Solsona Spain

I have spent time in Solsona twice, both times when touring and camping in northern Spain.

The camp-site (El Solsonés) first. The site is on a slight slope which presents a mild problem, but we found the people friendly and helpful. There is a swimming pool and a bar/restaurant on the site.

The town is delightful, with an ancient cathedral, a museum with remains and displays showing the history of the area back to Neandethal times, and the remains of the town walls still showing. It is unpretentious and not very touristy - think of a typical Spanish or Italian hill-town with narrow streets and tall houses, and you have the general picture. The main road which runs round the edge of the town is in fact a tourist route in winter with coaches taking skiers into the Pyrenees, but the town itself is not a destination. The local bars and restaurants are generally good; since the town itself is off the tourist trail the prices are reasonable and the cooking local. Expect some unusual flavours; Catalan provincial cookery has absorbed French and Moorish influences on top of the basic Spanish repertoire.

It is a good base for exploring the foothills of the Pyrenees. There are some stunning landscapes not far away, as well as the usual run of old castles, churches etc. A favourite of mine is the little Romanesque church at Olius.

To get the best out of a visit you will need at least basic Spanish, and preferably a little Catalan, as there is little point in learning English when we do not visit there much. You will not find the linguistic Catalano-fascism you sometimes get in Barcelona; the locals all speak Spanish as well as their own language and are delighted if you try your hand at either.

All in all, well worth a visit.