traveling from Barcelona to Loire Valley
 

my husband and I are traveling from Barcelona to Loire Valley with stops in Ainsa, San Sebastian, Dordoyne, Loire Valley and then flying out from Paris. We believe that renting a car from Barcelona to the Loire Valley is the best choice and then taking a train into Paris. I would appreciate feedback on my choice and if this is the best way to travel, the best rental car company to use. Thanks

No, renting a car is probably the worst way to travel, as renting a car in Spain and dropping it off in France will cost you a king's ransom.

How much time do you have for this expedition?

You can do it all pretty much by train, except that a car will be necessary in the Dordogne and very useful in the Loire for the time that you are actually there.

How many days do you have for this trip???? At least 20 between Barcelona and Paris - I hope.

As St Cirq pointed out, picking up a car in Spain & returning it in France will be costly.

I would rent a car when you are ready to leave Barcelona and drive through the Pyrenees & visit Ainsa (1-2 nights is fine in Ainsa - but I would dawdle a bit in the Pyrenees). Then on to San Sebastian and the Basque region for hopefully 5-6 nights. Visit both the Spanish side & the French side. Then return the car in San Sebastian and take a train to France, pick up a car & drive to the Dordogne where I hope you can spend 5-6 nights. Then on to the Loire for at least 3 nights, return the car in St Pierre des Corps & off to Paris by train.

Stu Dudley