I am planning a 7 day trip to Northern Spain and Southern France for my mother and I (60 and 28 yrs old) and I am looking for travel advice on my itinerary.
I am planning a 7 day trip (Oct 24-31) to Northern Spain/Southern France for my mother and I (we are 60 and 28 yrs old) and I am looking for some travel advice! We are starting in Barcelona, and plan to spend one day there. I have my plans for that day covered. However, after that we are unsure of what cities to tackle! Our goal is that we want to hike in the Pyrenees and see cross into France. We have an interest in: Oveido, Santander, some national parks in spain for hiking (heard the GR 11 or 7 is picturesque) and little towns in France like Argeles-Gazost, Pau, and Lordes. We just really want to experience local villages and see beautiful natural scenery, but because of my mothers age, I don't want to do anything too strenuous (no camping in parks as well). Obviously there are too many cities listed on our itinerary, so if anyone has been to these places and would like to offer advice on what to cross off, how much time to spend in each, or what they liked, etc, I'm all ears! Thanks for your time!
Reply to this HI Mary,
I don't know much about Northern Spain because all I visited was Barcelona, however I have heard lots of talk about San Sebastian which has lots of history, a beautiful beach and also a very old aquarium. I do know a lot about Southern France because I lived in Aix-en-Provence for 3-4 months back in 2007. Aix-en-Provence is a very small town located in the Provence region, and is noted for its fountains, museums, for being the hometown of Paul Cezanne and its charming architecture. It's waters were famed for having healing powers, therefore turning it into the French version of Bath in the UK, attracting famous visitors like Thomas Jefferson. I've heard lots of talk about Cassis nearby which is just a pretty place to go. I also highly recommend anywhere in the Cote d'Azur region (aka French Riviera). Traditionally you choose one city as your home base and then travel to the other cities because each place is small and has limited things to see. I highly recommend Nice, Monaco/Monte Carlo, Cannes, Eze, Grasse, St. Paul de Vince and Antibes. All of these places have lots of history and museums. Eze, antibes and Saint Paul de Vince have a vibrant art scene, but are also well preserved Medieval cities. Grasse is known for its perfume making and industry. Also don't forget Toulouse which has lots of history as well. I also recommend Avingon for its Palais des Papes or Pope's Palace, and Nimes and Arles for its well preserved Roman architecture. I hope this helps you plan your trip! Please feel free to message me if you have any questions and I have blog entries on my experiences in Southern France. Take care and happy travels!
Reply to this Hi Mary, first of all 7 days is not all that much, distances are quite long. End of October my not be the best time of the year to trek the Pyrenees. You don't mention if you will rent a car or travel by train/bus, if you do the former you will obviously be able to cover much more ground during the week.
I haven't been to any of the places you mention, except Barcelona. However I have traveled along Costa Brava and to the Olot area. The coast is really beautiful, especially the Northern part (Empuriabrava to the French border). There is a big nature reserve at Cape de Creuz which is spectacular, it is actually the end of the Pyrenees. Lot's of trekking trails, well signed. Again, weather may not be great. The village Cadaques is very pretty, but there are many others not as well known. The coast road connects to France, fantastic scenery.
Now going inlands to the Olot area, is full of interesting old villages, roman churches, and fortresses. It is not the high Pyrenees, but still very beautiful. Outside Olot is an area with volcanoes (extinct), very nice for trekking with lots of well-signed paths.
I think wherever you go in Northern Spain it will be an experience. And there are so many well signed paths everywhere that you will have no problem doing day treks. I don't know much of Souther France so can't help you there.
Have a nice trip
Reply to this Northern Spain is fine. Just another perspective away from the usual well-trodden paths. I'm just there right now :-D
The landscape of the northern part of Castille is simply...
http://waste3minutes.blogspot.com.es/2012/07/spains-breadbasket_11.html
[Edited: 2012 Jul 11 23:39 - BillP:244664 ]
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