Stop between Nimes and Barcelona, help please!
Dec 14th, 2015, 01:07 PM
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Stop between Nimes and Barcelona, help please!
Hi everyone,
I am planning a trip to France and Spain next year with my boyfriend. We will be starting in Paris, then Nimes, then Barcelona and finally Seville.
Could anyone please recommend a beautiful place to stop for 1 or 2 nights between Nimes and Barcelona? Somewhere that is accessible by public transport (as we will not have a car) and is ideally a town as opposed to a city.
To help: i really wanted to visit Menton (other side of the south of France) however it makes more sense to find somewhere between Nimes and Barcelona. As a couple, we are interested in history, architecture, food, wine and being in a relaxing atmosphere.
Thank you so so so much for your help in advance!
I am planning a trip to France and Spain next year with my boyfriend. We will be starting in Paris, then Nimes, then Barcelona and finally Seville.
Could anyone please recommend a beautiful place to stop for 1 or 2 nights between Nimes and Barcelona? Somewhere that is accessible by public transport (as we will not have a car) and is ideally a town as opposed to a city.
To help: i really wanted to visit Menton (other side of the south of France) however it makes more sense to find somewhere between Nimes and Barcelona. As a couple, we are interested in history, architecture, food, wine and being in a relaxing atmosphere.
Thank you so so so much for your help in advance!
Dec 14th, 2015, 01:16 PM
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How about Coulieres, a smallish seaside town just before the Spanish border? Perfect for a little R&R - one of a string of such seaside villages - on the old main rail line to Spain - easy to get to by train via Peerpignan, which is also a seaside city - much larger with one of the finest beaches in France.
https://www.google.com/search?q=coul...w=1745&bih=868
Depending on how much you are traveling by train in Spain and France you may want to look at the France-spain Railpass - especially if under 26 when you can get the bargain youthpasses - can chose which trains to hop once there though on high-speed trains you must first get a seat reservation for a few euros.
For loads of great info on French and Spanish trains check www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. If just doing a few train rides buy discounted tickets far in advance to guarantee as they are sold in limited numbers and cannot be changed nor refunded but can save a bundle - but if taking several check out the pass and compare to prices.
https://www.google.com/search?q=coul...w=1745&bih=868
Depending on how much you are traveling by train in Spain and France you may want to look at the France-spain Railpass - especially if under 26 when you can get the bargain youthpasses - can chose which trains to hop once there though on high-speed trains you must first get a seat reservation for a few euros.
For loads of great info on French and Spanish trains check www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. If just doing a few train rides buy discounted tickets far in advance to guarantee as they are sold in limited numbers and cannot be changed nor refunded but can save a bundle - but if taking several check out the pass and compare to prices.
Dec 14th, 2015, 02:07 PM
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Coulières is between Limoges and Clermont-Ferrand. Cerbère. Cerbère is close to the border but Collioure somewhat resembles what he has written.
In any case, be extremely careful with spelling French names - otherwise, you can get terribly lost.
The big metropolis in the area is spelled Perpignan - and has no beach at all. The whole stretch between Le-Grau-du-Roi and Argèles-sur-Mer is one long, sandy beach and there are many resort towns along this beach.
In any case, be extremely careful with spelling French names - otherwise, you can get terribly lost.
The big metropolis in the area is spelled Perpignan - and has no beach at all. The whole stretch between Le-Grau-du-Roi and Argèles-sur-Mer is one long, sandy beach and there are many resort towns along this beach.
Dec 14th, 2015, 02:09 PM
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reading your interests, beaches are not your main concern. Where do you find history, architecture, food, wine and being in a relaxing atmosphere?
One option, pretty close to Nîmes, would be Sète. Sète is a major fishing port, with a very picturesque harbour which is lined by a row of seafood restaurants. Sète has a lagoon which is a major place for oyster harvests. Close to Sète is Frontignan which is famous for her "sand wines" - wines which grow on sand and are light and fresh in character. The rosé is very famous but also the naturally sweet Muscat de Frontignon which can be consumed either as an apéritif or together with dessert. Sète would certainly meet your criteria, but it might be a bit far from Barcelona.
A bit further south, you find Agde. Agde is another historical town, dominated by a fortified church, with a lively market and also many seafood restaurants.
