Planning on a trip to Spain/France in the Fall of 2011. Any broad recommendations for must-see places? I have seen Paris many years ago....
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Posted on Nov 30, 2010
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If you love to eat, you absolutely must go to San Sebastian, Spain. And combine it with a side trip to Bilbao (to see the Guggenheim Museum). You can eat at 3-star Michelin restaurants in the San Seb area for 1/3 the cost of those in Paris. And the tapas/pinxos bars downtown are wonderful.
Do you have particular interests? It would be easier to give recommendations based on whether you like museums, nightlife, food, outdoorsy stuff, etc.
Posted Nov 30, 2010
Add a commentThanks for the suggestions. I like all of the above(outdoorsy trips, food, museums), less of the nightlife...but I typically go with the flow when I visit a place.
Posted on Dec 02, 2010
Must agree with Frances on San Sebastian. I was there this past July/August, and I loved it. I was there for 3 nights but could have stayed longer. We ate an incredible restaurant called Urepel - near the mouth of the Urumea river near the edge of the old town, and I would honestly say that it was one of the very best meals I've ever had.
Also did a day trip to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim, which was awesome, but I think there's more to the town than the museum. I wish I had spent one more day there to more fully explore the place.
Anyway, can't recommend San Sebastian more highly.
Posted on Dec 05, 2010
I also agree! I enjoyed traveling through Basque country very much. The tapas there (called "pinchos") set the standard for me.
Posted on Dec 08, 2010
Yes yes yes! The Basque country is one of my favorite parts of Spain--and France. If you stay in San Sebastian, Bayonne (on the French side) and Pamplona (south, in Navarre) are each about an hour away for a fuller picture of Basque culture.
And yes, Bilbao is a lot more than the Guggenheim, though that museum is not to be missed. I especially love the way they're mixing ultra-modern architecture into the skyline--sometimes even into the same building. A good way to appreciate this is a walk along the river from the old town to the Guggenheim, and you can also take the funicular up to Artxanda for a view of the entire city.
Enjoy!
Stephanie
Posted on Dec 16, 2010
I have to agree with Bilbao and San Sebastian as well. Great places for eating and wandering! The Gug is incredible-- i just love the building. I never buy touristy souvenirs and I had to buy a poster of the Gug with the sun setting on its. The metal looks orange!
Posted on Jan 05, 2011
Sonya
We took a train from Barcelona to Paris and stopped at some pretty amazing places along the way, One of my favorite stops in France was Nimes. A small but gorgeous city with a spectacular park (Jardins de la Fontaine) and roman ruins. It tends to get overshadowed by Arles - not sure why. The roman ruins in Nimes are just as spectacular. Head to Les Halles to pack a fantastic picnic for the park,
We also stopped in Avignon which is well worth the stop. We rented a car in Avignon and drove to Pont Du Gard, Arles, Orange as well as the Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine region. This was one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
Then of course head on to Paris!
Posted Dec 02, 2010
Add a commentThanks for the suggestion. A train was definitely in my plans. Lovely pics!
Posted on Dec 02, 2010
The Calanques in Marseille are beautiful! It makes for a beautiful day trip. Nice is beautiful. And if you are in Nice be sure to go to Monaco! It's just right there. Definitely Paris. All of touristy Paris is worth it. If it's your first visit to Paris then do the main attractions. You can't go wrong. Have fun!
Posted Nov 30, 2010
Add a commentThe Calanques can be closed to car traffic when it gets really hot and crowded with tourists. Check before heading out. I couldn't go this past August.
Posted on Nov 30, 2010
Sonya - In France, besides the usual tourist destinations in Paris (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Arch De Triumph, Place Vendome, Louvre, etc. I would recommend you head out to Versailles. The Palace and town are absolutely gorgeous and the weather in April should be nice.
