Agree with SHG although I would probably move a bit more toward Carcassonne and Montpellier, then onto Nimes and Arles, back home up the middle via the Ardeche. Mmmm sheer heaven.
Try to get to Collioure. It is a little town with a beautiful harbour and has long had links to the art scene. Argeles-sur-mer is the place for holiday makers and everything is catered for. Carcossonne is well worth the trip.
Because it's the capital of French Catalonia, it can feel very un-French and I love it for that reason. Worth checking out if there are any Catalan festivals or ceremonies during the time that you visit. They can be very unnusual and generally highly enjoyable, provided that is that a giant papier mache head doesn't descend on your kid's pushchair! Nearly forgot, it can get exhaustingly hot. As our caravan heads off to remote and windy N. Scotland, I'll try to remember that I found it too hot in the South of France at times. Hope you have a great time.
I would also recommend Narbonne its about an hours drive from Perpignon (the city) in the Aude department if you do that trip you also should stop in Fitou and sample some of the great red wine.
As others have said Carcassonne is a must when in this part of the world.
Would agree with Narbonne - I was in the area with my elderly parents a few years ago. One tip (and I now it sounds a bit naff) but the wee tourist trains are great for letting the auld yins see round the towns and Narbonne had a great one as did Girona in Spain. Going to Girona would be my tip - my favourite city and if you're fit walking the City Wall there is a must. Pezenas and Beziers are also worth a trip. Enjoy!!
All of these. Carcassonne is spectacular, worth at least a couple of days. Collioure is very pretty and the whole area is a delight. Even Perpignan is a pleasant city, and the beaches in that area are excellent.
The drive on the back roads from Carcassone over the limestone plateau back to the coast is great fun, expecially if you have a nervous passenger!
If you are going by car in August the traffic jams are bloody awful. Maybe do the long trip at night. We stayed in a decent apartment at Saint Crypian which has a great marina. Beach is pretty good. Loads of camp sites.
On the Spanish side of the border between Barca and France there are 3 must do's....
1 Ampurias - Greek ruins from 500 BC - amazing 2) Figueras - home of Salvador Dali and has his museum there 3) Tamariu - beautiful fishing village - if you can, try to stay in Hotel Tamariu on beach.
Try to get to Collioure. It is a little town with a beautiful harbour and has long had links to the art scene. Argeles-sur-mer is the place for holiday makers and everything is catered for. Carcossonne is well worth the trip.
Love Perpignan & if the Catalan Dragons are at home the Giles Brutus stadium is well worth a visit. As said the town itself is lovely & the beach superb! The Catalans are lovely people. Have a great time!
Agree with SHG although I would probably move a bit more toward Carcassonne and Montpellier, then onto Nimes and Arles, back home up the middle via the Ardeche. Mmmm sheer heaven.
You took the words out of my mouth. Wonderful scenery, wonderful food, wonderful wine, wonderful weather. What else can i say it's wonderful,
However try to get to Andorra. The views are breathtaking and when you get there everything is duty free. Sheer Heaven.
Agree with Grandpa. Lourdes is quite an experience. You don't have to be a catholic to take it all in. Thoudands of people marching for peace at night with lighted candles. Well worth the detour.
Stayed at Argeles Sur Mer thirty years ago. Lovely part of the world - excellent beaches etc. Very close to Spanish border. The day trip out tended to be to Andorra - duty free - fill your boots.
Comments
As others have said Carcassonne is a must when in this part of the world.
The drive on the back roads from Carcassone over the limestone plateau back to the coast is great fun, expecially if you have a nervous passenger!
We stayed in a decent apartment at Saint Crypian which has a great marina.
Beach is pretty good.
Loads of camp sites.
1 Ampurias - Greek ruins from 500 BC - amazing
2) Figueras - home of Salvador Dali and has his museum there
3) Tamariu - beautiful fishing village - if you can, try to stay in Hotel Tamariu on beach.
Or was that Lords????
As said the town itself is lovely & the beach superb!
The Catalans are lovely people.
Have a great time!
However try to get to Andorra. The views are breathtaking and when you get there everything is duty free. Sheer Heaven.
Enjoy your trip - I know you will
Well worth the detour.