How long would it take to drive directly from Barcelona to the French Riviera in mid-July, and can you recommend an interesting route for a first-time visitor? <BR>Would also appreciate hearing about any noteworthy sights or restaurants along the way, and how much additional time to allow for those stops. Thanks very much!!<BR>

I'd recommend three-five days if possible at all, even though you could probably do it in under ten hours. Check one of the following websites for driving times and mileage:<BR><BR>www.viamichelin.com<BR>www.mappy.c om<BR><BR>or<BR><BR>www.shellgeostar.com<BR><BR>So me places along the way I have enjoyed:<BR><BR>Monserrat, Seu d'Urgell and Andorra (the latter the least important)<BR><BR>Perpignan (whizzed through)<BR><BR>Sete<BR><BR>Aigues Mortes<BR><BR>Montpellier<BR><BR>Aix-en-Provence (not really on the way)<BR><BR>Montauroux and Tourettes<BR><BR>the Corniche de l'Esterel<BR><BR>Antibes<BR><BR>and I didn't mention Collioure (I haven't been there personally) but it gets raves consistently.<BR><BR>So, this could be a complete trip to Europe, if you let it.<BR><BR>It's up to you, your imagination and a good map.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Hello, Rex - thanks very much for your comments. You are one of the "regulars" I had hoped to hear from, and as usual you give info that's very helpful in planning/preparing for a trip. Sometimes the value is simply in seeing a new perspective, especially for a short trip of less than a week. So, in this particular case, maybe traveling by train will make more sense than driving. <BR><BR>Thank You for taking the time to respond!

You're welcome.<BR>

Rex was right on the money but he didn't mention Carcasonne. I guess I travel for "eating and drinking" because the Cassoulet was to die for and the castle is a Kodak moment!

Ladybug - how are you handling the car rental? My wife and I are planning a similar trip (Barcelona, driving through the riviera) in September. Thanks.

I didn't mention Caracassonne because I have never been there personally. But I wouldn't want to disagree. It is a little more off the straight path between Barcelona and Nice - - but then again, so is my initial loop (through Andorra).<BR><BR>The car question is very germane, as I think that most car rentals will impose a hefty drop charge for pickup in Spain and drop-off in France.<BR><BR>I solved this problem once by flying into Perpignan, renting there and taking that car in to Spain, for subsequent complaetion of the itinerary back in France.<BR>

upping<BR>

Hi<BR><BR>I live almost exactly half way.<BR>Reckon the direct trip to be 700kms.<BR>I've done both Barcelona and Cannes in three hours, but under ideal conditions (leave 05.00 in January, arrive for breakfast).<BR><BR>Avoiding weekends, it should be possible in 7 hours.<BR><BR>Rex has listed the places.<BR>My homepage has info on the Languedoc areas.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR>