Driving help from Paris to Barcelona?
 

In two weeks, my husband and I are driving from Paris to Barcelona (Sitges), with an overnight in Narbonne, France.
Has anyone else taken this route before that could share some advice or tips for things to see and/or places to eat along the way?

If you're driving straight to Narbonne in one day, you can forget about eating or seeing things along the way. Better pack sandwiches.

EEEK! I guess we're off on the wrong foot! I can change my hotel reservation... can you suggest a better stop, maybe?

Paris to Narbonne is 513 miles, so good 7 to 8 hour driving time, plus stops, autoroutes all the way. While it can be done, you won't have time for any detour or sightseeing. Since Narbonne - Barcelona is only 157 miles, you should overnight somewhere in the Dordogne, near Cahors perhaps.

You can drive a route that will take you over the Millau viaduct (and it's a free autoroute, even though there is a toll for the bridge).

If you want to spend the night in a city for more hotel and restaurant options, you might want to stop in Toulouse.

You can take a look at www.accorhotels.com for a price check, online booking and super easy cancellations if you find anything better.

Meanwhile, look at www.viamichelin.com for itinerary information.

Hmm,

Alec may be geographically challenged. Easiest route is via Orleans & A75. So, nowhere near Dordogne !

It is a pretty easy drive (you are between holiday periods). Start early and you will be in Narbonne in late afternoon.

Peter

I've done it before. It isn't too bad. It costs rather a lot in road tolls ($140 ish). Get a good map and plan your trip bit by bit. Fill up with fuel before leaving Paris as you'll pay a lot more on the motorways. Stock up on food and drink as well (filled baguettes, etc).

Driving through Barcelona is a nightmare in rush hour and not good at any other time. Sitges (gay capital of Spain) is full of tiny streets with cars parked everywhere. Spanish motorways are full of toll booths and people in a hurry to get somewhere.

Keep in mind the fact that toll roads are not obligatory -- they are just faster.

Thanks so much for the help!