Driving options from Nice to Costa Brava

For me ... 1st night in Arles and 2nd night in Carcassonne

Since baby will be 6 months old then.. next year.. I assume baby is not born yet.

I think it might be premature to plan a big trip like this until after baby is born.. just in case.. just in case what.. well , what if you are blessed with a coliciky baby.. no hotel wants your darling screaming for hours on end ( they can't help it.. and you can not predict which child gets colic and which does not)
Baby may not be the type to love travel. .I personally think most young babies are great for travel, they are so portable and with breastfeeding so very easy.. but I had three kids and I can assure you ,, one of them was a holy terror , not flexible, not adaptable etc.. the other two were fine.. but you cant predict this..

So ,, part of me thinks you are crazy. and part of me says "go for it"...

I think I would at least make sure any tickets you purchase, or hotel arrangements you make.. have a good cancellation policy.

PS if you get to Costa Brava ... stop at Tossa De Mar.. its so beautiful ( google for images) small town.. people amazing.. we stayed at the Capri Hotel and had an amazing view.. good ac,, and family run place with good included breakfast.

4 plus a baby In one car with baby gear and luggage?

You'll pay high one-way fees for dropping the car outside of France. See the prices for dropping inside France vs in Spain on Autoeurope.com. It's best to drive it back up over the border to drop it off and take a train back down if you'll be flying out from Spain.

All the overnight choices are lovely but the logistics need tuning.

Thank you all for your comments/suggestions so far – good to know both options logistically would work

Agree about the crazy or brave theory around the baby, we are planning to stay in an apartment in Nice and Spain that we have visited before and comfortable with its surrounds. Hopefully this option is a better than the hotel due to the concerns you have raised above. But good point about the cancellation/refund policy! The other couple we are travelling with are in the in-laws to help with the baby (and of course enjoy the holiday).

Re. the car, we have considered the additional fee for alternative drop off locations, however the thought process around that is with a baby the car option is better than traveling on tight trains or planes, as we can move on our own schedule. So we are thinking a larger vehicle to accommodate luggage, but will consider the boarder option too. We are light packers too, but understand this will most likely change with a baby in tow.

Tossa De Mar looks absolutely beautiful. Will be sure to check it out if we get there!

Thanks again all