Pas de la Case
Andorra · Shopping, Fuel & Hiking
Duty-free shopping, fuel −22% and Pyrenean hiking trails. Live webcams, weather 5°C, Andorra's best prices.
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Grandvalira
2026-2027 season ended
215 km of slopes · Reopening December 2026
Shopping & activities year-round
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45+ properties · Ski in/out
Casa del Tabac
Tobacco · Alcohol · Perfume
Since 1998, your go-to shop for tobacco, spirits and perfume in Pas de la Case. Unbeatable prices on Marlboro, Ricard, Jack Daniel's and 500+ other references. Expert advice, permanent stock guaranteed all season.
Pas de la Case — Complete Guide 2026
Location and access
Pas de la Case (Pas de la Casa in Catalan) is a border village at 2,050 metres of altitude in the Andorran Pyrenees, part of the parish of Encamp in Andorra. It's the main entry point into Andorra from France, reached via the RN20 over the Puymorens pass (1,920m) or through the Envalira tunnel (€8.10, open year-round) which bypasses the pass in winter. No passport is required for EU citizens — Andorra is a principality co-headed by France and Spain, outside the EU but within the Schengen area.
Skiing at Grandvalira
The resort is the gateway to Grandvalira, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees: 215 km of slopes, 75 lifts, 140 runs for all levels, 650 snow cannons across 2,080 skiable hectares. The season runs from December to late March/early April. The 2026-2027 season has ended — the next opening is expected in December 2026. Ski and snowboard lessons are offered by ESF Grandvalira (400 qualified instructors, children from age 3). On-site equipment rental from €15/day with Skiset and Intersport.
Duty-free shopping: tobacco, alcohol, fuel and perfume
Pas de la Case is best known for its duty-free shopping — Andorra's tax regime (4.5% IGI sales tax versus 20% VAT in France) delivers significant savings on every purchase. Over 200 shops are open 7 days a week, year-round, from 9am to 8pm: tobacco (Marlboro ~€44/carton, −67% vs France), alcohol (Ricard 1L ~€8.50, −63%), perfume −30%, cosmetics, electronics and sportswear. Watch out for the customs allowances when returning to France (300 cigarettes, 1.5L of spirits, €300 of goods). Fuel is also cheaper: SP95 petrol at 1.648€/L at the Gasopas station, roughly €21 saved on a 50L tank compared with France.
For perfume and cosmetics, Pas de la Case is home to four major retailers: Perfumeria Júlia (a landmark, 500+ brands since 1959), Primor (luxury and mass-market, frequent promotions), Douglas (niche & ultra-premium, 36,000+ references) and Gala. Typical savings: 20 to 35% on a €120 perfume versus official French prices.
Hiking and summer activities
In summer (June to September), Pas de la Case reinvents itself as an outdoor destination. At 2,050m, temperatures stay cool (12-22°C), ideal for escaping the heat of the lowlands. The Envalira pass (2,408m, Andorra's highest) can be crossed on foot or by bike. The mountain lakes — Lake Abelletes, Lake Mig, the Pessons lakes — are within a 1.5-hour walk. Our 5 marked hiking trails →. In August, the Travessa Pas de la Casa (trail run up to 22 km, 13–16 August), the major trail-running race of the Andorran Pyrenees.
Accommodation
For accommodation, Pas de la Case has over 45 properties — 3-4 star ski-in/ski-out hotels, tourist residences, apartments — at very competitive rates, especially in summer (from €35/night). Check the live webcams and the weather before you set off, and check the real-time road status.
- Country: Andorra (Principality, outside the EU) · Currency: Euro · Official language: Catalan
- Access: RN20 from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre · or Envalira tunnel (€8.10, bypasses the pass)
- From Toulouse: 160 km · 1h45 · A61 + RN20
- Shops: open 7 days a week, 9am–8pm (except Andorran public holidays)
- Customs: 300 cigarettes · 1.5L spirits · €300 of goods per person
- Skiing: Grandvalira, 215 km of slopes · Season Dec.–March · Pass from €43/day
- Transport: NESSBUS coach from Toulouse/Perpignan · Taxi from L'Hospitalet (≈€15)
Distances from Toulouse, Barcelona & Paris
| City | Distance | Drive time | Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toulouse | 160 km | 1h45 | A61 + RN20 |
| Perpignan | 155 km | 2h00 | A9 + N116 |
| Barcelona | 230 km | 2h45 | C-17 + N-260 |
| Montpellier | 245 km | 2h30 | A9 + N116 |
| Lyon | 500 km | 4h30 | A47 + A9 + N116 |
| Bordeaux | 490 km | 5h00 | A62 + A61 + RN20 |
| Madrid | 620 km | 6h00 | A-2 + N-260 |
| Paris | 870 km | 8h30 | A10 + A61 + RN20 |
In winter, snow equipment is mandatory on the RN20 (chains or winter tyres+). Real-time road status →
Bus connections run from Toulouse, Perpignan and Barcelona via companies such as Autocars Nadal and Hispano Andorrana. The regular Toulouse–Andorra line (about 3h30) serves central Andorra la Vella, from where a taxi or local bus reaches Pas de la Case (20 min, ~€15). In winter, ski shuttles run from nearby major cities.
