Hi, we are planning a trip from Barcelona to Marseille in August. I am traveling with my husband and 3 kids ages 11,7, and 6. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what to see and where to stay along the way? We will be renting a car once we cross over the boarder into France. We are hoping to visit some beautiful, sandy and unpopulated beaches and also take in some culture! Thanks!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Every family is different, and you could get to Marseilles in one day if you wanted to. And my answer might also depend on what you will be doing once you get to Marseilles, since you should certainly spend some time in Provence. From Barcelona to about Montpelier, or at least Perpignan, is Spanish and French Catalonia. Savor the small differences because these two regions are similar. The beaches on the French side are, I would say, more awesome because they are in France than because they are awesome. Perhaps the Spanish beaches are better. That said, the pretty coastal town of Couliore makes a nice stop. There is a beach, boat rides, and an old fort to knock about in. The Haute Corbiers, ancient forts in the Pyreneean foothills, are memorable but not for the height-phobic. They are enroute to Carcassonne, which you and your kids might like. Or not: it can be very crowded especially during the day when the tour buses arrive. Like many popular destinations it is encrusted with the tackiest tourist traps (plastic swords, museums of torture). At night & early morning it is magical, so one dodge is to arrive late afternoon and leave the following mid-morning. Provence is full of amazing Roman ruins. I've never done it, bu the B-list activities include a boat ride up the Petite Rhone, part of the Rhone delta, from Sts. Maries de la Mere.
Posted by
OP
Chippewa Falls
10 posts
I checked into Coulire and it looks beautiful, so tiny I hadn't previously read about it in any travel books. Thanks for your advice!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10600 posts
Collioure is really nice, but if you're looking for nice sandy beaches you won't find them there. The beach is pebbly. There are sandy beaches a little further north, such as in Canet en Roussillon. I spent a week there and frankly, besides the beach, there is no other reason to go there. Thankfully we had a car and did a lot of day trips. The kids would probably like Carcassone. Since you're traveling with kids you might want to know that it is not unusual for women to sunbathe topless at the beaches. I only mention it in case it would be a problem for you. A little beach town in the Camargue is Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. I was only there for a part of one day, but liked the area much better than the Canet en Rousillon area. It's past Marseilles, but I really liked Cassis.