Just returned from our trip and need to post a trip report to try to curb the post vacation depression. We had wonderful weather for the entire trip which only enhanced an already great experience. We stayed 5 nites in Barcelona, 3 in Arles and 3 in Paris.

Barcelona - stayed in Hotel H10 Gravina booked off internet (Travelocity?) for 130E a nite - not a bad deal but did not include breakfast. Staff and location excellent, room OK, nice big bathroom. Visited Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Bari Gotic etc. We also did a Fat Tire Bike Tour which was just OK, frankly I thought we were a menace to the pedestrians and then we didin't even ride past most of the Modernismo(?) buildings just for that reason. Nice way to see the port and beach area tho - next time we will just rent bikes for a few hours. We took a day tour to Girona and Figueras whcih turned out to be a good idea. Girona was major league charming, wonderful stone village to just wander thru. At Figueras we went straight in to the Dali museum as a group entry - individuals were waiting two hours plus outside. Wish we would have had two or three more days in Barcelona, there is alot to do there!

Barcelona food (I'm a foodie) - actually we were somewhat disappointed with some of our tapas lunches. Not as good or reliable as we've had in other parts of Spain. The sangria was always good. For dinner usually chose a "recommended" (from various sources) restaurant. We had a very good meal at Asador de Aranda - roasted lamb and suckling pig. Looked very tourist oriented when we arrived but food was good, variety of little extras (olives, after dinner liquors)that always make a meal pleasant. Reminded me alot of a similar meal in Madrid at one of the long time favorites (whose name escapes me!). Another nite was Agut (a Rick Steves rec) in the Bari Gotic. Finding it was a challenge but it was worth the hunt. Set Portes, evidently a long standing favorite in some circles, was a disapointment. Mediocre food and the most pricey of the places we ate.

Arles - went by train to Arles, originally we had planned to stop at Coulliere but ended up having to shorten our trip. As the train went along that coast I was so sad we were not stopping - it is a beautiful area, oh well, next time. Arles was very enjoyable too, stayed at Hotel Calendal - very large room and dramatic view - we could see the ampitheater from our window. All lit up at nite, it was quite the site but one nite there was a rehearsal of some sorts at 11:00pm! Now I do believe that this hotel has been given good reviews by other Fodorites (as well it should be) but Rick Steves also likes it. In fact, there he was! staying at the hotel and filming a series for net fall on Provence. He very graciously signed my Thru the Back Door France book, so he seems like a regular guy and I think he's dressing better (wine colored shirt and khakis). Between this board and his books I'm able to plan great trips, its wonderful to have such good input! We also did a day trip to Avingnon but the Papal Palace there was pretty bare and fortress like. Audio guide helped give it a bit more interest.

Paris - as always great, plus the sun shone the entire three days!! Stayed in Rue Cler area, at the Muguet, and ate in restuarants mentioned frequently on this board. One has become my new favorite - wish I'd gone there three trips ago. It was already packed tho so I don't want to give it any more good press or next ime I may not be able to get a place! Such a value and tastey lamb and escargot! Sightseeing (notice food came first in Paris!) was the Marmottan and Giverny - excellent combo. Actually did another Fat Tire Bike Tour to Giverny and liked this one better. Nice picnic to start with, then an easy bike to the garden and again - group entry when the individual line was very long. Giverny was amazing but I think the toursits outnumbered the iris by at least two to one. We went on a Saturday, maybe weekdays are not so crowded but I wouldn't bet on it.

Summary - great trip, will be glad to answer any questions, you can email me at [email protected]. In spite of the weak dollar and tense political times, there were lots of fellow travelers all along the journey tho really not so many from the U.S. Met quite a few Canadians (or so they said). Almost all interactions from the locals were gracious and helpful - a few made faces about Bush but so it goes. Well enough of this for now, on to step two of overcoming my post vacation depression - researching my NEXT trip!

Welcome back, and glad you enjoyed your trip! How did you like the Muguet? I've heard so much about it, I thought I might try to stay there my next trip to Paris.

Thanks for the interesting report. We'll be in BCN in October for 5 nights & also want to do a day trip.
How did you do your trip to Girona & Figueras, was it on your own or did you go with a group tour? We'd like to find a day group tour to go on there & save some energy if possible.

RE: Muguet - I had stayed there before with my daughter but this time I was with my husband. I like the hotel - the price and location excellent, hotel is clean and staff usually pleasant. We ended up with a double bed, the room and bathroom are not large, pretty much no extra space. I was OK with it but DH was not happy. The previous hotel in Arles (le Calendal) had space galore so he kept mumbling about how much nicer it was. But hotels in Paris are different! and for the price, I think it's a great place to stay. I'll return but make an effort to get either a queen or two twin beds.

RE: BCN day trip to Girona and Figueras - we found a brouchure at our hotel for this day trip with Catalunya Tours (or something like that). I had seen a trip on the internet by Julia tours for I think $105 dollars pp but the one we booked there was more reasonable maybe 55E's per person. True, it would have been cheaper to go on our own by the train but I was glad we did the tour, saved me some travel planning energy for later in the trip. The tour was fairly lenghty with about four hours in Girona and 3 1/2 in Figueras. Girona is a lovely town for just wandering around and poking into various shops and churches - a welcome break from hectic BCN. There is even a section of the old city wall you can walk around the top of.

Re. day trip. Yes, I think Julia Tours is too expensive for us also,we are an
'older couple and this would be so much easier to do.
If you should happend to come across any other information from your trip with 'Catalunya Tours', i.e. correct name ,phone number etc., I'd be so grateful to get the information.
Thanks so much.