France or Spain

Flip a coin. There is no answer. France and Spain are very different so in some ways it a choice between an apple and a pear. Both great. Pick one.

wow. I'm thinking you'll get all kinds of answers. but, since I absolutely love Spain, I would go to Spain. However....lots to see in France too :)

maybe you could do a little of both? maybe only go to Paris and then perhaps spend some time in Barcelona and then Madrid? so many options....

An almost impossible question to answer - are you drawn to one more than the other? I live in Spain, but love the areas of France I have visited. Paris is a city unlike any I have visited in Spain (or anywhere else) for example. Spain has an earthiness about it I don´t find as much in France, if that makes sense.

What are your interests? Art, history, museums, wine etc. How much travelling do you want to do after your cruise? Both are very large countries by European standards so bear that in mind.

Personally I find the Spanish a little friendlier in general than the French.

A tough decision to have!

A difficult question to answer. I have traveled some in France and in Spain as well. Barcelona offers so much - Picasso, Gaudi, Las Ramblas, the bario gothic and more. From Barcelona you could take a day trip to the Salvador Dali home (very interesting on the coast)the Cape De Rouge (lovely seaside gardens), Castle de Emporda (first class operation) Pals, and more. Drive on to Madrid, Toledo, Salmanaca, Zamora (just returned from there-magnificent). Or in France to Caux (small wine village, excellent and very small) Pezenas (Molier) Montpelier, all on the coast, or to Vasion La Romain, Beaune, Dijon, and more in the central region. Either way you will have a great time...Also, check out www.vaughantown.com for a unique Spanish Experience -a great way to see the country and meet real people!

Hi Marla,

If it were me, I'd spend time in France--at least 5-6 nights in Paris and then 3 nights in two other cities or regions that interest you--for example, Colmar to explore Alsace and Avignon or Arles to explore Provence.

You can check out discount airlines on www.whichbudget.com to determine if flying to Paris for example is a good option.

It sounds like a great trip!

I don't know, that's a toughie. Since your cruise ends in Barcelona, though, I'd suggest staying in Spain and visiting a few cities there. You could easily spend a few nights in Barcelona, then hop over to Madrid. From there, you have your pick of smaller cities to visit, either for day trips or for overnighters,including Toledo. I always recommend Zaragoza as a mid-way stop between Barcelona and Madrid.

Thanks so much to all of you for your input. It makes me realize that we have a lot of homework to do before we make a decision. Many of the small towns and regions mentioned are unknown to us, so it is obvious that we need to spend some time in Rick's books to better acquaint ourselves with the 2 countries. Other European countries we have visited have been more familiar to us, so it is going to be fun to tackle something new. Thanks!

Put it this way....is it easier for you to get from your home to France, or to Spain? I would bet airline connections from California are better to France, so you can always plan a trip there in the future. With that in mind, spend your time in Spain...other posters have given great suggestions for experiences there.....since it might not be as easy to get back there again.

Thanks, Norm, that is something to think about for sure. I'll pass it by my husband.

The Eyewitness guides, I find, are helpful in narrowing down destinations and locations, because they have a lot of photographs. The National Graphic guides lot many pictures, too.

Think about what you enjoy on trips, and whether Spain or France has more of the things you like.