown from our last hotel in Ainsa)
The drive into the mountains was the usual windy roads, replete with hazardous drivers and blind curves. Still, we made it to the first location unharmed.
Col du Tourmalet is the highest pass in the French Pyrenees at 2115 meters & a legendary climb on the Tour de France cycling race.
The sun was out, lighting up the nearby peaks nicely.
Next we made our way back down and then pointed the car at the town of Gavarnie, site of the Gavarnie Cirque. A bowl formation of mountain peaks within the national park.
The weather was overcast when we first got to a viewing point on the Chemin Cirque:
Disappointed with the view and disgruntled at the 8 euro parking charge, we turned back to the car. We were unhappy with the parking charge, you see, because past the "mandatory" parking, we found cheaper parking closer to the viewing areas.
Anyways, we got back to the main plaza and saw the sun come out from behind the clouds. Sigh, off we went back towards the viewing areas, this time taking the rockier Chemin de Espagne.
Some quick hustling up the rocky path got us these views:
Heading back down the trail once we lost the sun back behind the clouds; we checked out the L'église de St Jean-Baptiste de Gavarnie. A small church, part of the French route taking pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
I used to think it was just the Parisian French that had this attitude. I think it's now more widespread. Oh well.
3 comments:
The sneering cat expression looks familiar on travel days. Beautiful photos!
The locals sport the sneer 24x7
Loving the scenery already. I might get there one day while on my way to Santiago de Compostela, but I have to cross a bit of France still. Now working on the section in Burgundy. Cheers, SonjaM
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