Need help deciding on a travel itinerary Barcelona June 2-7 before flying to Paris

How many days do you have in Barcelona? I spent 6 nights there before a tour that spent 3 nights there. I did spend one night in Girona but should have stayed 2 and explored more. I did day tours to Montserrat and cava country and another to Sitges and a town with Roman ruins whose name escapes me. I did not see all the Gaudi sites, just too much to see.

On the other hand, I can always spend more time in Paris!

How many days do you have in Barcelona? I spent 6 nights there before a tour that spent 3 nights there. I did spend one night in Girona but should have stayed 2 and explored more. I did day tours to Montserrat and cava country and another to Sitges and a town with Roman ruins whose name escapes me. I did not see all the Gaudi sites, just too much to see.

On the other hand, I can always spend more time in Paris!

Thanks June for your reply. We arrive Barcelona on May 17 at 5 PM and stay 3 nights, then also coming back from Marrakesh on June 1st at 1PM and spending the night in Barcelona before my daughter's international flight to US on June 2nd.

I could think of nothing better than spending all 5 nights soaking up late spring in Provence.

June
2. Train to Arles
3. Day to Avignon
4. Day to Nimes & Pont du Gard
5. Day by bus to Les Baux + St-Rémy
6. Arles on market day
7. Train to Paris

Trains...
RSC 9704
Dep 13:20 BARCELONA SANTS (Spain)
Arr 16:17 MONTPELLIER SAINT-ROCH (France)
TER76542
Dep 16:34 MONTPELLIER SAINT-ROCH (France)
Arr 17:28 ARLES (France)

TER76554
Dep 12:11 ARLES (France)
Arr 12:39 NIMES (France)
TGV 6036
Dep 12:54 NIMES (France)
Arr 15:53 PARIS GARE DE LYON (France)

I think you have nowhere near enough time in Barcelona (before using some of your final 10 days, I mean).

Thank you David and acraven, I appreciate your comments. I'm a big fan of both of you as your replies to everyone are so precise and sensible. I hope you know that you are helping out a lot of people!

David: I'm going to check out your itinerary to Provence, as I love train rides in France and it puts me right in Paris at the end.
Thanks for providing the train times as well.

acraven: So you mean I can just keep busy in Barcelona for 5-6 more days because there is so much more to see, right? My Spanish is a bit rusty and slow and not having been in Spain before this trip, I'm not sure how much of a challenge it'll be
hanging out alone in Barcelona. Also there's a music festival with some well known bands on that weekend and I'm a bit afraid the town may get crazily busy for my taste! I guess I can take those day trips out of town.

Thanks again and please don't hesitate to keep the comments coming. :)

Cool. I love trains too, but please don’t hold me responsible should strikes in France disrupt your plans.

If I were going from Barcelona to Paris, I'd seriously consider the train before looking for flights. Your problem right now is that the transportation strikes have just begun and no one can predict what the situation will be a couple months from now. Take into account that either or both rail and air transport may be disrupted.

But back to Barcelona . . . a week can fly by there. . . . day trip to Figueres to the Dali House & Museum, a day in Giron, a day in Tarragona, a trip out to Montserrat, lots of walking tours in the city, Moderisme sights (Gaudi and others), churches, city hall (open Sunday mornings), art museums, other museums, musical performances.

Barcelona is just about always very busy, but I imagine the music festival could ramp things up a notch. Under normal conditions, the tourists are mostly concentrated in the stretch between Casa Batllo and the waterfront, with little pockets in the immediate vicinities of Casa Mila, La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. You can wander freely through most of the Eixample and areas like Gracia and see few people of any origin on the sidewalks.

There is, indeed, tons to do in Barcelona. If you think you'll have too much big-city time, you could plan to spend 3 nights or so in Girona. It's a popular day-trip and a destination in its own right, but it has a completely different feel from Barcelona. And it's a convenient base for a number of good side-trips.

The primary local languages are Catalan and Spanish, but I don't think you'll have any problem finding someone to help you if you have questions. Catalunya is a very prosperous, highly educated part of Spain.

Thanks Chani, so when you say "the transportation strikes have just begun" it makes it seem like it's going to continue for a while which is scary! I can only imagine the chaos with all the train travelers in France. The only good thing is that I still have time and am flexible during that period but soon have to finalize my plans. Do you know historically how long these strikes last?

