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Day trip to France?

We have 3-4 days planned in Barcelona this summer. My husband is quite set on making a trip across the border to France for the day! I think it's ambitious, but am willing to keep an open mind, especially if you wise travelers have some suggestions for accessible towns or experiences.

I have seen some tour groups offering bus trips to the Andorra region, but we are more of a train ride/walk-explore type travelers. Is a high-speed train to Toulouse or Marseille really reasonable for one day? What about more local-quant villages? Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Posted by
971 posts

I think this type of box check travel is a bit silly. Is there anything in particular you want to see in Toulouse or Marseille or do you just want to say you have been to France and check it of your list?
Toulouse is 4,5 hours by train from Barcelona and with only 3-4 days, your time could be spend much better than 9 hours on a train.

Posted by
3586 posts

Morten is spot on. Barcelona is exceptionally dense with attractions. In my opinion, 3 or 4 days is hardly enough time for it. However, if you must go somewhere else for one of your days, Girona or the Costa Brava have much to offer, and are much closer than Marseille or Toulouse.

Posted by
26835 posts

The time you have is already minimal for Barcelona, so I wouldn't make a trip across the border. If you absolutely must do so to keep peace in the family, I'd suggest Collioure, which is cute though touristy and much closer than Toulouse and Marseille. But I think Girona is a lot more interesting, and it's less than an hour from Barcelona on the fast train. It just has the misfortune not to be in France.