Saint-Savin
2 Rue de la Ganne
France
1 Night
We left Zuera after our last night in Spain. Heading for the Pyrenees and through the Somport Tunnel, into France.
Our destination was the town of Saint-Sevin, chosen only because it had a free place to stay for the night by the tourist office, with facilities. Plus, it was just north of Bordeaux, and we wanted to get to the other side, since it’s a busy place.
So, a long day of driving, the best part of 300 miles but the first stop was the rather beautiful spot of Forges d’Abel, just the other side of the Somport tunnel as you enter France. The tunnel itself is 8.6 kilometres (5.3 mi) long, and connects Spain and France.
Just off the main road and down the hill is the old disused and abandoned railway station, Les Forge D Abel.
The station was part of the Pau–Canfranc railway line, which crossed the Pyrenees through the Somport railway tunnel. Forges d’Abel was the first station they reached on the French side. The name “Forges d’Abel” actually predates the railway. In the early 19th century, there was a steel forge and industrial site there. It was modernised by Frédéric d’Abel, who gave the place its name.
And this is where we had our lunch. An absolutely gorgeous place, with the sun shining, and snow on the mountain tops.
The rest of the day was driving, with one other stop. Bordeaux was even busier than usual, and it took us ages to get around the ring road. A Total of 290 miles, took us 9 hours with stops.
On a final but pointless note, we arrived at Saint-Sevin, filled up with diesel at £1.72 per litre. This time last month, we paid 65p per litre.