Thanks David and acraven. I'll do the Barcelona and surrounding area research now, before I make my final decision. I felt like the Provence idea was a really easy relaxing few days. I got my France Michelin map out and got really excited, but it seems train strike may complicate it. I haven't heard that there's any Renfe/spain train strikes.

Hard to know what to plan re the possibility of strikes. For me I guess I would go ahead hoping for no disruptions, but also have a detailed back up, just in case.

Thanks David.
Any recommendations for an air bnb or a hotel in Arles if I'll be staying 5 nights?
Also, I think you suggested staying in Arles and not Avignon because it's closer to some of the day trips or any other particular reasons such as being smaller/cuter place etc?
Thanks in advance.

The new French President Macron wants to make some major reforms in the railway system as part of sweeping changes in public sector jobs. The strikes are a political protest against his proposals. They are currently planning strikes/walk-outs/slow-downs on 2 of every 5 days. Nothing like Macron's proposals have been tried for over 20 years, so no one knows how long the strikes will continue or how Macron's plans will progress. From what I understand, other transportation unions are joining the strikes in solidarity . . . for now anyway.

You don't have to fly from Barcelona to Paris do you?

You could spend 3 days in Barcelona, take a train to Valencia (a fabulous city!) stay for 2 days, take the train to Madrid and stay in Madrid for 3 days then fly from Madrid. Great train trips! Or, if you like Spain (it's my favorite!) from Madrid you can do a day trip to Toledo.

Thank you for your response Sally. Great Ideas however I already will be doing 3 night in Barcelona, 4 nights Madrid/Toledo with my daughter after prior to these additional few more days at the return journey.

Thanks Chani for explaining the reason behind the train strikes, it's good to know.

Special thanks to you David as it seemed your words of "soaking up late spring in Provence" really sounded good to me, especially after being burnt out designing the 16 day trip for myself and a busy daughter who is graduating and not here nor had any time to help! So I chose your exact itinerary! :)

I'm a little worried now if I'll find enough to do especially without a car! Are there any other specific little town/places I should include? The last day at the market then any other outing or just stay in town? Are the nights pretty quiet in these towns? Is there a movie theater or evening music anywhere say on Saturday night? Is there any recommendations for any fabulous restaurant/cafe for breakfasts or dinners or other particular spots not to be missed? What about Luberon, Chatueneuf, chateau de Beaucastel etc? Will I miss too much without a car or enough to see? I'm not used to small towns and feel I should somewhat prepare.

Thanks again for helping me make my decision.

I concur with those that side with staying in Barcelona for all six days. You will not be bored and in fact you'll run out of time to do all the things you would want to do!

In the city you could spend two days checking out the works of Gaudi, as Sagrada familia, Parc Guell, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila are all unmissable, plus Casa Vicens just opened to the public. And then there is still the medieval old town, some Roman ruins, the many hipster districts, the beaches, Montjuic mountain and just trying all the amazing food and tapas. Btw food tours are super popular tourist activity right now, and there are some really good ones.

The city is also perfect for exploring by bike (as its mostly flat, usually dry and lots of bike paths), and there are loads of cool bike tours. I always try to hire a bike or take a tour when I visit a foreign city as you cover more ground this way.

Meanwhile there are at least three sensational day trips... Montserrat, Figueres (Dali museum), and Cadaques. Although I also love Girona and Sitges and if you like wine you should try a wine tour of the Penedes.

I know that Americans feel incredible time pressure to squeeze in as many destinations as possible when they come to Europe... understandably given they may have limited time and opportunities to return, but I always feel it's better to get to know a smaller number of places better than rush around everywhere, but not give yourself a chance to get to know any place so well. That's not a criticism of anyone, just a feeling! Slow travel is definitely more fun, less rushed and more enjoyable in my experience.

I'm in the beginning stages of planning our trip to Spain and I wanted to thank everyone who posted terrific information in response to the question. Looking at other's posts is very helpful in planning and avoids me from asking questions that have already been answered. Thanks again.

