A friend and I are arriving in Barcelona on 9/25. I rented an apartment for 6 nights. From there we spend a week at my friend's timeshare on the coast near Perpignan, France. I am thinking that 6 nights may be too long in Barcelona, so I am considering spending 3 or 4 nights there, and 2 or 3 nights somewhere else. We have never been to those areas. Any advice and recommendations for another location would be fantastic. We are getting a car for the France portion. I could pick it up a few days early if necessary if we go somewhere in France. Thanks!!
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
If you're headed to the dordogne, you can base in Sarlat and spend a few days touring the castles there. We did it by bike from Sarlat and it was great. Of the two, I recommend Provence if you have a car. Like adam said, take the train from Barcelona straigh to provence (arles, avignon are two good ones) and get a car there. Head to Pont du Gard, the Luberon, or any of the idyllic little hill towns of provence. This is a great way to spend 3 days. Aix en provence is also worth a visit.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10981 posts
From the Perpignan area we go to Paris. We will have a week in the Perpignan area, so it would be nice to go somewhere for a couple of days that would be too far as a day trip from Perpignan. We can take the train somewhere, or pick the car up early as long as it is in France.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
knowing that Paris is next, the Dordogne is on the way, so you could stop there enroute. With this in mind, I would go to Provence, either by car, or by train then pick up your car once you arrive.
Posted by
Atlanta
3281 posts
Hi Andrea, To add to Darren's idea, you could fly from Barcelona to Marseilles (Spanair), train the short distance to Avignon to pick up a rental car, travel around Provence and then make your way back toward Perpignan. Just a thought - it's fun to imagine possibilities!
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Given your proximity to Carcassonne while in Perpignan, I'm sure that you've considered it. If not, that would be a great place to visit. I would recommend those few nights else where in france (dordogne valley or provence). Yes, you'll be passing perpignan to do so, bu these are some cool places.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10981 posts
Thanks Darren. Yes, we were planning to do Carcassone as a day trip from the timeshare. I love the idea of Provence or the Dordogne. What would be the best location to consider that would not take us TOO far off track?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Also in that area are the Cathar ruins at Peyrepertuse and Querebus, in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Very much worth the detour enroute to Carcassonne, or a day trip of its own. For Carcasonne, if possible avoid the mid-day, crowds can be downright obnoxious. You might consider spending the night. You are technically within striking distance of the Dordogne and Lot valleys, but I think you have too little time for that to be a good plan. So stay south. Another idea: Stay on the train to Nimes or Arles and get a taste of Provence before driving back to Perpignan. (Or are you going to Provence next?)
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10981 posts
I know what you mean Sharon, it is hard to know what to do because of all the possibilities. The timeshare is from 10/1 - 10/8 and Paris is from 10/8 - 10/14. Those dates are firm. I think we can see quite a bit of Barcelona in 3 days. We arrive at 7:30 a.m. on 9/25. I will check into flights and trains. Thanks to all for your thoughts. Keep them coming!