am in the beginning stages of planning a trip (almost as much fun as going). we spent a few days in barcelona last year and loved it and would like to go back. this year we would like to explore the pays vasco and the french pyrennes. considering driving from barcelona and then taking the train to paris at the end of our trip flying home from there (also love paris). we have 3 weeks, is this too much to do. we like to drive, like to stay at least 2 nights in one area. what is the train trip like from northern spain to paris? so many questions. am getting very excited about this trip so am anticipating any response and am grateful for same.

Three weeks is fine. Count on two days to go from Barcelona to Basque country unless you decide that doing the trip via superhighway exclusively is the way you want to do it. It might even take three days if you decide to explore some of the sights between Barcelona and Basque country. San Juan de la Peña is worth a stop, as is Taüll. However, if you rent a car in Spain, you might want to return it in Spain to avoid cross-border fees.

Oh yeah... you should be fine. Two years ago, my sister and I took a roadtrip from Figueres (north of Barcelona) down to Barcelona, over to Pamplona, up to San Sebastian and over to Bilbao for our flight up to London. I think we had maybe 8-9 days and we only really felt short-changed in the last two cities.

Having taken the train from Rome to Paris, I'd imagine the trip from northern Spain to Paris would be really lovely. My sister and I got a sleeper car between Italy & France and would do it again in a heartbeat, despite the cost.

One thing: if you're near Bilbao, consider checking out the Painted Forest (http://www.pbase.com/txirloro/elbosque). My sister and I went to the "Bosque Pintado" and just loved it... it was the one part of our trip that felt truly magical & original.

Have a great time & take the major highways - you have to pay a toll, but they're SO fast and still pretty!

One thing: when you're up near Bilbao,

p.s. You can pay the tolls on the superhighways with most major debit/credit cards and they're a total breeze to navigate, except around Barcelona, which is tricky. Drive into Barcelona during the day with a good map, if you must drive in at all.

Dear cindyjo:

We did a trip to Northern Spain last June:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34828166

This report is very long & boring, but it may give you some ideas.

We did not make it over to France. That will have to be another trip. You could take the overnight train to Paris, but also check air fares out of, say, Bilbao:

http://www.vueling.com/EN/index.php

The night train is OK: I don't sleep well on them, but my husband does fine.

Good luck on your planning. 3 week sounds great.

MY

From basque country to Paris there is one "TrenHotel" that leaves Vitoria at 11:39 p.m. and arrives Paris at 08:27 a.m.
Don't miss San Sebastian and the seaside towns. Check out the Maribel's Guides:
www.maribelsguides.com
www.sansebastianturismo.com
www.todopintxos.com

My husband and I spent 12 days in Spain last fall. We drove from Barcelona to San Sebastian, stopping to spend a few days in the Costa Brava region (gorgeous, so much to see and explore!), two nights in Ainsa, in the Pyrenees (Ordesa National Park is magnificent), and then a few nights in SS before driving the highway back to Barcelona (took about 5 hours, I think). We didn't have time for France, but if you have questions about the places we went, please let me know. The driving was pretty easy, except for right around Barcelona. Also, we hit some major fog in the Pyrenees, and that was kind of scary! But overall, the roads are in terrific shape, and the roundabouts make driving a breeze.

Don't forget to read Maribel's Guides (http://maribelsguides.com). You'll find them useful in planning your trip, especially through the Basque country.

Rent a car for the best views. Stop when you want to, etc....

Drove from San Sebastian to Barcelona via the 'northern' route. Stayed the night in Jaca and then when up to the National Park. It's stunning up there. Got within 8 km of France.

thanks to all for your replies. i guess i will start with maribel's guides and then pick up the trail from places you all have named. this really sounds like the makings of a great trip!