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When exiting Andorra, be careful if you are over your limits as you will likely be stopped more than once...especially if you are in a British car! When i left there i was stopped three times, twice at two official stops and once by the gendarmes at the roadside 100m from entering France
There is no Andorran language and currency (they use euros). There is no Andorran military force as well (Spain and France are responsible for the defence). Andorran culture is Catalan in essence, since the native-born population of Andorra is Catalan. However there is easily identifiable Andorran culture in folk music and dances (more: follow the link below). The official language is Catalan but my Catalan friends from Barcelona told me that some native Andorran use a bit different and strange Catalan. Well, of about 70,000 people living in Andorra only about 1/3 has hold Andorran nationality, most are Spaniards. Is there any other country where its citizens are minority in own country?Spanish and French is also widely spoken in Andorra. As for English it works worse. Well, in hotels English is usually used, but in some smaller local restaurants menu is wrtten exclusively in Catalan...
Pretty and smiling policewomen of Andorra show off on the middle of some main intersections wearing bright red jackets and caps, white shirts with a tie and black skirts above knee. I had to stop and amaze their very useful job for both local drivers and pedestrians.Well, I've got to know that Andorra has no military forces thus can save a lot for local police, I suppose. Andorra's defense is the responsibility of Spain and France but they don't pay for it.
Andorra has the same regulations like Spain and France.The border passing will take a few seconds.If you want to have stamp in your passport you can ask the officers.They are friendly and will make this rarity possible for you.Not many people in the world can say that they have a Andorra stamp in their Passport.
Andorra might be its own independent country, but it has the look and feel of a small town. Andorra speaks Catalan on its day to day business, but if you speak French or Spanish, you will have little problem being served in one of those two languages. You might find a few limited speakers of English or German, but other languages are going to be out of luck. I did hear Portuguese once.Catalan food is the norm, but French food is also readily available. With the eternal exception of lush, rich, heaven-endowed Italian food, very few outside cuisines are represented.When you are in Andorra, you don't feel like you are with the international jetset. You feel like you are in a small, conservative town. They don't have strip clubs, bars open all night serving a full English breakfast, walls of souvenier shops etc. They have the amenities and manners of a small town, despite the fact that they...
Christian churches - be they Protestant, Orthodox, or Catholic - are a vital part of Europeýs cultural, artistic, architectural, and religious heritage, and as such you are likely (and I really recommend doing this:)) ) to visit many of them. However, most of them are even today not only major tourist attractions, but also religious sites where people come to pray. This is something to be respected, and here are several pieces of advice I would like to give that might help avoid ill-feeling:- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and most part of the legs (women in Orthodox churches might be requested to put on something to cover the head);- Do not speak loudly - all the descriptions are better either read in silence or given outside;- Try not to walk too much during the service;- Avoid using flash in your camera near people you see praying;- Respect notes that forbid entrance to some parts...
Because of it's location - sandwiched in the mountains between France & Spain - it's a bit of a cultural melting pot. Both French & Spanish is spoken so it's a bit of a guessing game when you need to speak to locals as to what language to start with. Most places speak at least a little English so if you're like me and only know the absolute minimum French/Spanish you'll be OK! Both currencies are accepted but I believe that Pesatas offer a better exchange. Not that you can use them after this year - it'll be the good old Euro - hmmmmm....
Catalan is the official language, though Spanish, and to a lesser degree French, are also spoken. Surprisingly, other than in the hotels and tourist offices, English is not that widespread. (In fact, on the tour I took to Lake Engolasters, the tour guide did not speak English at all!) Try to speak Catalan even a little, it will be greatly appreciated and will make a difference in the way you are treated by the shopkeepers. Also, be all business with the French and Spanish customs inspectors at the borders - they are not fun at all.
Andorra is pretty tourist-friendly most of the time. Whatever you do in Spain or France will work just as well here.One note is that 'Clipol' means 'bus'. It's a word that is uniquely Andorran, and can cause some confusion, even if your catalonian is of scholarly level. The first transportation company in Andorra was 'Clemens i Pol' so perhaps that will shed some light on the subject.If you don't know it, the official language of Andorra is Catalonian, or Catalan. It is NOT a 'dialect' of Spanish (and people WILL get fighting mad over that point). Catalonians love their culture and heritage very much and can get touchy, especially at bars and especially is Barcelona is losing a football (soccer) match at the time. Anyway, if you don't speak Catalonian, don't sweat it. Spanish and French are spoken almost universally (I have only met one person who didn't speak anything but Catalonian,...
Andorra is a country which loves its fetes and popular traditions. Most of the fetes and traditions coincide with religious festivals and the natural cycles of the earth: -St George's day when roses and books are given. -The People's Fete. St John's day marks the summer solstice.-The election of the heiress and the little heiress. This is held in Escaldes-Engordany. The heiress represents the Andorran woman. -St Stephen's day, the day of the patron saint of the parish of Andorra la Vella.-Saint Lucy's Fair. Figures and elements for make the traditional Christmas cribs are on offer as well as typical Christmas products.
Salvia d' Or Hotel Andorra la Vella
1 Review and 9 Opinions Salvia hotel is very good located. Even the hotel is a 3 star the looby seems a 4 or 5 star....
Parma Hotel Pas de la Casa
1 Review and 8 Opinions My friends, passionate skiers, following my suggestion went to Andorra for skiing in February 2006....
Hotel Montane Arinsal
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