Andorra, located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, is a principality governed by a single system, the trimming. Today, it is known for its ski slopes and low taxes, but is also often considered a tax haven. But it has other assets, in particular its preserved mountains forming a landscape that tells the story of the men who have it façonnée : pastoralists, farmers, craftsmen, traders, all have flourished on this land of passage. They have built a strong identity, in their image, and imposed their language, Catalan, while adopting the euro. This special setting attracts many tourists all year round who come to shop or enjoy nature. Especially for the past three years thanks to the support of Cirque du Soleil. This summer, we look forward to seeing you between July 2 and 30.
The Principality of Andorra, whose origins date back to the reign of Charlemagne, is one of the smallest states in the world. It is nevertheless a member of the United Nations, a member of the Council of Europe and Unesco, but does not belong to the European Union. Another particularity: Andorra is governed by a single system, the trimming. This feudal contract grants the Andorran throne to two co-princes, the Catalan Bishop of Urgell and the French Head of State. Long ignored and unattractive, Andorra has emerged from its isolation at XXe siècle, during which time it has taken advantage of its exceptional setting and used a very advantageous tax system to become a major tourist destination. Andorra's charm is due in large part to its environment, topography, rivers and landscapes. Nature has particularly spoilt this little pays ; he has been able to exploit this advantage while preserving its authenticity. When we think of Andorra, we are of course thinking of skiing and the winter season, which opens from December to April. But when the snow melts, Andorra is no less active and offers a range of summer activities.
Leisure for all
The mountains open up to new natural pleasures and activities tend towards young and family tourism. At programme : hiking thanks to three G.R. and many medium and high mountain trails of difficulty levels variables ; mountain biking is mainly practiced in the Grandvalira and Vallnord bike parks for the most daredevils, but some paths without too steep a slope are perfect for those who want to enjoy paysage ; horse rides are organized by the riding centres of L'Aldosa or El Serrat. Climbing, which is very popular, offers routes that are accessible to both beginners and experienced climbers. To try it out, there are six training walls, three outside in Canillo, Ordino, Encamp, and three inside in Escaldes, Encamp and Pas de la Casa. Ordino and Canillo offer some torrents suitable for canyoning. It is ideal for discovering caves and enjoying natural slides. Finally, more relaxing, fishing is practiced in the lakes and rivers scattered here and there on the territory. We will mention, not without some reluctance, the latest discovery that has been polluting nature since a few années : the quad. In Grandvalira, Vallnord and Naturlàndia, rental agencies and some hotels offer day or night walks. Another way to discover nature....
Through the Romanesque chapels
While travelling through Andorra, the visitor is surprised by the large number of churches and Romanesque chapels gathered in such a small space. They are the centre of the spiritual and community life of the villages and all of them devote themselves to the cult and immense devotion to Our Lady of Meritxell, whose church is particularly original. Following the fire that destroyed a large part of the building in 1972, it was renovated and flanked by a contemporary addition designed by architect Ricardo Bofill. The churches were built with the materials available in the country (granite, shale, pumice stone, slate). Among these true jewels of Romanesque art are the churches of Sant Joan de Caselles (Canillo), Sant Romà (Les Bons - Encamp), Sant Martí (La Cortinada - Ordino), Sant Climent (Pal - La Massana), Santa Coloma, Sant Serni (Nagol - Sant Julià de Lòria) or Sant Miquel d'Engolasters (Escaldes-Engordany). Some buildings still have Romanesque frescoes (Sant Joan de Caselles), altarpieces from the 15th century and XVIe siècles (Sant Cristofol d'Anyòs, Sant Serni de Nagol) and others have Baroque paintings (Santa Eulàlia d'Encamp, Sant Martí de La Cortinada). A Museum of Romanesque Art Models in Escaldes gathers unique reproductions created by artists.
Long live shopping!
If you come to Andorra for its culture, you also come for shopping. Never before has such a small territory hosted so many commerces : 2 000 boutiques, the majority of which are located on the famous Meritxell and Carlemany avenues in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, not to mention of course the Pas de la Casa where supermarkets are touch and go. Everything is open seven days a week from 9 h to 13 h and from 15 h to 20 h with only four days of closure in année : 1er janvier, 14 mars, 8 septembre and 25 décembre. Everything is cheaper than in France. Currently, alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics, branded clothing - certaines collections are specific to Andorre - are au top ten of the most interesting purchases. On the other hand, food and multimedia are declining. However, it is preferable to make a price comparison and make sure that the guarantees are the same. Be careful, however, the customs watch and limit certain purchases, including cigarettes, alcohol, hi-fi, etc.. It is prudent to inquire in advance (www.duana.ad) at the risk of paying a tax or having your purchases confiscated.
With all its very attractive activities, Andorra has developed hotel accommodation at high speed, but there are no youth hostels... Despite the large offer, it is preferable to book, especially in the middle of July. Finally, when it comes to eating, there is no shortage of restaurants and international cuisine everywhere. The most curious can, without looking too hard, discover local specialities such as river trout, game (the pigeon is very popular), mountain sausages and mushrooms
Cirque du Soleil is doing its show!
For the fourth time, Cirque du Soleil is returning to Andorra this year to present its brand new show, "Scalada Vision", unpublished in Europe. With an unparalleled beauty and poetry, you are immersed in an imaginary world with a futuristic look. This free show (for standing places, from 18 € for sitting places) features a sister and a brother separated in an unknown universe. Between magic and technology, this event will make Andorra a privileged destination for your family holidays. And is further proof of the principality's dynamism
Smart info
When? When? All year round, especially in winter, to ski and to attend Cirque du Soleil, meet from July 2 to 30, 2016.
Getting there. By car on the French side, the most direct route is the Pamiers-Foix junction from the A62 (Toulouse-Narbonne). Then follow the N20 and N22 to reach Pas de la Casa. Otherwise the train or the plane, towards Toulouse or Barcelona in particular.
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Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
AMBASSADE DE FRANCE IN ANDORRA - More information on the website
AMBASSADE OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF ANDORRA IN FRANCE - More information on the website
ANDORRA TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL EN ANDORRE - More information on the website
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