Older drivers will recall the above road from immediately over the France/Spain motorway border near Hendaye.It used to lead through the villages and the twists and turns over the summit of the pass and down to Pamplona about 50 miles away.
This road has been much improved over the years and is now a high quality road with plenty of overtaking places and a few tunnels.
One of the more recent improvements is at Sunbilla where there used to be a quality restaurant providing meals for travellers 24 hours a day.On my recent journeys it appears that the new road has isolated this restaurant and it looks closed as I pass.
This would be a shame.It was an ideal spot for a break on the way up north from Valencia.
Yes, it would be a shame. I loved the old road before it was completely rebuilt: much more fun to drive on, if rather more dangerous!
IIRC there were three places at Sunbilla. The two at the bottom were next to each other. Here’s a pic I took next to the older one about 20 years ago. I was in the green 95 SCC, returning from North Africa.
Yes, that was the older one. I liked it there too. They used to serve local trout from the mountain streams, which you deserved if you’d come down the mountain with just an exhauster and drum brakes!
I used that road frequently after retirement in the car when I was transporting dogs all over Europe. The reason in this case was a refuge at Etxauri to the west of Pamplona and one of the dogs I collected was a young Beauceron, Jules, who after adventures in foster, adoption, and orphaned by the death of his owner, has now, at 10 years of age, been living with me for 4 years and is with me for life, his or mine.
I drive my car 3 or 4 times to Spain and back.This stretch of road is always a pleasure.Several months ago I was forced to use the old road after roadworks caused a diversion over the top.I came over all sentimental.
When I was diverted was a couple of years ago.I was directed off the new section southbound and followed the original ,what used to be the main,road.All the hairpins,over the summit and down again until reaching the improved section.Very nostalgic and much easier in a mondeo than a daf 3300 dragging 40 tons.
I used it a few weeks ago so I see no reason why it would not be open.
If you are on the motorway from Biarritz,pass the toll,over the river and take first exit and immediately right again.Follow signs to Pamplona/Irunea. 88kms.At Pamplona the ring road will take you to the same place whichever way you choose to go round.
My main issue is NOT to be sent up the side of a mountain on a minor road as happened last year. I’ve used the A121A for many years but was terrified doing the diversion.
It’s going towards Pamplona from Hendaye that I find difficult because height ain’t my thing!!
Coming back not a problem ‘cause I’ll be on the inside!!
Your “minor road” may well have been the former main road.
The current road is a high quality single carriageway with several 3 lane sections for overtaking and a few tunnels to take out the summits of various peaks.A really nice drive.There is a village 20 miles or so before Pamplona with a 50 km speed limit which is frequented by the Guardia and the Red Caps particularly at night.
Thanks for the N121A update. It’s only a few days before I depart and I’m still undecided about whether any of the roadworks still remain, especially if driving south towards Pamplona. The diversion onto the old road with the hair pin bends is a serious non starter for me.
Is work on the tunnels completed in both directions?
Thankyou for any further information that you can provide.
As Franglais says,consult google maps before you set off.
If you are in doubt,head west on the motorway towards San Sebastian but look out for the signs for the motorway towards Pamplona.It is a few extra miles and you will have to pay 2 tolls.