ARLES
The Place du Forum, shaded by plane trees, stands around the old Roman forum. The Terrasse du Café le Soir, immortalized by Van Gogh, is now the square’s Café Van Gogh. Visitors keen to follow in the footsteps of the great artist may pick up a Van Gogh walking map (1€, in English), which takes in 10 important sites around the city, from the tourist office. (Alternatively, you can download it for free from the tourist board’s website—however this version is only available in French.) On a corner of place du Forum sits the legendary Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus (www.nord-pinus.com): Bullfighters, artists, and A-listers have all stayed here. Three blocks south, the Place de la République is dominated by a 15m-tall (49-ft.) red granite obelisk.
One of the city’s great classical monuments is the Roman Théâtre Antique, rue du Cloître ( tel. 04-90-49-59-05). Augustus began the theater in the 1st century; only two Corinthian columns remain. The “Venus of Arles” (now in the Louvre in Paris) was discovered here in 1651. The theater is open May through September daily 9am to 7pm; March, April, and October daily 9am to 6pm; and November through February daily 10am to 5pm. Admission is 6.50€ adults, 5€ students, and free children 17 and under. The same ticket admits you to the nearby Amphitheater (Les Arènes), rond-pont des Arènes ( tel. 04-90-49-59-05; same opening hours), also built in the 1st century. Sometimes called Le Cirque Romain, it seats almost 25,000. For a good view, climb the three towers that remain from medieval times, when the amphitheater was turned into a fortress.

AVIGNON
Avignon is one of the prettiest towns in France. It's main attraction is the Palais des Papes, the 14th-century headquarters of cardinals who very nearly destroyed papal authority in Rome, but the city has many other wonderful attractions to explore. From its impressively imposing skyline to the verdant Île de la Barthelasse opposite, it’s a delight to simply amble along aimlessly, perhaps stopping at a sidewalk cafe or two en route. Countless hidden gems crop up along the way, including 50 or so trompe-l'œil frescoes that decorate many of Avignon’s city center facades. Painted by artists Dominique Durand and Marion Pochy, each one depicts a highlight from past editions of the Avignon Festival. Be sure to keep an eye out for the sun-dappled courtyard of the Hôtel d’Europe (www.heurope.com), too. This luxury hotel has been in operation since 1799, welcoming luminaries from Charles Dickens to Jacqueline Kennedy. It’s also home to the recently renovated gourmet restaurant, Vieille Fontaine, which boasts a single Michelin star.
Poking westward from the grassy banks of the Rhône River, Pont St-Bénézet (www.avignon-pont.com; (tel) 04-32-74-32-74) was constructed between 1177 and 1185. Once spanning the Rhône and connecting Avignon with Villeneuve-lèz-Avignon, it is now a ruin, with only four of its original 22 arches remaining (half of it fell into the river back in 1669). The remains of the bridge have the same opening hours as those of the Palais des Papes. Admission is 4.50€ adults, 3.50€ seniors and students, and free children 7 and under.

NIMES
Get ready to be swept back in time to Imperial Rome. Two thousand years ago, Nîmes was an important stop on Roman trading road Via Domitia—and it shows. The Pont du Gard aqueduct underscored the city’s prestige, providing it with fresh water from the Eure springs. Today Nîmes is still an attractive urban center, dotted with parks and ancient Roman architecture. It is particularly vibrant in late spring and summer, when the Arènes (Roman amphitheater) hosts a crowded calendar of festivals and concerts.
The Office de Tourisme in Nîmes is at 6 rue Auguste (www.ot-nimes.fr; tel. 04-66-58-38-00).
Nîmes’ star attraction is Les Arènes, boulevard des Arènes (www.arenes-nimes.com; tel. 04-66-21-82-56), an immaculately conserved Roman amphitheater constructed during the first century AD. A perfect oval, the complex is composed of two rings of 60 arches, measuring 21 towering meters (69 feet). A detailed audio guide (included in admission fee) recounts the battles between man and beast (panthers, rhinos, bears) that took place here in ancient times.
After a tour around the amphitheater, pop into the Quartier des Gladiateurs. This mock-up of a gladiator’s changing room is now a mini-museum showcasing armor and ancient battle gear. Next door, the Couleurs des Corridas room is dedicated to corridas, with matador costumes, vintage posters, and films of popular bullfights held in the Arènes.
Throughout the summertime, big-name international bands play concerts in the Arènes. In late spring the annual Roman Games and Feria de Nîmes’ corridas draw crowds; and in the fall, the Harvest Feria is held here.
The Arènes is open daily July and August 9am to 8pm; June 9am to 7pm; April, May, and September 9am to 6:30pm; March and October 9am to 6pm; and November to February 9:30am to 5pm. Admission (including audioguide) is 9€ for adults, 7€ for children aged 7 to 17, and free for children 6 and under.
A short stroll away sits Nîmes’s Maison Carrée, place de la Maison Carrée (www.arenes-nimes.com; tel. 04-66-21-82-56), a 1st-century a.d. temple and the only one of its kind in the world to be preserved in its entirety. As of 2014, the new film, “Nemausus, the birth of Nîmes” is screened indoors every 30 minutes, portraying the Roman founding of the city.
The Maison Carrée is open daily July and August 9am to 8pm (Thursdays until 9pm); June 10am to 7pm; April, May, and September 10am to 6:30pm; March and October 10am to 6pm (closed from 1pm to 2pm in October); and November to February 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm. Admission (including 3-D film) is 5.50€ for adults, 4.50€ for children aged 7 to 17, and free for children 6 and under.
If you're planning to visit both the Arènes and the Maison Carrée, it’s worth purchasing a Nîmes Romaine Pass. This combination ticket (11.50€ for adults, 9€ for children aged 7 to 17, and free for children 6 and under) allows entrance to both sights, as well as the Tour Magne, a 3rd-century b.c. tower that is part of the city’s original fortifications.