Pas de la Case: Andorra's Border Village
Pas de la Case is Andorra's highest border town, administratively part of the parish of Encamp. Its growth is closely tied to the rise of ski tourism in the 1970s-1980s: what was once just a customs pass has become one of the busiest resorts in the Pyrenees, welcoming several hundred thousand visitors each winter, mostly from France and Spain.
The official language is Catalan — hence the official Andorran name « Pas de la Casa ». But in daily life, French and Spanish are everywhere in shops, hotels and restaurants. The currency is the euro (even though Andorra is not an EU member). The country is outside the EU but part of the Schengen area — no passport is required for Europeans, but customs allowances apply on the way back.
The village is served by the RN20 (on the French side), which becomes the CG-2 in Andorra. Aside from the toll tunnel (€8.10/way), winter access is subject to snow equipment regulations (chains or winter tyres mandatory from the posted sign). Real-time road status is available on our road conditions map.
What to Do in Pas de la Case in Summer?
Outside the ski season, Pas de la Case remains a fully-fledged destination in its own right. At 2,050m of altitude, summer temperatures stay cool (12-22°C during the day), ideal for mountain activities — and the duty-free shops run at full speed, 7 days a week from 9am to 8pm, year-round.
5 marked trails: Pic Negre d'Envalira, Lake Abelletes, Coll dels Isards. Easy to advanced levels. See the trails →
Descent from the Envalira pass at 2,408m, marked Grandvalira trails, Bike Park (Jul–Sept). On-site rental from €35/day
200+ shops open in summer. Tobacco −67%, alcohol −63%, perfume −30%, fuel 1.648€/L. All prices →
Trail run 16 August — 6 courses from 500m to 22 km. High-altitude trail running, 13–16 August 2026. Registration open.
The Envalira pass road is generally open from April to November. In July-August, expect temperatures of 18-22°C during the day and 10-14°C at night — bring a jacket even in summer. The village is 10 minutes from Andorra la Vella via the tunnel. Hotels offer very attractive summer rates — from €35/night, 2 to 3 times less than peak ski season.
Plan Your Perfect Weekend
Pas de la Case is also about shopping and leisure all year round. Fuel, tobacco, alcohol, perfume: enjoy Andorran prices even off-season.
See the Complete 72h GuidePractical Information
Duty-Free Prices in Pas de la Case
Take advantage of Andorra's favourable tax regime with a sales tax of just 4.5%. Save on fuel, tobacco, alcohol and much more.
- SP95 Petrol: 1.648€/L (−22% vs France)
- Marlboro Cigarettes: ~€44/carton (−67%)
- Ricard 1L: ~€8.50 (−63%)
- Perfume: -20% to -40%
- Electronics: -10% to -20%
Events & News
Spring Duty-Free Shopping 2026
Tobacco, alcohol, perfume, fashion at Andorran prices · 200+ shops open
See prices
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Pas de la Case?
Pas de la Case is accessible from Toulouse (2h via A61/N20), Barcelona (2h30 via C-17/N-260) or Perpignan (2h via N116). In winter, check road conditions and bring snow equipment. The Envalira tunnel (toll) lets you bypass the pass. See live road conditions.
What are the customs allowances?
For French residents: 300 cigarettes (1.5 cartons), 1.5L of spirits or 5L of wine, 75mL of perfume, €300 of other goods. Beyond that, you must declare and pay tax. See the complete allowances guide.
When are the shops open?
Shops are generally open from 9am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Watch out for Andorran public holidays (8 September, 14 March) when most shops close. See the public holiday calendar.
What budget should I plan for a weekend?
For a 2-3 day weekend: 3-star hotel from €60-80/night, ski pass ~€70/day, equipment rental ~€25/day, meals ~€30/day. Estimated total budget: €300-500/person. See our complete budget guide.
Is Pas de la Case in France or Andorra?
