France and Spain

Frankly, I'd recommend 10 days all in one country, either one.
If you don't want to do that, half in each country. But remember that those 2 countries are large geographical areas and 5 days in each country, minus a day to travel from one country to another, will mean you won't have much time.

Also, when you say "wine country of France" you should do more research to more specifically define for us (and you) which area of wine country in France you mean--because there are a large number of wine area in France.

So do some more planning or thinking, and then get back to us and we'll try to help.

If you want to do both things you mention, I'd suggest spending half the time in the Barcelona area then half the time in the Roussillon area of France, including Banyuls-sur-Mer and Collioure. From Barcelona to Banyuls is a little over 2 hours. While the Roussillon area is not what most people think of when they think of French wine country, there is plenty of outstanding wine there. And Collioure is a beautiful town.

Thank you Kent, We are not sure where/ what we should see when we say "wine country." We are very open to ideas and suggestions. Thank you for your feedback.

Robert, super ideas - we will look into these and go from there. Exactly what we were hoping for!

Wine areas are spread all over France so you are probably best off picking one. I like Cotes du Rhone so here is a logistically sound plan for you based on my preference. Start in Barcelona, take a train to Avignon. Rent a car and tour Provence. Return the car to Avignon and take the TGV to Paris where you can fly out of. If you haven't been to Paris I would spend three nights there along with three in Barcelona and three in Provence. You can always do the plan in reverse or return to Barcelona for your return flight and skip Paris. The three hour train between Barcelona and Avignon means you don't need to drive between the two countries which can be problematic or expensive. Any flight you book will probably take you through a major city like Paris or Barcelona but if you can find a flight from the South of France to get home, that would also be a good way to go.

3 options would appeal to me ...
1 Barcelona - San Sebastian - Bordeaux
2 Barcelona - Provence - Rhone Valley
3 Barcelona - Burgundy - Paris
I hope you have 10 nights on the ground in Europe - very rushed trip.

The option of Barcelona,San Sebastian and Bordeaux is excellent.Barcelona for its architecture and food,don't forget Montseratt while in Barcelona.San Sebastian might be the culinary capital of Europe and it is in Basque Country.Bordeaux for the wine.
Mike

Great information.... we are so excited!
Doing more research on how to make it happen now... I may be in touch again!

Using this Forum we have booked a flight to Paris (we only want to be there one night) and then have 9 days to travel from Paris down to Barcelona. We have decided to take a route towards the Riviera so we can go to Monte Carlo and Nice.

From your experiences:
What are your ideas on how to travel around France?
What are your ideas on where to stay and what to see in respect to that side of France in their wine country?

Timeframes, etc.
We want to have a romantic commitment ceremony in the wine country - would you recommend a special place to do this - the most romantic, beautiful, special place you know?

Thank you so much, we look forward to your thoughts... What am I missing to make this a greater trip than what you have already helped us with?

I think now is the time to start delving into details with a guidebook, such as Rick's. If you go as far east as Nice, then a budget flight from there to Barcelona (www.skyscanner.com) can be both cheaper and faster than the 8-9 hour train ride. If you end your French wanderings closer to Avignon, then train from there to Barcelona takes 5 hours. See also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation.

For what month have you booked this trip?

Laura,

We are going in September. Thanks for the info. We have a ton of books but I like finding personal touches to a trip...

Day 1 To Beaune, Burgundy (1 night)
Day 2 To Lyon (1 night)
Day 3 To Nice (3 nights)
Day 4 Excursion to Monaco
Day 5 Excursion to Cannes
Day 6 To Arles (3 nights)
Day 7 Excursion to Avignon + Orange
Day 8 Excursion to Nimes + Pont du Gard
Day 9 To Barcelona

Hi,
Two years ago my wife and I spent 6 weeks in France, then last year we spent 6 weeks along the northern border of Spain. This year it was back to France. Given a choice with Barcelona as a starting or finishing point. Do Spain. Forget France for now. If you go to Spain, then in not too long a time you will visit France.

10 touring days is too little for two countries as large as either. France is five times the size of Wisconsin. Spain is four times the size of Wisconsin.

Not only that, "wine country" in France is an interesting concept. We were in Burgundy for two weeks, 20 miles from Chablis, and I barely remember seeing a vineyard. I know it was wine country because it was Burgundy, but the grapes are grown in small valleys.

Spain...they are giving away really nice wine. Well OK that is an exaggeration. For $2.50 you get a very nice dark red in a wine bar and they might throw in a plate of sausage, cheese, and crackers. In France it is $7.50 and you get a glass of wine heavy in minerals. And Barcelona is worthy of days. the Museums, the buildings, and Sagrada Familia. Oh, and the tapa bars. Outside of Barcelona and Madrid we found food inexpensive and good, not fancy like France, but good solid food.

Not everyone wants to cruise the north border of Spain, but it was beautiful all along the Pyrenees and then the Bay of Biscayne.

Do one country, and only a portion of it. Spend several days in each spot where you stay. remember a day traveling is day not touring. Packing, checking out, driving, checking in, unpacking, finding a place to eat... Another day shot in the arse. Pick three places or even better two places and stay and enjoy. You will love it so much, you will definitely come back.

wayne iNWI

wayne iNWI