One option, pretty close to Nîmes, would be Sète. Sète is a major fishing port, with a very picturesque harbour which is lined by a row of seafood restaurants. Sète has a lagoon which is a major place for oyster harvests. Close to Sète is Frontignan which is famous for her "sand wines" - wines which grow on sand and are light and fresh in character. The rosé is very famous but also the naturally sweet Muscat de Frontignon which can be consumed either as an apéritif or together with dessert. Sète would certainly meet your criteria, but it might be a bit far from Barcelona.
A bit further south, you find Agde. Agde is another historical town, dominated by a fortified church, with a lively market and also many seafood restaurants.
Dec 14th, 2015, 02:10 PM
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- Just a bit further south, there is Béziers, a mid-sized provincial town which is the center of wine production of Languedoc. Béziers has a wine museum (including the 2,500-year-old wine which Jacques Cousteau found in a sunken Greek ship at the bottom of the sea).
- Collioure is a picturesque fishing village.
- Céret is a another picturesque little town in a valley in the Pyrenees. It is a spa town and has access into the mountains, especially Pic du Canigou which dominates the skyline in the whole region.
- On the Spanish side, my favourite town would be Cadaques. It is probably the most picturesque "White Town" in Spain. It still is a traditional fishing village but is also very strong in modern art because it is Salvador Dali's hometown (to be exact: a nearby fishing village called Port Lligat where you can visit his most eccentric villa). Also, Cadaques has access to Cap de Creus, a surreal section of coastline which is very scenic.
There are a few more destinations further south but they may be too close to Barcelona.
I have given you quite a few options - all places where I have been. If I were in your position my selection would be Cadaques if it had a proper rail connection. But I am afraid, it has not. But you can take the train to Figueres (2:32 from Nîmes) and from there a bus to Cadaques.
- Collioure is a picturesque fishing village.
- Céret is a another picturesque little town in a valley in the Pyrenees. It is a spa town and has access into the mountains, especially Pic du Canigou which dominates the skyline in the whole region.
- On the Spanish side, my favourite town would be Cadaques. It is probably the most picturesque "White Town" in Spain. It still is a traditional fishing village but is also very strong in modern art because it is Salvador Dali's hometown (to be exact: a nearby fishing village called Port Lligat where you can visit his most eccentric villa). Also, Cadaques has access to Cap de Creus, a surreal section of coastline which is very scenic.
There are a few more destinations further south but they may be too close to Barcelona.
I have given you quite a few options - all places where I have been. If I were in your position my selection would be Cadaques if it had a proper rail connection. But I am afraid, it has not. But you can take the train to Figueres (2:32 from Nîmes) and from there a bus to Cadaques.
Dec 14th, 2015, 02:26 PM
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Hi traveller1959,
Thanks for your advice!!! Out of the places you have mentioned, i had already taken a look at Béziers, Cadaques and Sète. I ruled out Sète, as it is quite close to Nimes so it wouldn't be a conveniently placed stop between Nimes and Barcelona.
I loved the look of both Cadaques and Béziers, my only hesitation with the latter being: i was reading another post on here, and someone mentioned that Béziers was extremely disappointing and you should only go when the bull fighting is taking place? I know this is a personal opinion of the person who posted, but is there enough to do in Béziers for a few days? I really am leaning towards either this town, i just want to make sure there is enough to keep us occupied
Céret looks like a beautiful, small french town as well!
To PalenQ:
Collioure does look beautiful as well, and it is in prime location on the border, but Beziers and Cadaques look more like our cup of tea Thanks for your input though, it is always so helpful!
Thanks for your advice!!! Out of the places you have mentioned, i had already taken a look at Béziers, Cadaques and Sète. I ruled out Sète, as it is quite close to Nimes so it wouldn't be a conveniently placed stop between Nimes and Barcelona.
I loved the look of both Cadaques and Béziers, my only hesitation with the latter being: i was reading another post on here, and someone mentioned that Béziers was extremely disappointing and you should only go when the bull fighting is taking place? I know this is a personal opinion of the person who posted, but is there enough to do in Béziers for a few days? I really am leaning towards either this town, i just want to make sure there is enough to keep us occupied
Céret looks like a beautiful, small french town as well!
