Train to the Pyrenees

Take the Eurostar and TGV from London to Pau via Paris
then hire a car

Increasing concern about the environmental effects of flying and disillusionment with the stress and hidden charges on "low-cost" airlines are encouraging more people to consider travelling by rail to destinations across Europe.

In under 10 hours the Eurostar and TGV can take you from London (via Paris) to Pau. You can leave St Pancras on an early morning Eurostar, and reach the Pyrenees the same evening. Alternatively, travel overnight leaving St Pancras eary evening and arriving in the Pyrenees in time for breakfast.

The trains are comfortable, safe and reliable. Security is considerably less intrusive than at airports and check-in with Eurostar is much quicker. There are no excess luggage supplements and no restrictions on skis, bicycles etc.

Through tickets (Eurostar and TGV) can be booked up to 90 days in advance and are generally cheaper the earlier they are booked.  Prices start from about £70 one way.  For more information visit www.raileurope.co.uk and www.tgv-europe.com/en/train-ticket.  Another useful website for information on travel in Europe is www.seat61.com which provides information on how to cross Paris at www.seat61.com/Paris-metro.htm.

When hiring a car for your onward journey, Pau is best place to pick up a car for the short drive to Panticosa.

Connections to London: if you are travelling by rail to London to link with Eurostar, you are eligible for a discounted fare with Virgin and other mainline services.  They also offer other benefits such as delay protection (meaning that if you are delayed by local trains you will be able to get a later Eurostar/TGV to get you to your final destination).  Call 01233 617913 between 8:30am-4:15pm.  Staff are helpful and also very knowledgeable about rail services in Europe.

Car Hire

Having a car in the mountains gives you complete flexibility during your stay and also on your days of arrival and departure. It guarantees access to everything that is featured in our brochure and if you get a rainy day, a car will allow you to visit numerous places of interest that are within easy driving distance of us.

Collett's offers a competitive, comprehensive and safe car hire package through Holiday Autos, for whom we are agents - whether you require a hatchback or a people carrier.  Weekly prices start from about £225 in France.  These include the all-important Damage Excess Waiver (D.E.W.).  There are no hidden extras.

Driving conditions are excellent in the Pyrenees.  The journey from Pau to Panticosa is less than two hours on provincial roads in delightful scenery.

If a stay with Collett’s is part of a bigger holiday itinerary, then it is easy for us to arrange one way car hire for you.

Just let us know you would like to hire a car and we will do the rest. Three weeks before you travel, we send your car hire voucher along with step-by-step directions (and arrival instructions). Payment for car hire is due with your holiday balance, 8 weeks prior to your departure.