Good morning

More fleshing out of an upcoming trip. In doing some digging it sounds like Narbonne would be a good place for an overnight or two - both for the town itself as well as the Cathar castles nearby. Any thoughts on Narbonne appreciated. I definitely want to visit the Roman ruins.

But how about Perpignan? I'm unlikely to have more than a day to spend here this time around. I probably would take the train from Barcelona to Perpignan and pick up a car for the France part of my vacation which right now is looking like a few nights in Narbonne and the rest in Marseille (with day trips). I am leaning towards leaving Perpignan for another time - or would a day trip be perfect for it?

Thank you.

Perpignan is also one of the larger cities, just like Montpellier. I would pick Narbonne (or Béziers).

But ... while you are in the area, make sure to visit Collioure (near the Spanish border). Very picturesque little town. Visit the Château Royal, the Forts, le Moulin, l'Ermitage and walk the narrow streets.

Perpignan is very large and most of it is very recent.

There's not much to see between Perpignan and Narbonne so having a car on that portion of your trip doesn't give you access to much, unless you want to visit the Cathar castles.

Thanks Mym and Ted! YOu have confirmed what I was thinking.

I would like to see Collioure too. I figured Perpignan made the most sense as far as picking up an auto after I left Barcelona, although if someone has a better idea for that (IE just before Perpignan, to avoid the city trafffic) that would be great. I can't be the only person who has picked up a car just across the border and carried on.

I do want to see the Cathar castles.

Perpignan is the first stop after the border if you take the high speed train coming from Barcelona. Most car rental agencies are located near the station. You won't have to face city traffic.

If you want to see Collioure, Perpignan makes more sense than Narbonne and the Cathar castles are just 70 km away (Queribus, Peyrepertuse and Puilaurens)