To PalenQ:
Collioure does look beautiful as well, and it is in prime location on the border, but Beziers and Cadaques look more like our cup of tea
Thanks for your input though, it is always so helpful!
Dec 14th, 2015, 03:31 PM
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>>is there enough to do in Béziers for a few days?<<
To be honest, certainly not enough for a few days, but maybe enough for one day or one and a half. Béziers is a typical southern-french provincial town. You have those squares and alleys with shady sycamores, markets, shops, restaurants etc. So, if you are looking for a place to relax and soak up some authentic life without much tourism it might be a place for one night or two, but not more. (Of course, you can do trips to the beaches from there.) But Béziers has no spectacular buildings or attractions.
Cadaques is more spectacular. The setting in a cove with a picturesque fishing harbour alone is worth the trip. You have good restaurants, art galleries, the Dali house in nearby port Lligat and the bizarre scenery of Cap de Creus. We stayed at Hotel Rocamar which we found very agreeable.
(We arrived late at the Hotel and when we entered the dining room the waiter told us that the full menu was not available anymore. But he offered that the kitchen would prepare for us a plate with mixed starters, fresh fish as a main course and a dessert. We had no choice but to agree. With lowest expectations, we were surprised with a huge plate of all kinds of delicious starters including seafood, salads etc. The main course turned out to be a whole turbot for each of us, followed by crema catalana. And when we ordered a brandy to digest everything, the waiter distributed a whole bottle of Cardenal Mendoza over four glasses (we could not finish them but took them on our rooms to save them for the following days). When the final check came, we could not believe our eyes - it was so low! (But that's typical for Spain - o.k. if cost matters, the Spanish side of the border will be much more economical than the French side.)
To be honest, certainly not enough for a few days, but maybe enough for one day or one and a half. Béziers is a typical southern-french provincial town. You have those squares and alleys with shady sycamores, markets, shops, restaurants etc. So, if you are looking for a place to relax and soak up some authentic life without much tourism it might be a place for one night or two, but not more. (Of course, you can do trips to the beaches from there.) But Béziers has no spectacular buildings or attractions.
Cadaques is more spectacular. The setting in a cove with a picturesque fishing harbour alone is worth the trip. You have good restaurants, art galleries, the Dali house in nearby port Lligat and the bizarre scenery of Cap de Creus. We stayed at Hotel Rocamar which we found very agreeable.
(We arrived late at the Hotel and when we entered the dining room the waiter told us that the full menu was not available anymore. But he offered that the kitchen would prepare for us a plate with mixed starters, fresh fish as a main course and a dessert. We had no choice but to agree. With lowest expectations, we were surprised with a huge plate of all kinds of delicious starters including seafood, salads etc. The main course turned out to be a whole turbot for each of us, followed by crema catalana. And when we ordered a brandy to digest everything, the waiter distributed a whole bottle of Cardenal Mendoza over four glasses (we could not finish them but took them on our rooms to save them for the following days). When the final check came, we could not believe our eyes - it was so low! (But that's typical for Spain - o.k. if cost matters, the Spanish side of the border will be much more economical than the French side.)
Dec 15th, 2015, 08:54 AM
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I was going to suggest Narbonne, also, I enjoyed that city and it does have enough to do for a day or two. Of course Perpignan is right on the way on the train line and would be quite easy for that. it would be fine for one night.
Dec 15th, 2015, 11:03 AM
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I would consider Beziers (Pop 72K), Narbonne (52K), and Perpignan (118K) to be cities - not towns. If you want to consider cities - Toulouse would be my choice - by far. Toulouse (along with Dijon) are our favorite cities in France after Paris. It is a fast/easy TGV ride from Nimes to Toulouse and from Toulouse to Barcelona.
Ceret, IMO is a 2 hr visit - unless you are big museum fans. Also, there is no train station in Ceret - so it would be a tad difficult to get to.
Although we spent only a couple of hours in Cadaques - we preferred Collioure over Cadaques. Collioure is a fast 3 hr TGV ride from Nimes, and then a 2 3/4 hr train trip to Barcelona (1 train change). Cadaques does not have a train station - at least I could not find it on the German train site.
If this was my trip - I would consider transportation time in the decision.
We first visited Collioure in the 1980s, and planned to spend the night. We ended up staying for 2 nights. We visited it again (several times) in 2004 when we stayed near Ceret for 2 weeks.
