Travelled : 32 miles to Ainhoa in the Basque-Pyrenees
Visited : La Rhune and Ainhoa
Stayed : Camping Harazpy, Ainhoa, โฌ20.80 includes all services and wifi, N 43.18.780, W 001.30.133.
Expenses : 25 days @ โฌ79 per day.
After a heated discussion we’ve decided to get up early and get going. So by 9am we’re doing what has to be done. Suddenly it starts to rain with a bit of vengeance. So a 5 minutes job becomes 20 minutes and the day starts to slide by.
Where off into the Pyrenees today so we need to get some shopping done, the Hymer needs fuel and we should fill up the LPG system as GPL (LPG) service stations aren’t that common once you move away from the major roads. The big French supermarkets are one stop shops you can buy milk the usual groceries, fill with Diesel, get the tyres changed on your car and buy all the family clothes all within the same building. But they are very time consuming, we spent 10 minutes looking for mayonnaise on this trip.
Finally on the road we pass by Biarritz, the traffic is a shocker just bumper to bumper for about 5 kilometres until we turn east onto the D4 into the Pyrenees. So that’s another hour gone. Lucky our next appointments is 2 months away at Heathrow.
The landscape has changed quite dramatically as we passed by Biarritz and headed east, it’s hilly and within a few a few kilometres the distance mountains are around us. Our first stop today Col de Saint Ignace. The village is the Gare or station for the Petit Train to La Rhune the highest peak at the western end of the Pyrenees. We had hoped to go up before the long French lunch break but no matter we arrived and jagged a lovely parking spot and only had to wait 15 minutes for the ticket office to open.
The Petit, a narrow gauge rack and pinion train opened in 1929 it still uses the original engines and carriages. ย It grinds (literally) it way up an impossible incline at 9 kilometres an hour taking about 30 minutes for the journey. ย The views of the Pyrenees to the east and the coastline to the west, breathtaking. ย Well worth the โฌ17 ticket.
As there was already a substantial line up for the return trip and we apparently had leave of our senses, decided to walk back down the mountain. The sign stated 2.5 hours and that’s what it took, especially as we missed some turn invisible turn and had to walk an extra couple of kilometres. Mind you we weren’t alone as everyone seemed to be following a group a 100 metres or so in front.
Glad to be back at the car park, the Hymer and it’s comfortable lounge was just what we needed. ย After some R&R we moved onto Ainhoa about 19 kilometres further east. ย We are in the Pyrenees mountains now and the roads are comparatively narrow and very winding. ย So our travel times will be slower. ย Anyway we arrive in Ainhoa and find a park in a bus parking area with several other camper cars.
Ainhoa is basically one street of ancient Basque half timber houses, almost all date to the 16th century. ย Each house has the family name, some history and date inscribed on the mantle of the front entrance, 1640 was the oldest we sighted. ย Many converted to B&Bs, hotels or shops on the ground floor it’s a bit touristy but an interesting hour or so walk about. ย Of course the last thing we needed was a another walk but when in Ainhoa, you have to walk Ainhoa. We find a nice little pub for a beer and rose, just what’s needed.
Ainhoa is not a camper car friendly place it appears, there are signs in every car park stating no camper cars after 2200 hours. Having checked with the tourist office we decide to completely throw the budget and stay in the campsite in the edge of town. It’s a rip at โฌ20 as we cannot hear the waves breaking, but it has power, excellent wifi and everything is as clean as a whistle. Apart from that we have a pile of washing to do and some steaks in the fridge that will be much better cooking on the BBQ rather then the hob.
PS : our first actual piece of steak in a month, a piece of very thick rump, it was pretty good off the BBQ with mushrooms.
Michael and Pam
2 thoughts on “Ainhoa, France. 2014 ๐ซ๐ท”
Looks like your enjoying the camping car life,it’s a hard life so take your time and enjoy,we look forward to reading your blog as your trip unfolds,take care and safe travels.
Mark and Mireille
Time is passing and we are getting ready to lock down the house. Bags are packed and tonight will be my last good night’s sleep until we reach Paris. See you both next week.
Gaye