All but lost between France and Spin, like the fairytale pea in the mattresses just a handful of mountainous landscapes and meandering rivers. Though it is tiny, it contains some of the most dramatic scenery – and the best skiing – in the Pyrenees. There are plenty of good hiking opportunities in the high, remote parts of the country, away from the overdevelopment and heavy traffic that plague Andorra’s towns.

The ski season is from December to March

Skiing at Pas de la Casa – Grau Roig or Soldeu – El Tarter, La Massana Wandering the narrow cobblestone streets between stone houses in the Barri Antic ( Historic Quarter ), in Andorra la Vella

Relaxing at Caldea – an enormous complex of pools, hot tubs, and saunas fad by natural thermal springs, enclosed in what looks like a futuristic cathedral

Hiking in the hamlet of Llorts, set amid fields of tobacco and backed by near – pristine mountains

Read Andorra by Peter Cameron, a darkly comic novel set in a fictitious Andorran mountain town. Approach of Andorra by Lidia Armengol Vila is a solid work published by the lnstitut d’Estudis Andorrans.

Listen to classical violinist Gerard Claret

Watch Dies d’Hivern ( Days of Winter ) directed by Andorran Josep Duran, about a band of young delinquents on a voyoge of self – discovery

Eat trinxat ( bacon, potatoes and cabbage ) or escudella ( a stew of chicken, sausage and meatballs )

Drink mulled red wine to which lemon, cinnamon, raisins and cognac added

Hola ( hello )

Ski resorts; duty – free shopping; the Pyrenees; a pocket – sized princedom; tax haven

True to logic – defying from, Andorrans are a minority in their own country, forming only about a quarter of the total population of 69000, the majority of whom are Spaniards. Democratic Andorra is a ‘parliamentary co – princedom’- the bishop and president are joint, but largely nominal, of state. Until the 1950s, Andorra’ population hovered around 6000.

The town of Andorra la Vella is squeezed into the Riu Gran Valira Valley and is mainly engaged in retailing electronic and luxury goods. With the constant din of jackhammers and shopping – mall architecture, you might be in Hong Kong – but for the snowcapped peaks and an absence of noodle shops!