We visited Narbonne and Perpignan this year. We also visited Perpignan in 2004.
Stu Dudley
Ceret, IMO is a 2 hr visit - unless you are big museum fans. Also, there is no train station in Ceret - so it would be a tad difficult to get to.
Although we spent only a couple of hours in Cadaques - we preferred Collioure over Cadaques. Collioure is a fast 3 hr TGV ride from Nimes, and then a 2 3/4 hr train trip to Barcelona (1 train change). Cadaques does not have a train station - at least I could not find it on the German train site.
If this was my trip - I would consider transportation time in the decision.
We first visited Collioure in the 1980s, and planned to spend the night. We ended up staying for 2 nights. We visited it again (several times) in 2004 when we stayed near Ceret for 2 weeks.
We visited Narbonne and Perpignan this year. We also visited Perpignan in 2004.
Stu Dudley
Dec 15th, 2015, 11:27 AM
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Hi everyone!
Thanks for all your helpful feedback
Ahh there are so many options now that i love! We have narrowed it down to Narbonne or Cadaques...and as we still have a long time to finalize the itinerary, i'm sure we will have arrived at a decision in the next few months
Merry Christmas everyone!
Thanks for all your helpful feedback
Ahh there are so many options now that i love! We have narrowed it down to Narbonne or Cadaques...and as we still have a long time to finalize the itinerary, i'm sure we will have arrived at a decision in the next few months
Merry Christmas everyone!
Dec 15th, 2015, 11:50 AM
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>>We have narrowed it down to Narbonne<<
So - you have changed your mind - cities are OK now??
>>or Cadanques<<<
How do you plan to get there from Nimes - and then to Barcelona??
>>and as we still have a long time to finalize the itinerary<<
Not if you are traveling in June, July, Aug, or before mid-Sept. Good accommodations may be hard to find in Cadaques if you wait too long.
Stu Dudley
So - you have changed your mind - cities are OK now??
>>or Cadanques<<<
How do you plan to get there from Nimes - and then to Barcelona??
>>and as we still have a long time to finalize the itinerary<<
Not if you are traveling in June, July, Aug, or before mid-Sept. Good accommodations may be hard to find in Cadaques if you wait too long.
Stu Dudley
Dec 15th, 2015, 02:58 PM
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Nimes to Figures by train
depart 9:04 arrive 13:26 - 1 train change
Figueres to Cadaques by bus
depart 13:45 arrive 15:00
If you miss the 19 min connection
Depart 18:45 arrive 20:30
6 hrs to 11 hrs 45 min traveling time
There may be more buses in the summer, and I don't have much experience with using the Spanish bus schedule site. I could not retrieve the bus schedules from Cadaques to Figueres. Site says that there are 3 buses daily - more in summer
Nimes to Collioure by train - no train changes
8:12 -> 11:06
10:12 -> 13:06
12:15 -> 15:06
14:12 -> 17:06
15:12 -> 18:06
16:12 -> 19:06
all less than 3 hrs
Collioure to Barcelona by train - 1 train change
9:52 -> 12:38
11:07 -> 15:09
12:52 -> 16:34
13:07 -> 17:09
15:07 -> 17:50
2 3/4 hrs to 4 hrs
If this was my (too short) vacation - I know where I would head.
Stu Dudley
depart 9:04 arrive 13:26 - 1 train change
Figueres to Cadaques by bus
depart 13:45 arrive 15:00
If you miss the 19 min connection
Depart 18:45 arrive 20:30
6 hrs to 11 hrs 45 min traveling time
There may be more buses in the summer, and I don't have much experience with using the Spanish bus schedule site. I could not retrieve the bus schedules from Cadaques to Figueres. Site says that there are 3 buses daily - more in summer
Nimes to Collioure by train - no train changes
8:12 -> 11:06
10:12 -> 13:06
12:15 -> 15:06
14:12 -> 17:06
15:12 -> 18:06
16:12 -> 19:06
all less than 3 hrs
Collioure to Barcelona by train - 1 train change
9:52 -> 12:38
11:07 -> 15:09
12:52 -> 16:34
13:07 -> 17:09
15:07 -> 17:50
2 3/4 hrs to 4 hrs
If this was my (too short) vacation - I know where I would head.
Stu Dudley
