My family and I (4 adults) are coming into Barcelona on the 4th of June (after a cruise), and are wanting to spend a few days in Paris (have been there before) but we would like to see some of the sights on the way up north. We've been told the Loire Valley is a good place to visit, and we would like to make it up to Mont-St. Michel and the Normandy area, perhaps even over to Giverny on our way to Paris. How long will something like this take, and what sights/cities would you make a priority to see on the way up? I'd very much like to see some French Chateau's/Castle's, even stay in one on the way up. Any advice on the best way to go about this, and where would you stop along the way? We have talked about renting and driving from Barcelona all the way up, or trying to get a cheap flight directly into Paris, and then driving from there. Any ideas?
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Madison, Wisconsin, United States
11 posts
We did this trip - backwards - a few years ago, and I'd say first of all, enjoy Barcelona! Then go 2 hours north up the coast to adorable Collioure, which is French yet beachy. Then I'd recommend Carcassonne, which is a medieval wonderland. Stay within the walls - we were at the Best Western Le Donjon Les Remparts (family suites in the back garden were great). We also stopped in Cahors (excellent bridge that you'll see on wine bottles). It looks like you can head west into Loire-land around Vierzon. Maybe save Normandy for another time, though when people tell me that I don't like to hear that I can't do everything. But I always stay in a castle too! Use Karen Brown's recommendations for those. Erica
Madison, WI 3/15/13