Upcoming trip to the South of France

[sal]

Hello all -

I am planning on taking a vacation this year to the South of France. My preliminary plan is to fly to Barcelona, rent a car, and drive into France from there. I would plan on being in Europe for about 10 days, with 6-7 of those days being devoted to driving in France. I was wondering if anyone on this board could help me out with some general knowledge.

I'll be traveling with my father. He's very interested in historical monuments, towns and landmarks. I'm very interested in scenic, peaceful countryside. And both of us are very interested in wine growing regions and good food. I imagine, that in the south of France, that its not so difficult to find places that combine all three of these? Neither of us are looking for anything too crazy....just a relaxing, laid back vacation to soak in the culture, sights, and tastes of the region.

If anyone is from there, or has vacationed there, and has any recommendations on places to visit, they would be welcomed!

Also, does anybody know if there will be any issues with crossing the border from Spain to France? Would I need anything else besides my US passport? Is Barcelona a good place to begin this trip? Also, how are the roads in southern France? We both have experience driving in other countries, so unless the roads are absolutely hellish, I don't anticipate too many problems.

Many thanks in advance!

[brownie]

Sal, may I suggest a visit to the Perigord and the Gers area. If you're looking for historic places, good food, pleasant wines you'll have a hard time finding a better area! Look up a map of France and search for the Auch and Périgueux cities. Sarlat in the Périgord is a must see small city. Sarlat

The area should be avoided during the touristy Summer season.

Roads are no problems there.

As for driving from Barcelona into France, I presume you will have a rental car with Spanish plates which means you will cross the border without noticing you have changed countries. This is one of the glories of the EU. No more controls at customs!

If you need more specifics, just ask!

Edited February 19, 2007 by brownie

[brownie]

Is Barcelona a good place to begin this trip?

Barcelona is better than a good place. The city is worth a visit of its own. But avoid driving inside the city.

Also driving from Barcelona to France would enable you to enjoy crossing the glorious Pyrenees mountains. The roads are splendid specially if you enjoy tackling some curvy sections.

[Aggie87]

If you're not afraid of heights, you can drive across the highest bridge in the world, at Millau:

Edited February 19, 2007 by Aggie87

[sheldonm]

...that's a bad ass bridge...may have to tag along with Sal and Pops just to see it.....I'll bring my chute!!!

m~

[ejp626]

Sal:

I imagine if you are in South of France, you have to see Provence -- otherwise, why bother? Marseilles was ok, but I wouldn't spend too much time there. Aix-en-Provence was a really beautiful, kind of touristy place. It has a lot of historic buildings, and the food was great. I did not manage to make it to Avignon (needed one more day) but that would be another key spot to visit, both in terms of historical importance and understanding what Provence is all about. I would imagine the wines to be good, but I don't drink wine, so can't give any personal recommendations. Enjoy!

Eric

[danasgoodstuff]

I have driven in the south of France, once. Based on that my reccomendation is don't try to cover as much ground per day as you would in the States. It doesn't work and things change v. quickly, 100K and evrything will be different, the scenery, the food, etc. I planned my trip using a book called The Hundred Most Beautifull Villages in France which included places that were pretty touristy and soime that weren't at all. I crossed the Pyrenees through Andorra and it was pretty spectacular...

Have a plan, but be flexible, you're bound to just run into things you want to spend time on.

Edited February 19, 2007 by danasgoodstuff

[brownie]

The Millau bridge is something to see... and fun driving over it but it's really off the main roads of south of France.

Another must-see place if the medieval city of Carcassonne in the heart of southern France:

http://www.carcassonne.org/

The surrounding countryside also provides gorgeous sceneries!

Just so that you know, there has been lately an invasion of British citizens who prefer the local climate and sights to their homeground which means that if you happen to ask for road directions to a native, the person might answer you in english!

[Jim Alfredson]

God, I want to visit France! And Germany! And most of Europe! organissimo needs to go do a tour!

[Clunky]

I love southern France, the sheer varirty of scenery is astounding, it's bigger than you think, the roads are just fine but I'd concentrate on a small area, Barcelona to Avignon is a long drive and you're miss shed-loads as drive by. Provence is special but the Tarn gorge area is something else.

[sal]

Another must-see place if the medieval city of Carcassonne in the heart of southern France:

http://www.carcassonne.org/

The surrounding countryside also provides gorgeous sceneries!

Thanks a million for pointing this out, brownie! I had a calender of vineyards from around the world a couple of years back, and I remembered one of the months had these pictures of this amazing walled city in France, but I couldn't remember for the life of me what the name of it was. This is it! Looks like it could be a great first destination from Barcelona.

Thank you all who have responded to my post. Its been very helpful. Keep em coming!

[danasgoodstuff]

On the way to Carcassonne you might want to hit some of the Cathar hideouts in the mountains.

[Clunky]

in the eastern Pyrenees the Petit Jaune Train (little yellow trian, narrow gauge , winds up the valley for about 20 miles) from Latour De Carol( sp? on Spanish border) to Villefrance Les Bain ( sp? reasonably close to Perpignan) is spectacular. Sure it's now a tourist train but it breathes life to the area

[mikeweil]

God, I want to visit France! And Germany! And most of Europe! organissimo needs to go do a tour!

Then make sure to have days off between gigs, or you won't get to see anything. Transportation takes its time, and without a day off or two - no chance. I've been to some European cities over the last two years but had enough time to see some of the town only on days off.

Well, you probably know that ... just a reminder.

[mikeweil]

in the eastern Pyrenees the Petit Jaune Train (little yellow trian, narrow gauge , winds up the valley for about 20 miles) from Latour De Carol( sp? on Spanish border) to Villefrance Les Bain ( sp? reasonably close to Perpignan) is spectacular. Sure it's now a tourist train but it breathes life to the area

That's a beautiful province - the Cerdagne. That valley of the river Tete from Perpignan into the Pyrenées is my favorite - the Pic du Canigou a beautiful mountain with interesting sites around - St. Martin di Canigou, a cloister in the mountains, is worth the trip.

You're probably mixing up two towns, Villefranche-le-Conflent and Alet les Bains ..... make sure to listen to Déodat de Séveracs piano cycle Cerdana before going there.

The coast around Banyuls is nice, too.

And if you have the time visit Toulouse, with it beautiful churches - my favourite being Les Jacobins.

I'll have to go there once more!

[mikeweil]

On the way to Carcassonne you might want to hit some of the Cathar hideouts in the mountains.

Queribus with a view towards the Pic du Canigou:

Edited February 19, 2007 by mikeweil

[brownie]

On the way to Carcassonne you might want to hit some of the Cathar hideouts in the mountains.

Beautiful part of southern France but a comprehensive visit would require at least a full week since you have to walk up to most of those castle sites! mikeweil already posted photos

This site explains what the Cathars Castles are about!

Here is a map.