There’s nothing like traveling to Southern Europe during summer. One of the best things to do is enjoy the beauty of the stunning Mediterranean coast. The best way to do this is by doing a road trip from Barcelona to the French Riviera and exploring everything in between.

Barcelona is situated in the Catalonia region of Northeastern Spain and is the most visited city in the country. It’s also the largest city along the Mediterranean Sea. The French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur is located in Southern France and is filled with luxury hotels, A-list beach clubs, breathtaking scenery and stunning cities.

In June 2022, I did a summer Europe trip for my 31^st birthday, where I visited all the beautiful destinations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea in Barcelona and France.  In this article, discover the best Barcelona and Southern France road trip itinerary. There’s nothing more memorable than enjoying everything Barcelona and the French Riviera have to offer!

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Traveling to Barcelona for a Road Trip:

Barcelona, Spain is easy to get to from anywhere in the world, whether you take a flight or public transportation.

Suppose you are flying from New York City’s JFK Airport like I did, along with San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Buenos Aires and Santiago. In that case, you can enjoy non-stop flights to Barcelona with Level Airlines! You can find other affordable flights through Skyscanner.

The main airport in Barcelona is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona – El Prat Airport, also known as Barcelona Airport. Additionally, if you plan to take the train to and from Barcelona, the city’s main train station is Barcelona-Sants and there are numerous bus stations throughout the city.

There are numerous rental car companies throughout the city when you plan to road trip from Barcelona. It’s best to book all rental cars and public transportation ahead of time in the summer months since Europe is more crowded with tourists and vacationers alike.

How to Get Around during a Barcelona and South of France Itinerary:

There are many great stops and day trips from Barcelona to Southern France. One of the best ways to see everything is by renting a car. If you don’t want to drive, Europe has some of the best public transportation!

For those planning to take public transportation, you can follow the below itinerary by taking a bus or train from Barcelona to the French Riviera:

Barcelona to Valencia: Two of Catalonia’s largest cities are only a few hours from each other. The best way to get to either is by taking the train from Barcelona Sants to Joaquin Sorolla station or Estació Nord in Valencia. If you plan to visit the Priorat wine region, you must rent a car.

Barcelona to Andorra: The best way to get from Barcelona to the Pyrenees Mountains in Andorra is by taking the bus from Barcelona’s Nord station to Andorra La Vella’s Estació Nacional d’Autobusos d’Andorra.

Andorra to Marseille: France’s second-largest city is a bit further from Andorra, so the best way to get to Marseille is by taking the ANDBUS from Andorra La Vella to Gare Matabiau in Toulouse. From there, you must transfer to the train that will take you to Marseille Saint-Charles train station.

Marseille to Nice: Being the South of France’s two major cities, it’s easiest to take the train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Nice-Ville. They’re only a few hours from each other.

If you plan to see the other French towns along the Riviera, you can easily take the train from Nice-Ville. For those wanting to see the lavender fields from Marseille, getting a rental car or doing a day trip from one of Provence’s more prominent cities or towns is best.

Where to Stay during a Barcelona and French Riviera Road Trip:

During a Barcelona and French Riviera trip, the best places to stay are Barcelona, Andorra, Marseille and Nice. There are a plethora of accommodations for all budgets, including rental properties! Below are the top hotels to stay at during your road trip:

Barcelona:

Luxury Accommodation: The Barcelona EDITION

Boutique Accommodation: Kimpton Vividora

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel chic&basic Ramblas

Budget Accommodation: St. Christopher’s Inn

Andorra:

Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Plaza

Boutique Accommodation: Andorra Park Hotel

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Exe Prisma

Budget Accommodation: Alberg Els Andes

Marseille:

Luxury Accommodation: InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu

Boutique Accommodation: AC Hotel Marseille Prado Velodrome

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hôtel C2 – Marseille

Budget Accommodation: Meininger Marseille Centre La Joliette

Nice:

Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Boscolo Exedra Nice

Boutique Accommodation: Hotel Azur Riviera

Mid-Budget Accommodation: The Jay Hotel

Budget Accommodation: Villa Saint Exupery Beach

Spain and France Itinerary for 14 Days:

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona – Enjoy the Best Travel Experiences

After arriving in Barcelona, Spain, on the first day of your road trip, you must head to La Sagrada Familia and see Antoni Gaudí’s famous Roman Catholic cathedral! It’s one of the most visited monuments in Spain, with nearly 5 million people visiting annually.