Pas de la Case is in Andorra, right on the French-Andorran border. On the French side, the last town is L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre. You cross the border on the RN22 at the Puymorens pass. No passport needed for EU citizens, but customs allowances apply on the way back to France.
Can I drive up to Pas de la Case today?
→ See live status: road open or disrupted, webcams, RN22/RN20 alerts and weather all on one page. In winter, snow equipment (chains or snow tyres) is mandatory on the RN20 and RN22. See the snow equipment regulations.
How far is Pas de la Case from Toulouse, Barcelona and Paris?
Pas de la Case is 160 km from Toulouse (1h45 via A61 + RN20), 155 km from Perpignan (2h via N116), 230 km from Barcelona (2h45 via C-17 + N-260), 245 km from Montpellier (2h30) and 870 km from Paris (8h30 via A10 + A61 + RN20). In winter, allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes depending on snow conditions.
What is there to do in Pas de la Case in summer?
In summer (June-September), Pas de la Case offers hiking (5 marked trails, Envalira pass at 2,408m, high-altitude lakes within 1.5 hours), mountain biking (Grandvalira Bike Park Jul–Sept), lake fishing, tree-top adventure courses. Duty-free shopping stays open year-round: tobacco, alcohol, perfume at Andorran prices. Hotels often offer summer rates 2 to 3 times cheaper than peak ski season. The weather is cool (12-22°C), ideal for escaping the heat of the lowlands.
What's the weather like in Pas de la Case in July and August?
In July-August, temperatures range between 12°C at night and 20-22°C during the day at 2,050m of altitude. Afternoon thunderstorms are common (especially in August) — head out hiking in the morning. A windbreaker jacket is essential even in high summer. Unseasonal snow at altitude in August is possible. Current weather at the resort: 5°C. See the full forecast →
Are the shops open in summer in Pas de la Case?
Yes, shops are open year-round, 7 days a week, generally from 9am to 8pm. Summer is actually more pleasant for shopping: fewer crowds, easier parking, cool temperatures. Watch out for Andorran public holidays (notably 14 March and 8 September) when most shops close.
How much does a carton of cigarettes cost in Pas de la Case?
A carton of Marlboro costs around €44 in Pas de la Case, versus ~€133 in France — a −67% saving. Philip Morris is around €43, Spanish brands even cheaper. The customs limit is 300 cigarettes per person (1.5 cartons). Beyond that, you must declare and pay French taxes. See all tobacco prices →
What's the difference between Pas de la Case and Pas de la Casa?
It's the same place: "Pas de la Case" is the French name, "Pas de la Casa" is the official Catalan name (Catalan being Andorra's official language). Both refer to the same Andorran border village at 2,050m of altitude, the gateway to Grandvalira from France. Road signs and official Andorran documents use the Catalan form "Pas de la Casa".
What's the best time to visit Pas de la Case?
Two ideal periods depending on what you're after: winter (December–March) for skiing at Grandvalira (215 km of slopes, guaranteed snow conditions with 650 snow cannons) and shopping in an alpine setting; summer (July–August) for hiking at 2,050m (12-22°C, high-altitude lakes, Envalira pass at 2,408m) with 2 to 3 times fewer crowds and hotels twice as cheap. Duty-free shopping is worthwhile year-round.
Is there a bus to Pas de la Case from Toulouse or Perpignan?
Yes, coach connections run from Toulouse (about 3h30) and Perpignan (2h30) via companies such as Autocars Nadal or Hispano Andorrana. These coaches generally serve central Andorra la Vella. From Andorra la Vella, allow an extra 20 minutes by taxi or local bus to reach Pas de la Case. In winter, some tour operators offer direct ski shuttles from Toulouse, Foix or Ax-les-Thermes.
What currency is used in Pas de la Case?
The official currency in Andorra (and so in Pas de la Case) is the euro (€), even though Andorra is not an EU member. Card payments are accepted everywhere. Cash machines are plentiful in the village. Andorra mints its own euro coins (sought-after collector's pieces), but everyday European notes and coins are used day to day. No currency exchange is needed for visitors from France or Spain.
What kinds of shops can you find in Pas de la Case?
Pas de la Case has over 200 shops specialising in duty-free trade: tobacco-alcohol, perfumeries (Júlia, Primor, Douglas, Gala), sport and ski shops (Salomon, Rossignol, Decathlon), grocery stores and supermarkets (Royal Alimentació), pharmacies and drugstores, clothing shops (Zara, Mango, H&M), electronics and computer shops. Restaurants, cafés and bars round out the offering. Everything is grouped along a few very compact pedestrian or semi-pedestrian streets — you can do it all on foot from the car parks.