Pas de la Casa
A small mountain town right on the border, both a ski resort and a cross-border shopping centre. Before buying alcohol, tobacco or electronics, check the quantities allowed when returning to France.
35 km from the border
Andorra from Ignaux: an excursion 35 km from the border
On the other side of the pass lies a whole country: shops with duty-free goods, skiing, spas. Pas de la Casa is only 45 minutes from the residence, which makes a real day trip possible.
- To the border35 km
- To Pas de la Casa45 min
- To Andorra la Vella1 h 15
- Port d’Envalira2,408 m
The journey
Via Pas de la Casa and the Port d’Envalira
The road to Andorra goes through Pas de la Casa, the only road crossing point between France and the principality. From there, you cross the Port d’Envalira, at 2,408 m: it is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees. A tunnel, opened in 2002, bypasses the pass.
From the residence, allow about 45 minutes to Pas de la Casa, and 1 h 15 to Andorra la Vella, the capital, for wider shopping. In winter, check the state of the road and equip yourself accordingly. The pass is kept open for most of the year.
Why go
Shopping with duty-free goods
One of the great advantages of the trip: in Andorra, goods are duty-free.
Duty-free goods
Alcohol, tobacco, perfume, electronics and many other products: this is what gives Andorra its shopping reputation.
Pas de la Casa, 45 minutes away
The first stop: plenty of shops right at the border, without going any further.
Andorra la Vella, 1 h 15 away
For wider shopping, the capital is about 1 h 15 by road from the residence.
On the way back: customs
Maximum quantities are allowed when returning to France: find out before you buy.
On site
Skiing, bathing, strolling
Skiing at Grandvalira
Pas de la Casa is part of Grandvalira, a large ski area spread over several sectors in the east of the principality. A day there is a good way to vary a ski week.
Andorra la Vella and Caldea
The capital is the highest in Europe. In Escaldes-Engordany, Caldea is a spa and leisure centre offering mostly balneotherapy: an option for a rainy day or after a hike.
Good to know. The official language is Catalan, but French is widely understood in the shops. The currency is the euro.
Practical
Planning your day
Set off early
The journey, the queues of cars at the border and parking in town all take time.
Identity document
Take it with you, and check the customs rules before filling the boot.
Pass weather
In winter, check the weather on the pass before setting off.
On the way back
A stop in Ax-les-Thermes, at the Bassin des Ladres, does your feet good. See Ax-les-Thermes.
Questions
About Andorra
How far is Andorra from Ignaux?
The border is about 35 km away. In normal conditions, allow about 45 minutes by road to Pas de la Casa, and 1 h 15 to Andorra la Vella for shopping.
Are goods cheaper in Andorra?
Yes, it is one of the great attractions of the trip: goods are duty-free there, in particular alcohol, tobacco, perfume and electronics. When returning to France, maximum quantities are allowed: find out about the customs rules in force before setting off.
Do I need a passport to go to Andorra?
Bring at least a valid identity document: customs checks are possible. Find out about the rules in force for travellers before setting off.
Can you ski in Andorra from Ignaux?
Yes: Pas de la Casa is part of the Grandvalira ski area, reachable in a day from the Ariège.
What currency is used in Andorra?
The euro.
Book
A stay between the Ariège and Andorra?
Rates and availability are shown live on the Airbnb listing. A question before booking? You can ask it there too.