In Spain, I would suggest heading to Barcelona. Great sights and incredible tapas. If you have the time, I would also recommend taking the train from Barcelona to Valencia. Its a rather quick trip and Valencia is an interesting city.
Enjoy!
Mike
Posted Nov 30, 2010
Add a commentI heartily agree with the recommendation on Versailles! That palace set the standard for all of Europe, it seems. It is an experience of architecture, visual art, history and culture, all wrapped up in gold leaf. And it follows you everywhere in Europe.
Posted on Feb 13, 2011
Gems of spain definitely include cordoba, toledo & Nerja.
You can day trip to Toledo by taking the train from Madrids Atocha station. The cathedral in the centre of the city gave rise to the expression "Holy Toledo!" and the skylight is incredible!
Cordoba is also trainable from Madrid (the high speeds can get you there in a couple of hours) Check out the Mezquita first thing in the morning to really maximize the experience. The hotel maimonedes across the street is a really nice place to stay too.
Nerja is a drive south to to the coast, but it is totally worth it. The underground cave system discovered there is incredible and offers up a concert series which could be interesting. The roman aquaduct and Balcon de Europe are also worth a look.
Have a great trip!
Posted Dec 01, 2010
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In Paris I would suggest the Pere Lachaise cemetery. We spent hours just walking around. We also ventured to Les Puces flea market also known as Porte de Clignancourt. It's the last stop on one of the metro routes. Once we finally got away from all the junk and found it they had all kinds of things for purchase.
In Barcelone, La Boqueria is a fun food market right on Las Ramblas. And yes, as others have commented, all things Gaudi are interesting!
Posted Dec 08, 2010
Add a commentone more suggestion in France is aix en provence. i only spent an afternoon there but it's beautiful! and many, many years ago we stopped in Valencia, Spain and found it to be a charming city as well.
Posted on Dec 08, 2010
My Fave Spots in France include Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Ile du Levante, Montpellier, taking the waters at Aix Le Therms, the overnight ferry to Corsica.
Fave Spots in Spain: Barcelona, the Guggenheim at Bilbao, Sevilla, hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees
Posted Dec 10, 2010
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If you haven't been to Paris before, suck it up, deal with the tourist hordes and hit the big three. Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe and the Louvre. Time yourself to go up the EIffel Tower before sunset. As in judge the lines and make sure you're on the tower at Sunset. This is one of the most beautiful views of the city. If you're fit, take the few hundred spiral stairs up the Arc De Triomphe for views of the Champs-Elysees and figure out what you want to see in the Louvre and make a plan. You could spend the whole day there, or you can spend an hour and a half and hit the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and the Mona Lisa.
Once you've done that, get out of dodge. Paris is a great city to sit in cafes, people-watch and relax. If you like modern art check out the Centre Pompidou.
From Paris, consider taking an overnight train through Provence to the Cote D'Azur. Cannes is a gorgeous beach town worth visiting, as is Monaco, if only for the spectacle.
Posted Dec 28, 2010
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i definitely second Craig's suggestion of seeing the Alhambra in Granada - an absolute must :) and i would also highly recommend going to Toledo - such a beautiful little city!
as for Paris, try to attend an organ concert in any of the city's amazing cathedrals (i have a weakness though for Notre Dame (where the music floods through like a freight-train) and/or Sacre Couer (which sounds light and brilliant to me). and don't forget to take a walk along the Seine (in the daytime, don't go by yourself at night).
hope you have fun!
Posted Dec 30, 2010
Add a commentFuengirola on the Costa del Sol has a lovely beach. Mijas Pueblo (the white village) has the 'donkey taxis' and interesting architecture.
Posted Feb 17, 2011
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I have only been to Lyon in France but loved it! Spain my favorite was Sevilla.
Posted Dec 01, 2010
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I'd recommend the Rodin museum in Paris. One of my favorite museums. The Musée d'Orsay is pretty fantastic, too.
Posted Dec 01, 2010
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i second the d'Orsay...it's pretty amazing.