It costs €26 for an individual ticket. You could also get an audio guide with that price, but you’ll need to download the Sagrada Familia Official app for the self-guided tour. You can also do guided tours at €30 and a guided tour of the cathedral and towers for €40. La Sagrada Familia is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm.

Since Barcelona is a beautiful city, it’s best to try walking as much as possible because there’s so much to see and do! From La Sagrada Familia, check out the Casa Batlló, another Gaudí masterpiece. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, art gallery and museum that provides visitors with an interactive experience.

A trip to Barcelona, Spain is incomplete without enjoying vermouth. Morro Fi is one of the best vermouth bars in Barcelona and only a 15-minute walk from Casa Batlló. It’s an authentic spot where you can also savor tapas, including their chips and special sauce, along with sardines.

The best place to eat dinner on your first day in Barcelona is Terrassa Martinez in Parc de Montjuïc. This excellent restaurant is known for its paella dishes and breathtaking city views.

Day 2: Explore Around Barcelona

Once you have breakfast and are fueled up for the day, go to the Gothic Quarter to tour the Palau de la Música Catalana. It’s the most beautiful concert hall in Barcelona and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Palau de la Música Catalana is recognized as an architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau. It costs €15 to do a self-guided tour and €19 for a guided tour. The concert hall is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 9 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, it’s open from 9:30 am to 1 pm and two hours before a concert.

Another spot you must visit in the morning because it gets crowded is Park Güell. It’s another picturesque spot you must visit on a Barcelona and French Riviera road trip because it features Gaudí’s work!

During the summer, it costs €13.50 for an adult ticket (ages 13-64), €9.33 for a children’s ticket (ages 7-12); €9.33 for a senior citizen ticket (ages 65 and older) and it’s free for young children (ages six and under) to enter Park Güell. The park is open every day from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Tapas for lunch is a must! After touring Barcelona’s beautiful landmarks, visiting Bar Cañete for lunch is the best. Enjoy a refreshing sangria and savor Spanish staples like jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas, octopus, pescado frito and more.

After lunch, walk off what you ate by strolling up and down Las Ramblas. You can walk through different stores, shop in the famous Boquería market, grab helado (ice cream) at Rocambolesc and people-watch!

If you prefer a beach day, spend the afternoon at Barceloneta Beach. It features a white sand beach, a seaside promenade, beach bars and great seafood restaurants. Otherwise, it would be best to enjoy rooftop drinks at Hotel Colón’s Panoramic Terrace, which overlooks the Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona. You can also visit the rooftop at the Sercotel Rosellón, which overlooks La Sagrada Familia.

Whether you go to the beach or not, you must enjoy an incredible seafood dinner at Can Fisher, located at Platja del Bogatell. They have wonderful fish dishes, seafood paella and tapas.

Day 3: Explore Valencia – One of the Best Road Trips from Barcelona

Following a Barcelona and South of France itinerary is only complete with visiting Valencia. Known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has a stunning Old Town and beautiful Gothic buildings to admire.

Valencia is one of the best day trips from Barcelona and one of the leading things to do is visit and explore the City of Arts and Sciences. It includes Oceanographic, which is the biggest aquarium in Europe.

Since Valencia is also located on the Mediterranean coast, you can enjoy one of the many posh beach clubs. A great one is Marina Beach Club, which has a pool, two restaurants and a stage where world-famous DJs perform.

