Planning a week at a villa near Avignon in October, and looking for ideas to round out a 2 to 3 week holiday. Barcelona is a must, not at all interested in the crowds and consumer culture of the Riviera. We will rent a car for at least the Provence part. Interested in history, architecture. Can do an open-jaws - in to Barcelona, out of ? Ideas?? Thanks
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
We did something similar last summer. One week in Spain (spent 2-3 nights each in Madrid, Toledo, and Cordoba) and two weeks in Provence. We flew into Madrid and home from Paris. It was a great trip!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I'd think of a broad arc between Provence and Barcelona, with possible detours. At its most simple, a week in Provence plus 2 or 3 days in French Catalonia plus 4 days in Barcelona (or reverse that, starting in Barcelona.) If you have more time you can swing north in the western part of France, to Carcassonne, Albi, and even the Lot and Dordogne valleys. A good bit of driving for that, but worth it. (An alternative is to take the direct 2-week route and add Paris, or Lyon, or both. But I think the chance to see a bit of the SW, which your itinerary naturally allows, should not be missed.) Definitely fly open jaw. Your other "jaw" could be the airport in Marseilles or Lyon, or even (if you time things right) Charles deGaulle, as there are direct TGVs from Avignon hat bypass Paris.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10176 posts
Driving north up the Rhone Valley in October, you'll stumble across the grape harvest in Burgundy.(It may be a tad earlier this year due to the warm April, May weather.) Not a bad place to be, and then on to Paris to fly home.
Posted by
Dijon, Burgundy, France
120 posts
Another vote for Burgundy on the way back to Paris. October can be still nice and there is a lot to see.
Since you like history and architecture Dijon and Beaune are a must as well as many villages around. Gastronomy and good wines are not to be missed either!
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
From the Provence area, drive to the coast toward Marseille. Find Caux, near Penzas, a very small village near the coast. The Stone House Bed and Breakfast is one of the best I have found...not much 'touristy' that is on the map, but a fantastic area of the country. The village of Penzas is interesting as is the coast. From ther drive toward Barcelona. The Castle de Emporda, generally near the Pals area is fantastic if you want a great experience. Also, find Cape De Rojue - wonderful gardens on the coast. lots of interesting places to explore and the drive is wonderful.
Posted by
Decorah, Iowa, USA
345 posts
If I was going between Barcelona and Avignon, I would spend time near Perpignan, France, and west into the Pyrenees. I loved the Cathar area south of Carcassone. You may run into problems with snow in the really high elevations. It was such a beautiful area with the rugged castles from the Cathar era. That time period was so interesting to me due to several books I had read. What about also going to the Camargue for one or two days. I think most people only go for a day trip but I think it would be fun to at least over night there. I haven't had that opportunity. Do you already have your plans for Provence? Whatever you do, have fun!