Posted on Dec 08, 2010
Wow, this is a broad question. I would suggest that you find a good travel consultant, set a budget and then write down all your interests. You can't see everything in one visit. Do you like to cycle-a very good company has cycling tous on commuters in Paris and other cities. Fun way to meet people and see the city from another view.
Hope this helps;
Posted Dec 02, 2010
Add a commentThanks. I have a budget in mind and I typically pick a places and then fit in what I can in the time I have. I like the cycling idea. Thanks.
Posted on Dec 02, 2010
If you like cycling and have an Amex or smart chip enabled Visa/Mastercard, you can also roll your own tour by just using the Velib system ... it's basically a ZipCar service in Paris for bicycles, and there are similar bike share programs setup in both Lyon and Barcelona. The cycling blog, Let's Go Ride a Bike had a great post about it recently. I visited Paris in 2007, and brought my own bicycle along and highly recommend using it as a means of travelling around solo or in small groups. Much more scenic than the Metro.
Posted on Dec 06, 2010
I agree with Michael, Versailles and Barcelona shouldn't be missed.
The south of France is meant to be gorgeous and well worth a look around, though I sadly can't give any firsthand advice. Marseilles and Nice come most recommended.
I don't know how long your trip is and how much you are planning to delve into each country, but I've travelled much more in Spain and would have to recommend a few highlights.
Barcelona, definitely. My favorite city in Spain by far. The architecture, the markets, the people, the atmosphere...everything. It's one of those cities where it feels like anything can happen. I just loved it. And I'm sure you already know of most of the don't-miss places to see: Park Guell, Sagrada Familia...both worth the hype.
Many people feel obligated to go to Madrid because it's the capital, but I feel kind of take-it-or-leave-it about the city. Toledo is a worthy day trip, however.
But if you can get down to the south, it's well worth it. Granada is simply amazing. The Alhambra alone is worth a full day. A gorgeous example of Moorish architecture and influence in Spain. Granada is a really explorable town, not too big, with lots of variety to see, including architecture, parks, great markets..and my favorite thing (after the Alhambra): TAPAS. The best kind of tapas, the kind that come for free with each drink. Every drink (beer, wine, etc.) you order comes with a bigger and better snack. We just spent hours sipping drinks and munching away at delicious food. Love it!
Valencia is also very nice, especially if you want some beach time. The beaches are great and the town is also very compact and nice to explore.
Whatever you decide to do, they're both lovely and fascinating countries and you'll have an amazing time. Enjoy!
Posted Dec 02, 2010
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I am going to borrow some of these ideas for my own trip! Great stuff.
Posted Dec 02, 2010
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It's been some time since we were there, but Spain is still a highlight!! We were in Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Cordoba, Torremolinos, Malaga, Seville, and Granada. Choosing a highlight is extremely difficult...I loved them ALL! But if you twist my arm, I'd have to say that the day trip to Toledo was fascinating, the grounds of the Alhambra in Granada were spectacular, and the streets of Seveille at night with all of the architecture illuminated made for some stunning photography! Yours is a really difficult question to answer because I'd go back to see them all over again! You'll love it!
Posted Dec 05, 2010
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Barcelona for the amazing Gaudi architecture - love him or hate him, it's different stuff!
Posted Dec 06, 2010
Add a commentyes, Guadi is incredible...and Barcelona in general is just fabulous! food, fun....love it!!
Posted on Dec 08, 2010
The food _IS_ amazing in Barcelona, but you really have to get away from La Rambla, Placa Catalunya, and Passeig de Gracia where the prices are geared to tourists and the quality is not as good. Only exception is the Mercat de la Boqueria - right off La Rambla - and an amazing food adventure.
Mercat Santa Caterina is pretty amazing, too, and has an active archaeological dig of ancient Roman ruins within it, as well.
