Spain/France trip - which two cities?
 

I am just starting to think about a trip back to Europe next year late January/February. I want to visit Spain but I loved France so much in a prior trip, I would like to go back. I am thinking of making it a split trip between two cities - one in Spain and one in west or southwest France. I won't have a car so will be taking a train between france and spain. Since I will be travelling alone, I do not feel comfortable on an overnight train. I am trying to pick cities that will not be so far apart that I will waste a day of traveling getting to.
2006 I went to Provence (search this forum by my screen name for trip report) so I would like to see another area of France. Additionally, I am a foodie so I do plan to visit Paris and Lyon but I may save them for their own trip.
First, which city in Spain - Barcelona, Pamplona, Catalonia, etc. Madrid and Seville, Valencia would be lovely but location and distance from France border may not be as convenient. What city in France - Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier. What I look for in any city is opportunity for day trips and availability of cabs/trains/buses, cultural and gastronomic experiences, great markets, opportunity to experience the daily culture of the people and not just overly touristy. any suggestions?

Barcelona and Nice . Vueling flies between the two for 50 euros.

also , I think there is a direct train between Barcelona and Montpellier.

My vote is for Barcelona. I visited Madrid a Barcelona a few years back and prefered the scenery and sightseeing in Barcelona. Madrid was nice, but Barcelona had the architecture, the sea, food, and nightlife that made it a city leaving you wanting more.

best of luck on your travels!

thanks, i was leaning toward Barcelona. Anyone spent time in Montpellier?

Hi

I've been to both Madrid & Barcelona recently.

I flew Marseille-Madrid return for Euro 32. I drove to Barcelona. Both are worth visiting.

I live near Montpellier and have photos and info here : http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/ph...hoto-index.htm

Peter

Seville will be warmer than Barcelona in winter, offers a beautiful, tropical city with many sites and opportunities for relaxation without traffic noises and various great excursions such as Cordoba, Carmona, Ronda/ Pueblos Blancos. Even Granada is an easy 3-hour train ride (but you would probably want to stay overnight in Granada). My daughter studied in Seville this last semester, and flew to numerous destinations very cheaply via Vueling, Ryanair or clickair.

Barcelona has got to be one of the most vibrant cities in the world. We visited around Christmas last year. The weather was beautiful, and the action was nonstop from morning to morning. The architecture is startling, the food is sensational and the streets are always full of action. And, if you are traveling from France near Montpellier, think about stopping in Figueres to see the Dali museum. It is truly indescribable.

Another vote for Barcelona for this trip, although Seville is certainly wonderful too.

if you are in Bordeaux then San Sebastian is worth a visit, but if you are in Montpellier then Barcelona is your best option