I just returned from a whirlwind [EF] tour with students, visiting Paris, Nice and area, Nimes, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Carcassonne and Barcelona. Any questions?

Hi, <BR>Sounds like quite a trip! What did you think about Barcelona? Was the pickpocket situation as bad as I've read on these postings? What are the "don't miss" things to see and/or do? <BR>Thanks in advance Bob. <BR>Elsa

I loved Barcelona, and so did the students. It is a vibrant city, with lots to see and do. I, too, was warned of pickpockets, though none of us had any problem. We were careful though. A couple of our students did see pickpockets at work on Las Ramblas, and a local even reminded one of our people to close their backpack. With so many street entertainers, people are standing around all over the place, and can be easy pickings for an experienced thief. Still, if you have money, etc. in inside pockets, etc., you should be fine. As always, it depends what you like in terms of what is great to see - any of the architecture by Gaudi is fascinating. The Sagridia Famillia (sp?)[Holy Family] church is incredible, and definitely NOT just another church and the park he designed is unique. <BR>The bar/restaurant area by the harbour is vibrant at night for eats and dancing. Las Ramblas is one of the most exciting walking street to be found anywhere, and parts of old Barcelona are quite interesting too. This is the second time I have visited the city, and I would gladly return.

We are planning to do Nice, Marseille, <BR>Carmargue (and surrounding regions) then <BR>on to Barcelonaand back to NY. The end of August. I know its not the best time of year -- but we travel with our 11 year old son. We'll be driving-- any <BR>good insights would be helpful, restaurants and interesting sights that <BR>even an 11 year old would like. (he's pretty world traveled -- but at 11 still needs a bit of entertainment).

Bob, <BR>We enjoyed eating at El Mussol, the one in the old quarter in Barcelona. There were a number of families there, and the grill is right in the center of the restaurant so it's interesting to watch. <BR> <BR>The Ramblas has lots of street entertainment for all ages. I THINK there is a small amusement park up on the hill near one of the museums. I am sure an 11 year old would enjoy Gaudi's home, it is so surreal. So, Have fun and do watch your valuables.

JAN: Having not travelled with an 11 year old, I'm not too sure what to say, but in the Nice area, there are obviously beaches galore, though packed in the summer. There is a carousel just off rue Jean Medicin, the main drag so-to-speak (It seems that carousels are everywhere in France, for young and old alike.) In the Camargue, you can go horseback riding. As for Barcelona, the strange (as someone previously said, surrealistic) Gaudi Park might be interesting - lots of area to run, and very unusual. And, Las Ramblas with its many human statues, acrobats, and other entertainers should delight a youngster.