ToryTraveling

We're planning several weeks in June as a family (2 parents, 2 teenagers), starting in Brittany, where our daughter is spending the year studying, and ending up in Barcelona. We've spent lots of time in Paris in the past and seen the Loire and parts of Provence as well, so this is our chance to explore the less-trampled parts of the country. We've never been to Spain but know that a week is insufficient so plan to focus around Barcelona. We love immersing ourselves in a place and will be seeking some week-long home exchanges, if we can make a match to reasonable locations as bases for exploration. We love to travel by train but will rent a car as needed. If you could design the trip, what three locations would you choose as home ports and where would you be sure to travel?

ozgirl

Hi ToryTraveling, we have travelled a reasonable amount in France but next year plan a week in Provence (we love it and have a conference in Marseille first) and then 3 weeks in Spain, starting in Barcelona probably.

We loved Brittany (stayed a week in Dinan, lovely cottage) and also highly recommend the Dordogne region (stayed in Le Bugue) which would be 'on your way' to Barcelona.

Last year we spent a week in a cottage in the French pyrenees (mainly to see Le Tour) and also loved this area - did a day trip to San Sebastian from there which is the total of my Spanish experience thus far!
Finally, have a look at the Languedoc region, quite a bit less touristy and also maybe possible to build in en route to Spain? We stayed in a beautiful property not far from Millau.

I don't profess to be an expert (I'm sure some of them will chime in!) but if I can answer any questions or you are interested in our accom please ask! (We had a car the whole time.)

Have a great time, I am seeking similar advice on Spain!

jamikins

If it were me I would choose a week on the seaside (maybe around La Rochelle - never been there but just looking at something midway.

Then I would move onto a week in Dordogne, basing myself in and around Sarlat.

Then I would do a week in the Pyrenees and then move onto Barcelona.

Sounds like a lovely trip!

mpprh

Do some research on A75, Languedoc and Costa Brava as your route South to Barcelona.

Peter

ToryTraveling

Thanks for all these suggestions. Dordogne was not on my list so that is a region I will definitely investigate, and appreciate the specific recommendation of Sariat and Millau as possible bases. Languedoc is definitely on the list! We were also hoping to do one week in the Pyranees, but not sure yet what to trade off. Sometimes doesn't it seem that the more you try to focus your travel the more you discover more must-sees?! Four weeks just doesn't seem enough!

StCirq

I would do exactly as jamikins recommended. La Rochelle area is one of my favorites in France, and it's nice to have a waterside venue for a week or so out of a month's trip.