Because Valencia is the birthplace of Spain’s National Dish, paella, you must savor some during your day trip. Paella is made with rice, saffron, and vegetables and either meat or seafood is added. It’s usually served in one pan and is made for two people to enjoy. The best restaurants to enjoy paella in Valencia are Restaurante Levante, Taberna Alkazar and La Pepica.

Day 4: Day Trip to Priorat Wine Region – Top Attractions Outside Barcelona

During the Catalonia road trip portion of your Barcelona and French Riviera itinerary, you must also go wine tasting in the Priorat wine region, west of Tarragona. One of the best places to spend the day and even stay a night, if you can, is Terra Dominicata.

Priorat is recognized for its intensely flavored red wines, so you must try some, even if you aren’t a fan of red wine.

Overall, the Priorat wine region is secluded in the mountains of Catalonia. Because of its location, Priorat was undiscovered for many years. Nowadays, more people are traveling to this incredible region to experience some of Spain’s most renowned wines!

Whether you stay at Terra Dominicata or not, you must enjoy a traditional Catalan dinner at Mater Terrae Restaurant.

Day 5: Arrive in Andorra from Barcelona

Andorra is a mountainous country situated between Spain and France. It’s the perfect destination to add to your Barcelona and French Riviera road trip, especially if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing (if you visit in the winter) and fresh air!

Known as Europe’s sixth smallest country, Andorra offers something for everyone to enjoy! It also makes for one of the best road trips from Barcelona!

During your first day in Andorra, you must discover everything the capital city of Andorra La Vella offers. It’s the highest capital city and the 10^th highest city in Europe! As you walk around the city, you can admire the stunning Romanesque buildings, go shopping and grab a glass of wine at Atelier by Aitoir Estela. A great place to have lunch on your first day is El Refugi Alpí.

What is great about visiting Andorra is that it has the Directbus, which goes to all the charming cities in the country. One of the best things to do on your first day is to take the bus to Santa Coloma and enjoy the rock climb on the Via Ferrata to the picturesque Sant Vicenc D’Enclar.

If traveling with kids, you must enjoy the longest alpine slide in the world, the Tobotronc, at Naturland! Additionally, if it’s raining, you must treat yourself to a spa day at the Caldea Complex, a spa amusement park.

A trip to Andorra is incomplete without having dinner in a traditional borda, a wooden house that serves authentic Andorran food. On your first night, you must eat at Restaurant El Faisà!

Day 6: Explore Andorra and the Pyrenees Mountains

Once you’re fueled up from coffee and breakfast, a hike on the Fontverd trail is well-needed! Andorra National Park’s Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is a safe day hike accessible from Andorra La Vella.

The Fontverd hike will take several hours, so it’s best to start in the morning so you’ll be finished by mid-afternoon. Being 8 miles/13 kilometers, the Fontverd hike is a short trail up the Riu Madriu, a glistening river in the Pyrenees Mountains.

It’s a challenging hike but well worth it because the views are fascinating! Throughout the hike, you’ll encounter waterfalls, high mountain peaks, stone huts and farm animals. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

A great place to have lunch after your hike is at Juventus. They are known for their platos combinados, a combination meal that usually consists of ham, eggs, potatoes, French fries, calamari, salad, croquettes, etc.

Later in the evening, you can enjoy a wonderful dinner at Borda Estevet, an authentic Andorran restaurant. It’s another charming restaurant that will make you feel at home!

Day 7: Travel to the French Riviera and Arrive in Marseille

On day 7 of your Barcelona to French Riviera road trip, it will take you several hours to get from Andorra La Vella to Marseille. Once you arrive in the city, it’s best to take it easy and grab food near your accommodation.

Day 8: Explore Marseille – France’s Second Largest City

Once you’re in Marseille, wake up to a beautiful sunny day, enjoy a croissant and coffee and explore everything this timeless city offers. Marseille is France’s oldest city. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. Nowadays, it’s one of the most diverse cities in Europe!

