We are starting in Barcelona before hooking up with a trip in Avignon. We land in Barcelona mid-day on a Thursday and have to be in Avignon late morning on Sunday. I'm thinking we will spend two nights in Barcelona and then drive to Avignon. That means we could spend 2 1/2 days in Barcelona. Several questions: Any recommendations for a destination in between Barcelona and Avignon, to visit and stay the night? We're four adults who aren't into shopping but love just about anything else - history, scenery, wine and food, art. .Any advice about the route itself? I'm thinking we'll use public transportation from the airport and in Barcelona, and then rent a car in the city our last day. Advice on that plan?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
388 posts
Most car rental companies will charge a high drop-off fee to drop your car in a country other than where you got it. If you do rent a car, wait until after you cross the border to pick one up. Otherwise, trains connect Barcelona and Avignon as well as many towns in between. There are a few trains that can get you to Avignon in about 4.5 hours with a change, so it can be done in a day. But, if you wanted to break it up, a few great options would be Collioure, Carcassonne, Beziers, or Nimes. You can find train schedules on the Deutsche Bahn website. Rick Steves' website has a link plus a bunch of tips on how to use it: http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/online-schedules