giselitapr

Hello, fellow travelers. I'd like some advice on a trip my mother and I would like to plan for the fall (early/mid September). I am a 30 y/o woman, she's 61. We'd be leaving from Philadelphia to BCN and returning from Paris. My mom has expressed an interest in taking the train often. We're shooting for no more than 14 days.

Obviously, I am thinking at least three days should be spent in BCN and the same goes for Paris, so that leaves eight days for exploring other parts of Spain and Provence. I'm having a hard time mapping out the rest of our trip, so I'd like to hear from anyone who has done a trip like this on the highlights and must-sees, and how they got around.

About us: We're not as much interested in luxury as we are in exploring. We're both in good physical condition (but keep in mind, my mother is in her 60s) and we're both natively fluent in Spanish. We're likely going to try to stay in places we find on Airbnb as much as we can to save some cash.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

bilboburgler

Think about Carcassonne, Avignon, Nimes, Arles, Beaunnes, Auxerre, Chablis of these all but the last two are on the mainline (I think) and all but Chablis are easy to get to on the train.

I've done each of these on loads of visits but never a whole train through even so as towns and cities they each have a major reason to visit.

Gretchen

I don't ever think 3 days is enough in Paris so I'd add a couple there.
And for ease, I think the train is fine. So you also have lost a couple of days in transit. I think the idea of looking at the "mainline" is really good, and I'd choose Avignon for a center. Spend a couple of days there and then the TGV to Paris. Plan the days, and look for prem fares.
I honestly think you'll enjoy going fewer places and being there a bit longer.

giselitapr

I agree with going to fewer places. Bilboburgler, we've been to Paris on prior occasions so three days would be enough, we were going to leave it off entirely, but I adore it, so I couldn't stay away

Rastaguytoday

I took a version of what you want to do. I headed north from BCN, changed trains in Montpelier, and then spent the night in Carcasonne.

From there I went into the Loire Valley for a few days. Car rental is pretty much essential here.

Then I drove over to Mont-St.-Michel and St. Malo. And on to Paris. Dropped my car off at Orly and easy ride into town.

I agree to allocate more time to Paris. A lot more time if you can.