Posted on Dec 08, 2010
I am a huge fan of Barcelona as well. The Gothic Quarter is a must-wander-- get a "gofre." They are waffles with ice cream and chocolate syrup on them, and are usually sold at kiosks or small store fronts. The Picasso Museum is a favorite because they usually have a permanent exhibit and a changing one. Park Guell is great for pictures, and you should pick one Gaudi house to tour. It's expensive, so I think one is enough. Drinks along Las Ramblas will be a rip off (I got charged 12 euros for a beer when I sat at a small cafe) but I agree with the Mercat suggestion. They have delicious fruit smoothies to enjoy while looking at everything. If you are trying to cut costs, there is a place called MOAZ which serves falafel salads or pitas with all-you-can-add toppings, including chickpeas, tabouli, tomatos, garlic sauce, etc. It's a great value, healthy, and will fill you up. Definitely walk along the coastline when you get down to the beach. Enjoy! I lived in Spain for a year and a half and Barca is one of my favorite places. So vibrant! It's also close to the Basque region, and Valencia as well.
Posted on Jan 05, 2011
Try to get to Eze, France f you can....on the coast close to Montecarlo and Nice..its a quaint little town on the top of a mountain...super cute!
Posted Dec 08, 2010
Add a commentWell as a resident, I have to tout Madrid. It has world-class museums, is famous for its nightlife, has lots of interesting neighborhoods to explore, and offers easy access for day trips to Toledo or Segovia.
Farther afield, I also love Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, and the Basque country (see reply to Frances, above). So much to choose from!
Posted Dec 16, 2010
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My recommendations would mimic the many excellent suggestions already posted. But...
In France, and assuming you skip Paris and focus on the southern half of France (as per your implication), then the Provence, Luberon, Lot, and Dordogne regions are must-sees.
For specific cities, include Moustiers St Marie in the Haute-Provence (photo below), Carcassone, yes, for that fairy tale ambience, Eze, Gordes, Rousillon (the colors!), etc.
In Spain, include the Basque region as mentioned many times. I just returned from trekking the Camino de Santiago, from SW France to NW Spain. Santiago, itself, is especially fun and photogenic, but then so are all the other many towns along the way. (O Cobreiro!)
Toledo merits at least 1 day and 1 night; a day trip does not do it justice. Segovia, Ronda, Granada,
Sheesh, I just realized I could continue forever. Any chance you would narrow your request...? :-)
Posted Dec 17, 2010
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I lived in Spain from September 2009 til June 2010, and my favorite region was Cantabria. The landscape was just beautiful. However, if you're looking for a place with a lot to do, I would recommend seeing Barcelona for sure, and if you have some time to spend the region of Castilla y Leon, of course see Madrid, but make sure to take a day trip to Toledo. It's my favorite city in Spain because there is so much history there (and I'm kind of a history nerd). If you're looking to relax on a beach, I would go for Valencia. It has a beautiful beach, but it's also a wonderful city full of culture.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask me!
Posted Dec 18, 2010
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Hi Sonya,
In France my favorite places to visit include
Paris - Musee D'Orsay - strolling through the Marais ( unfortunately the Picasso Museum is closed for rennovation) - sunning with a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens.
Provence - Arles (good food, great history) ; Eze , and Nice -
Spain -
Barcelona - best neighborhood is Bari Gothic, great restaurant Petit Safra( Plaza Santa Caterina), Great desert bar - Bubo- fascinating architecture Temple de la Sagrada Familia.
A short train trip north of Barcelona lies the village of Girona. Amazing streets that lead up to the cathedral.
Enjoy your journey!
Posted Dec 19, 2010
Add a commentHi Sonya,
My faves for France would be Saint Paul de Vence, Loire Valley, and Brittany....surprise...Paris!
For Spain...anything in the region of Southern Spain......Andalucia. Also, San Sebastian...basque country for some great bar food, tapas.
