My husband and I have three full days and three nights in early October to get from Paris to Perpignan France. We rented a car and are looking for suggestions as to what route we should take. We don't feel the need to take the most direct route as we would rather stop and enjoy some smaller towns and beautiful sites. We would love to get a little time in at the beach too if possible. We would appreciate any help!
Posted by
OP
Salem, Or, Usa
11 posts
One idea we have is to drive all the way to the Cahors area the first night and go see the Peche Merle cave paintings the next morning. Then drive south visiting Carcessone and stay the next night in Collioure. Then we would have a day to hang out on the beach stay another night in Collioure and back track to Perpignan the next morning. Any advice on if this is a good or bad idea and suggestions of places to stay or better towns to visit?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Your basic idea is pretty good. My only head-scratching would be about Cahors. Unless you're a wine nut, it doesn't offer much. You might want to consider stopping short at either Gourdon or Rocamadour. The latter is better-known, I've always like the former better since nobody goes there for some odd reason. (That's Gourdon, Lot, not Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes). Either one is only about five hours of road time out of Paris. Even in October, I think you'd still need reservations for Pech Merle. I made it in once then by just showing up, but I think I was lucky. If Pech Merle doesn't work out, of you give up on the beach, you might want to take a look at Albi.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
We spent 5 weeks east of Perpignan in a town called Pezenas. It's a lovely, medium sized, yet very walkable medieval town that is in the "village circulade" style, as so many villages in this region are. Cobbled streets, beautiful shops, surrounded by vineyards and wineries. Heaven! Not touristy but very tourist-friendly. Great weekly market. Moliere is celebrated here as he lived here for quite some time. One of our favorites near the main square was the tiny, closed-sized shop, with two identical twin brothers about 60 years old who just make crepes. Gorgeous, special place. The beach and the town of Agde, another unique place, are about 15 - 20 minutes. Beziers and it's cliff-top cathedral is a wonderful place to explore as well.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
We spent 5 weeks east of Perpignan in a town called Pezenas. It's a lovely, medium sized, yet very walkable medieval town that is in the "village circulade" style, as so many villages in this region are. Cobbled streets, beautiful shops, surrounded by vineyards and wineries. Heaven! Not touristy but very tourist-friendly. Great weekly market. Moliere is celebrated here as he lived here for quite some time. One of our favorites near the main square was the tiny, closed-sized shop, with two identical twin brothers about 60 years old who just make crepes. Gorgeous, special place. The beach and the town of Agde, another unique place, are about 15 - 20 minutes. Beziers and it's cliff-top cathedral is a wonderful place to explore as well.