Country Guide

This tiny independent principality is high in the eastern Pyrenees on the border between France and Spain. Lying on the southern or Spanish side of the crest line, it is rather sheltered and therefore drier than much of the French Pyrenees.

The whole country lies above 840 m/2,750 ft. Winters are cold but rather dry and sunny. The midsummer months are slightly drier than spring and autumn and, with the cool temperatures, summer is a pleasant season.

The table for Les Escaldes is representative of the valleys in this small state. Temperatures are lower in the higher mountainous area.