I am driving through the Pyrenees this summer and thought a few days in
Andorra sounded interesting. But since mentioning it to people, I have only
heard bad things about it. Can you help? - Jamie Holding, Kings Lynn
Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds:
Entering Andorra on the main road from France or Spain can be a deflating
experience - such beautiful scenery spoilt by appalling traffic jams and
swathes of ugly duty free shops. But get past the first impression, and off
the main road, and you¹ll find a more laid back quirky, and enjoyable little
land altogether.
It's miraculously remained with it¹s borders intact since 1278, and you¹ll get
a great feel for the old ways in the pretty mountain village of Ordino
tight alleyways and old stone houses, with heavy wooden doors and window
frames. The Areny-Plandolit House Museum here gives an insight into the
lives of a wealthy faming family. The house dates from the 17th century,
with a magnificent wooden study room
On the way to Pal you pass through the village of La Massana where there is
the atmospheric restaurant Moli dels Fanals (www.molidelsfanals.com)
serving traditional Andorran cuisine. And bring your walking boots to walk
off lunch; there are well maintained and signed trails all over, and in
summer the wild flowers explode into life.
You¹ll have to book ahead, as number are strictly limited, but try to pop over
to the Caves at Niaux, where you walk 900m by torchlight, before coming upon
drawings of Bison, ibex and stag. They date from 10,800 BC and were drawn
using crayons made from Bison fat. Call 0033 0561 051010; entry £7.
Opened a mere 12,808 years later is new 5-star hotel and spa, The Sports Hotel
Hermitage in Soldeu (www.sporthotels.ad).
It¹s very smart, with bold design splashes, and a fantastic indoor pool.
Doubles are from £90 B&B.
For good general information, see www.andorra.ad,
and for hotels, visit www.turismeandorra.com.
Rough Guides do a particularly useful guide to the Pyrenees (www.roughguides.com;
£13.99).
More Andorra information can be found at http://www.yourandorra.com/
Roger , East Cowes, Isle of Wight
You want to experience Barcelona in a completely different way? Then participate at one of Cooltra's City tours on a scooter. I have done that on my last trip in this beautiful city and it was crazy!! It is like being a local person, driving to places you couldn't reach normally. www.cooltra.com
lisa-marie, nice,