Description

The hidden valleys trail
The Pyrenees have long been a beloved setting for classic rallies. The mountain range, which forms the natural border between France and Spain, is renowned for its spectacular mountain passes, quiet country roads, and breathtaking landscapes. As early as the first half of the twentieth century, motorists ventured to this region to experience the technical roads and varied terrain.

What makes the Pyrenees particularly special for classic rallies is the combination of driving challenge and natural beauty. The roads wind through deep valleys, past mountain lakes, and through small villages where time seems almost to stand still. Passes such as the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d’Aubisque are famed among both cyclists and motorists for their dramatic hairpin bends and panoramic views.

Today, the region still hosts regular classic rallies and touring events. These focus not only on speed, but also on navigation, driving skill, and enjoying the scenery. The combination of quiet roads, historic villages, and rugged nature makes the Pyrenees one of the most beautiful rally areas in Europe. For participants in classic cars, driving through this mountain landscape is not just a competition, but a journey through history, engineering, and nature.

We first gather at a remarkable private collection that houses the largest private collection of Rolls-Royce cars in Europe. After lunch and a look around the collection, we drive to the first hotel of the rally, located in the centre of Pamplona.

The following morning the rally itself begins. Soon after leaving Pamplona we climb into the Pyrenees, crossing from Spain into France and driving along high mountain roads before reaching our first overnight stop at altitude.

During the following days the route becomes a succession of mountain passes: some higher, some steeper, but each with its own character. Gradually we move eastwards through the French Pyrenees. In France days the route follows smaller roads through gorges and valleys, allowing us to explore quieter parts of this beautiful region.

Later in the rally we cross back into Spain for more mountain driving, including a remarkable narrow gorge road that runs high above the river below. After nine days on the road we return to Bilbao for the final dinner and prize awarding,

As always with the rallies organised by Via Flaminia, this is a relaxed rally where competition serves the atmosphere, winning is not an end in itself. Those who want coffee along the way can do so. No time restriction. Of course, we do expect you in time for lunch and dinner. Classification is done by navigation and competition for last place is sometimes fierce. There are 30 places available for cars up to 1945.

For teams whose added age is under 100, there is a discount of 1% for each year less then 100, with a maximum of 15% (reference year 2026).