The architectural gem and great walking city of northern Spain, Barcelona. Try to check out the city of Montserrat...only an hour away. If you get a chance while in Barcelona may I recommend the restaurant La Fonda for a taste of Catalonia.
Oh...almost forgot....the quaint fishing town Soller, off the coast of Spain on the island of Majorca.
Never made it to Madrid. Would love to see the Prado Museum and the running of the bulls/ bullfights at the Plaza Del Toros.
Happy Trails!
Posted Dec 21, 2010
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OMG - too broad a question.....but my favorites include:
Alhambra in Granada (buy tix online before trip), white villages - especially La Ronda - just park and explore, La Mezquita in Cordoba....... the town of San Sebastian - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!.... in France - everything and anything! Paris - Rodin Museum, Louvre, Notre Dame - typical tourist haunts......wander and get lost!!! Versailles - for sheer royal power - "le Roi Soleil"......the Loire Valley - castles and amazing bed and breakfasts........Dordogne and Gascony - the hidden, true France - the land of truffles and foie gras and more castles and sheer beauty.....Biarritz and St. Jean de Luz for 19th century seaside glamour.......Carcassonne - touristy - but so what? Amazing!!!!! Provence - no more needs to be said - rent "Manon de la Source" to understand........Cote d'Azur - crowded and crazy - but again - for good reason - check out St. Paul de Vence and Eze........
Ok - as I write this - I realize - too much to see - it's all amazing! However - my personal favorite is the southwest of France.......
Bon voyage and buen viajo!!!!!!
Posted Dec 22, 2010
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That is a very broad question :-)
Can you be a little more specific about your interests?
In terms of places you may want to do a Cote D'Azur to Barcelona trip which is manageable in a week or so and there are incredible places along the way between Monaco and Barcelona (Cannes, Antibes, Avignon to name a few of course Provance as well).
As for France you can spend easily a couple weeks in the Loire Valley, visit the Alsace and Lorraine, travel from Bretagne along the cost to either Normandy or down to the Gironde.
Posted Dec 23, 2010
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Go see the Alhambra in Granada, Spain... but don't forget to reserve and buy your tickets online before you go. It sells out fast!
Posted Dec 28, 2010
Add a commentOk, have to comment on this one as well. As far as World Heritage Sites go, the Alhambra is tops. Carve out a few hours to be there, get the audio guide (it's worth it) and just enjoy! If you like the mudejar architecture, I'd go to the Palace in Sevilla as well- right across from the Cathedral, which is one of the top 3 largest in the world. (It may be second). As rumor has it, Christopher Columbus is buried within the cathedral :)
I think you need to figure out how long you want to spend in Spain and what your geographical focus is going to be. If you go to Andalucia -- hit Cordoba, Granada, Sevilla and Cadiz. If you do the north east- do Valencia, Barcelona and Bilboa-- which would put you closer to France, and all those places have airports. EasyJet, RyanAir, and those other cheap airlines usually have reasonable flights that link Spain and France.
Posted on Jan 05, 2011
The culture and history of Andalusia are wonderful. Granada and the Alhambra are a must see! Also check into paradoras for unique and wonderful places to stay for at least one night as a bit of a splurge.
Posted Jan 01, 2011
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Barcelona and San Sebastian are two of my favorite places! Let me know if you want more details once you decide on where you are going to go.
Posted Jan 03, 2011
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Paris is a not to be missed place in my mind. The city has a great feel and is very walking friendly. I love the Eiffel Tower. If you have time the Champagne region is fun. Monet's garden in Giverney is beautiful. Mont St Michel is amazing (even though the crowds can be daunting), go early morning or late afternoon. The Brittany coast is gorgeous and a nice respite after the hustle of Paris.
Posted Jan 03, 2011
Add a commentSpain - Toledo, Granada (the Alhambra), Sevilla, Barcelona
Paris in general, Avignon, Dijon
Posted Jan 04, 2011
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