Summer and Winter Activities:
Andorra and the Pyrenees are renown for winter sports. However, this resort offers fantastic summer holidays as well. Located approx 2 hours drive from Barcelona, Perpignan, Lourdes and Toulouse, it makes a great base for exploring Europe's finest cities. East and North coasts of Spain, the West and South coasts of France are accessible.
In the resort the gondola operates in July and August, opening up the mountain to extreme mountain biking, walking, dog sledges on wheels or just admiring the views. The Ice Palace in Canillo, 5 mins away, is the country's largest sports centre, with ice skating, swimming, tennis, go karts.
In the capital, 15 mins away are some of Europe's best shops, and all duty free. A shoppers mecca, with quality goods from around the world.
Next to apartment is 4 star Piolets Park Hotel and Spa. Facilities open to non residents include indoor/outdoor pool, sun terrace, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and beauty treatments. Kids club, bar and restaurant.
Dont miss Caldea
Getting There:
By Air : Perpigan, Barcelona and Toulouse Airports are approx 2 hrs drive. Regular buses run from Barcelona and Toulouse (tel Novatel 00376803789 or Nadel 00376805151). Other airports include Carcassonne and Pau. Cheap flights can be found with uksuperweb airlines. Also try easyjet; bmibaby; ba; mytravellite; ryanair, flybe, thomsonfly, monarch.
By Train : Nearest station is L'Hospitalet in France, 30Kms away, tel 0033561052078. Bus from here is Hispano tel 00376821372.
By Car : We have driven several times leaving dover mid morning put puts us in central France, near Limoges by evening. Then a nice drive next day puts us in Soldeu by mid afternoon. We usually drive the return leg from Soldeu early morning to Calais late evening where we overnight.
Friends have also driven using the Portsmouth to St Malo crossing overnight with only an 8 hour drive through France.
Shopping:
Andorran shopping is known worldwide, to the point that it has become one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions and a good complement to any holiday activity. You can always make your journey to Andorra worthwhile with a few good buys.
Andorra’s privileged tax status provides very competitive prices and shops stock a large selection of products in sectors such as jewellery, optical items, sporting goods, perfumes, electronics, models, food and designer clothing, alcohol and tabacco. It’s hard not to find what you’re looking for in Andorra; there are over 4.800 shops!
In Andorra, it is a shoppers paradise, with bargain prices all year around. Electronic items have low prices. Ski's and ski wear are cheap, with shops that can cater for every Skiers and Snowboarders needs.
Local distilleries fill plastic bottles from the cask with home made spirits, ports etc approx 3 Euros per litre.
1000's of branded drinks are also available at increadible prices.
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Ski:
'Europe's Best Ski School' quote Sunday Times
Vast skiing terrain, reasonable prices make GrandValira a leading Eropean contender with the most demanding skiers and snowboarders.
108 runs, 17 Green, 36 Blue, 34 Red, 21 Black, plus Cross country circuits, Ratrack routes, 2 ISF approved comp stadiums, 2 freestyle areas, Halfpipe and Boardercross and a childrens Mickey Snow Club
Guaranteed snow with 900 snow cannons, 63 lifts and minimal queues
Hands free lift pass, adult 6 day high season 168 Euro
Kindergarten at top of gondola next to ski school, prices from 15 Euros for 2 hrs to 100 euros for 5 full days
Group lessons cost 95 Euro per week, private lessons from 30 Euro per hour although prices for smaller private groups can be under 50 euros per hour for upto 6 people. Private lessons also give priority access to lifts. Reservation centre tel 00376801060, reservation not necessary but call for more detailed info.
Prices based on high season 2005 and may vary.
Other Activities:
Olympic sports centre, thermal spa, duty free shopping.
