Andorra Freedom Trail

Local river walk on arrival or see a Cathar “spouglas” where they were hiding out in the valley. We can also be an optional visit to the WW2 Evadies memorial in Tarascon sur Ariege where many evadies met their passeurs to head towards the Spanish or Andorran borders. In the evening we will visit the bustling spa town of Les Cabannes village or Tarascon sur Ariege and eat together in a traditional restaurant using locally grown or farmed produce. Many escape routes started from Ussat les Bains and when there was no moon the mountain nights would be pitch-black… Chez Arran apartments with pool or local hotel.

We transfer up the Aston valley to the damn de Laparan before heading through woodland and the open valley lined with flowers to climb up to a stunning mountain lake for lunch. After admiring the scenery, we climb to the Refuge de Rhule via a col nestled on a high plateau below the peak de Rhule. This is the domain of meran horses, sheep and a huge diversity of other fauna and flora. You won’t be disappointed by the authentic mountain ambience, food or organic wines with the majestic pic de Rhule above us. There are 3 main escape routes that were used starting in the Aston Valley in WW2 crossing Fontargente or Juclar into Andorra. Durandeau was the local passeur who often helped escapees reach freedom. Refuge de Rhule (B,L,D)

Today we cross a high pass as escapees did to reach Andorra seeing some spectacular high mountain lakes en route. From the refuge we can see peak Escobes, which is one of the most beautiful mountains in Andorra. We climb upto the border col before descending into a beautiful valley with spectacular mini waterfalls and lined with rhododendron bushes to the Pont de la Baladosa via the Pont del Travenc via col de Juclar or alternatively drop down from the Etangs de Fontargente into Andorra. There is often the chance to see bearded vulture in this area. Once reaching the valley floor we then walk or catch the bus into Soldeu which is a lively ski town. We can celebrate reaching a new country Andorran style in the afternoon. 12.75km 3 or 4* hotel (B,L,D)

Today we will walk to Canillo (8km) on the Cami del Gall through beautiful woods from Soldeu with the option of continuing on to the stunning Estany de Endoglasters via the Cami de la Canal. There will be an opportunity to visit Caldea – Europe’s largest health spa that offers 6,000 square metres of inside and outside lagoons, saunas, jacuzzis, Indo-Roman baths, cascades and bubble beds. We will stay in a hotel in Escaldes where WW2 escapees stayed. Some of the best examples of Andorran romanesque art are situated in and around Andorra la Vella. Escaldes is on the edge and world class shopping is also available in this tax-free area. Bus or taxi transfers to our accommodation. We will see the tower of the old radio Andorra building used to send messages during the war on the way which is now home to Andorra’s ministry of Tourism. 3 or 4* hotel (B,L) 16.5km.

Today we will do a local long half day walk above Andorra La Vella or visit the old parliament building in Casa le Vell before transferring to Ax les Thermes after tapas lunch which takes just over an hour. From France the journeys into Andorra could last between three and seven days depending upon the weather conditions. Despite being neutral, Andorra was under close observation from spies and agents from all belligerent countries. Many clandestine meetings are reputed to have taken place in the Hotel Mirador, where everybody watched everybody else! Radio Andorra, a powerful radio station that aimed to remain neutral, broadcast all over Europe. However, Radio Andorra did apparently provide a platform for some refugees to send coded messages in the form of dedicated songs, to their relatives in France to raise awareness of a successful crossing. Restaurant meal. Hotel in Toulouse or Barcelona. (B,L) NB if staying in Barcelona for your final night we charge a supplement.