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Backpacking through South France

Hi, I will be in Europe this Summer for grad school research. Have a few weeks open before start of project, am looking to travel through south France via bus and possibly rent a car in the coast area. Plan is to start in Paris ---> Lyon----> Marseilles ---> Aix-en-Provence --> Arles --> Nimes --> Montpellier --> Perpignan.

I am then looking to travel from Perpignan to Cadaques, Spain.

Any recommendations on 1) buses/ transportation 2) places (villages/towns) to see. 3) is car rental in this area worth it, and if so, any recommendations on rental companies in France, and 4) tips how to best travel from France to Cadaques, Spain?

Thank you!

Posted by
16894 posts

All of these French cities are served by train, so the need for a bus connection or a car depends on other villages or sites you want to visit. Visiting the Pont du Gard is easiest by bus from Nimes, Avignon, or Uzes (not on train line) rather than Arles. Once you've arrived in Spain by train, buses run from both Figueres and Barcelona to Cadaques. If you do rent a car, drop it within France to avoid a higher drop-off fee in Spain.