Lourdes to Somport

Lourdes to Somport

Lourdes is a town in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France. It is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, and is famous for its Marian shrine, which is one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Somport is a mountain pass in the Pyrenees, on the border between France and Spain. It is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Language

The official language of Lourdes is French. However, many people in the town also speak Spanish, as it is close to the border with Spain. In Somport, Spanish is the official language, but French is also widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of Lourdes and Somport is the euro (€).

Distance

The distance from Lourdes to Somport is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Somport from Lourdes:

• By car: The fastest way to get to Somport from Lourdes is by car. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
• By bus: There is a regular bus service from Lourdes to Somport. The journey takes about 1 hour.
• By train: There is no direct train service from Lourdes to Somport. However, you can take a train from Lourdes to Oloron-Sainte-Marie, and then take a bus from Oloron-Sainte-Marie to Somport.

Expenses

The cost of getting from Lourdes to Somport will vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Here is a rough estimate of the costs:

• By car: The cost of petrol will vary depending on the size of your car and the current fuel prices. However, you can expect to pay around €10-€15 for a one-way trip.
• By bus: The cost of a bus ticket from Lourdes to Somport is around €5-€10.
• By train: The cost of a train ticket from Lourdes to Oloron-Sainte-Marie is around €10-€15. The cost of a bus ticket from Oloron-Sainte-Marie to Somport is around €5-€10.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Somport is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it is also a popular destination during the winter months, when you can enjoy the snow-capped mountains.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes in Somport where you can enjoy a meal. Here are a few of the local specialties:

• Trucha a la navarra: This is a trout dish that is cooked in a white wine sauce with garlic and parsley.
• Chuletillas de cordero: These are grilled lamb chops that are served with a garlic mayonnaise.
• Migas: This is a dish made with breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil.

Where to Go

In addition to the restaurants and cafes, there are several other places to visit in Somport, including:

• The Romanesque church of San Adrián de Sasabe: This church dates back to the 11th century and is a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
• The Somport pass: This is the highest point on the road between France and Spain, and offers stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains.
• The Somport ski resort: This is a popular ski resort that offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Lourdes to Somport:

• Is it possible to walk from Lourdes to Somport? Yes, it is possible to walk from Lourdes to Somport. The walk takes about 6-8 hours, and is a challenging but rewarding experience.
• Is there a bus service from Lourdes to Somport? Yes, there is a regular bus service from Lourdes to Somport. The journey takes about 1 hour.
• Is it possible to rent a car in Lourdes? Yes, there are several car rental companies in Lourdes. You can rent a car from as little as €20 per day.