Andorra and Toulouse

Andorra la Vella

After breakfast at our hotel, we head into the main city in Andorra called Andorra la Vella.

We park in an underground lot with steep declines and narrow spots. This is a bit stressful, especially with the rental Jeep but all goes well.

The city centre consists mostly of name brand stores in nondescript buildings. We do see Dali’s clock sculpture and a few other sculptures. A small river runs through the city.

The Old Town

There is a very tiny historic section which has an old church, and the Consul General for Andorra building which is quite pretty.

There is an interesting art installation of 7 poets sitting on tall poles. They represent the seven parishes of Andorra.

Drive to Toulouse

It is quite warm out and the sun is bright. We leave the city by noon. On our way out of Andorra, we notice that people are still skiing higher in the mountains.

We head back to Toulouse, once again we drive through the border crossing and don’t need to stop.

Once in France, we pass fields of vibrant yellow rapeseed.

Toulouse

In Toulouse, John has to park the Jeep in a parking garage; as sending four floors of a narrow spiral to get a spot.

Central Toulouse is gorgeous with its pinkish tinged buildings.we walk along the Victor Hugo Marche. Kids are enjoying a ride on the ornate, antique merry-go-round.

The tower of Basilica Saint Sernin rises from the street. The square around the Basilica is packed with students (this is a university city) and people in sidewalk cafes enjoy the hot spring day (24°C).

The inside of the Basilica is so dark compared to outside. After we finish exploring the Basilica, we grab a glass of wine and beer at a neighbouring outdoor cafe.

Our next stop is the Place du Capitole. The building is beautiful and sits on a huge square.

Couvent des Jacobins is nearby. This is an old convent with a beautiful cloister. It is so peaceful. The huge church that it is attached to has stained glass the glows from the afternoon sunshine. Click here for a short video of the church.

Our time in Toulouse ends too quickly. We exit the parking lot, descending four floors of narrow spiraling ramps…without incident. Wooo! We drop the car back at the airport car rental agency.

Evening at the Airport Hotel

Our airport hotel does not have a shuttle. The GPS says it’s 10 minutes to walk it from the airport but then changes its mind and says 18 minutes. We are unsure if there are sidewalks or just straight road to walk on so we take an Uber.

The under 5 minute and 1 km ride costs 12€ (about $19 CAD). That is what we paid for the 35 minute drive in Portugal from Porto to the airport. Things definitely cost a lot more in France.

We have supper at a fast food French taco place beside our hotel.