LES BAUX
Les Baux’s windswept ruins, Château des Baux (www.chateau-baux-provence.com; tel. 04-90-54-55-56), cover an area of 7 hectares (17 acres), much larger than the petite hilltop village itself. Consider visiting them early in the morning before the sun gets too strong.
The medieval compound is accessed via the 15th-century Hôtel de la Tour du Brau. Beyond this building are replicas of wooden military equipment that would have been used in the 13th century. Built to scale—that is to say, enormous—are a battering ram and various catapults capable of firing huge boulders. From April to August, these are fired every day at 11am and 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm, with an extra show during July and August at 6:30pm. Medieval jousting demonstrations (noon, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm) are held in summer.
Other stopping points include the Chapel of St-Blaise (inside which a film of aerial views of Provence is shown), a windmill, the skeleton of a hospital built in the 16th century, and a cemetery. The Tour Sarrazin, so named because it was used to spot Saracen invaders coming from the south, yields a sweeping view. Alongside each of the major points of interest, illustrated panels show what the buildings would have originally looked like and explain how the site has evolved architecturally.
Admission to the Château (including audio guide) is 8€ adults, 6€ children 7 to 17 from September to March. The rest of the year, it costs 10€ adults, 8€ children 7 to 17 (daily April–June and Sept 9am–7:15pm; July–Aug 9am–8:15pm; March and Oct 9:30am–6:30pm; Nov–Feb 10am–5pm).

ST RÉMY
St-Rémy’s pale stone Old Town is utterly charming. Scattered among its pedestrianized streets are 18th-century private mansions, art galleries, medieval church towers, bubbling fountains, and Nostradamus’s birth home. Though the physician and astrologer Nostradamus was born here in 1503, most associate St-Rémy with Vincent van Gogh, who committed himself to a local asylum in 1889 after cutting off part of his left ear. “Starry Night” was painted during this period, as were many versions of “Olive Trees” and “Cypresses.”
Come to sleepy St-Rémy not only for its history and sights, but also for an authentic experience of daily Provençal life. The town springs into action on Wednesday mornings, when stalls bursting with the region’s bounty, from wild-boar sausages to olives, and elegant antiques to bolts of French country fabric, huddle between the sidewalk cafes beneath the plane trees.

(Credit to Frommer’s for the above).

Wow David, Thank you so much. Are you sure you can't come as a tour guide?!

I was doing my research this week on these places (plus my tax return!) and I just checked back and am happily surprised with all these new info. I'm saving them to review. I am staying at the forum square I think! Yay! :)

Do you think it'll be quite warm on that first week of June and places have to be air conditioned for sleeping comfortably at night or not so hot yet?
Also, do you know if there is a Wednesday market in Avignon as well and is it just as good as Arles, in case my days get switched a bit?

Thanks again.
mj

Weather patterns seem all over the shop at the moment, but normally early June should be quite agreeable.

Good listing of market days here.
http://theprovencepost.blogspot.com.au/p/local-markets.html?m=1