12 day roadtrip SW France (Marseille to Bilbao)

We skipped Andorra which was advice we had been given. We were told it mostly a tax free shopping mecca. Why not stop and spend some time in Toulouse instead?

You don't have to go to Andorra for Pyrenees scenery, and the capital doesn't justify a long detour in my view. It was sort of outlet-mall tacky when I went there in 1972.

I liked Toulouse a lot, but if you want mountains I'm sure there are options more convenient than Andorra.

If you're planning to rent a vehicle in France and drop it off in Spain, check rates right away before going much farther in developing your itinerary. You are probably facing a very, very high international drop charge (at least hundreds of euros).

Rosh.gr
We visited Andorra in 2015. It is very much NOT worth the drive. If youn want to add a country to a list, then go ahead, but it is mainly where the French shop for duty-free products like tobacco. I consider our drive there a waste of time.

I echo the feelings on Andorra, although I will say once you get out of the main city/town and head up into the mountains, the actual hiking is beautiful. But with a 9 month old, I don't think the OP will be interested in much of that.

Toulouse makes for a great stop, as does Carcassone (and nearby Narbonne and side trips up into the Pyrenees if you are staying for more than a night). North of Toulouse, there is also Tarbes and Lourdes, and then Pau.

If you are driving from Arles to Bilbao I would skip Toulouse and Andorra as they are really out of the way. Toulouse is lovely but there are other areas to stop with a 9 month old that can be equally as nice and are more directly on your route. I'd suggest one of the costal towns such as Arcachon or Biscarosse. Or, if you want mountains, Pau. Definitely keep in mind, as others have mentioned, there is a considerable drop off fee for rental cars between France and Spain. Something to consider. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for all your comments! Would it make more sense to drop the car somewhere in France and pick up a new one for Spain? Or just train to Bilbao?

rosh.gr,
Yes, drop the car in France and take the train into Spain. You can rent a car there.

Andorra is certainly not worth the detour. While there are some good hikes, you'll find similar ones in France and Spain. Other than that, the city is a hideous shopping centre with very few historic building (and even the Casa della Vall isn't especially impressive, imo.).
Only worth it in ski season (though the snow cover is much worse than the Alps, anyways!)

Thanks all, we will skip Andorra!