One of the top things you must do in Marseille, France is to stroll through the Vieux Port (Old Port) and admire the stunning sailboats, yachts and fishing boats. During the summer, Marseille boasts a summer market where you can purchase local jewelry, handmade accessories, trinkets, paintings and more.

You can visit MuCEM (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean) or The Marseille Soap Museum in the Vieux Port. The Vieux Port also has the Fort Saint-Jean, Parc du Pharo and the neo-Byzantine Cathédrale La Major. A great place to enjoy lunch in Marseille’s Vieux Port is L’Entrecôte du Port.

After lunch, it’s best to walk off your food by strolling through Le Panier, the oldest district in Marseille. In this area, you can walk through art galleries, admire talented street art, see beautiful floral facades and watch talented street performers.

A great place to have an afternoon drink is Intercontinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu, which is in Le Panier. This elegant hotel has an outdoor bar that overlooks Marseille’s Vieux Port and it’s a great place to enjoy a glass of local rosé. Another fun spot to enjoy drinks with a view is Le Dantès Skylounge at Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port.

During your time in Marseille, you must savor the city’s staple dish – bouillabaisse. It’s a seafood stew containing many different fish and shellfish. The best place to savor bouillabaisse in Marseille is Chez FonFon. It’s situated on the marina and one of the best places to enjoy dinner in Marseille!

Day 9: Adventure through the Calanques in the South of France

One of the most underrated things to add to your French Riviera itinerary is a day in the Calanques.

There are a few ways to explore the Calanques and one of them is by taking a boat tour from Vieux Port in Marseille to Cassis. If you’re a hiker, you can do many hikes in Parc National des Calanques, such as the Marseilleveyre and Cap Canaille trails.

In addition to hiking, there are plenty of dive sites in the Calanques. You can also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and boating opportunities. There are 26 Calanques and there is something for everyone to enjoy! Don’t forget the incredible waterfront restaurants and cafés in this breathtaking National Park.

Marseille and the Calanques have some of the most beautiful beaches, but many are rocky. If you plan to relax at the beach, I suggest wearing comfortable water shoes. There are still plenty of white sandy beaches in the Calanques, such as Cap Croisette.

One of the best sunset spots in the Calanques is Cap Canaille. It’s the highest maritime cliff in France and you can get to it by car! It’s a popular spot for photography, engagement proposals and more.

An excellent restaurant to visit after your day in the Calanques is Restaurant Chez Zé. It’s in the Baumettes area of Marseille, right outside the National Park. You can savor delicious pasta, seafood and meat dishes at this spot.

Day 10: See Lavender Fields and Enjoy a Provence Road Trip

A French Riviera itinerary must include a road trip through Provence! This breathtaking area features some of the most incredible lavender fields in the world! You can easily do a day trip to the Provençal countryside from Marseille.

If you only have a day to see the lavender fields in Provence, then you must visit Valensole. In this area, you can walk through the endless rows of lavender, full of great photo opportunities!

As I mentioned above, you will either need your own vehicle to get out to the lavender fields from Marseille or you will need to do an organized tour. Overall, Valensole is around an hour and a half from Marseille.

The best lavender farms to visit in Valensole are Les Grandes Marges, Terraroma Lavande Amandes, Lavender Angelvin and Puimisson Lavender. I also suggest visiting the town of Valensole, which boasts charming cafés, boutiques, lavender shops and more.

If you have extra time, you must also visit Gorges du Verdon. Please note that it’s over an hour’s drive from Valensole and over two hours from Marseille. It’s an excellent destination for outdoor adventures, but my biggest recommendation is renting a paddle boat on the Lac de Sainte-Croix for a couple of hours.

In addition to Valensole, some of the most beautiful villages to explore during a Provence road trip, if you have time, are Avignon, which is home to the Pont d’Avignon; Roussillon, which is a medieval town that is earth-toned and famous for the Grand Canyon of France, and Gordes, one of the most picturesque hilltop towns with stone houses. You must also see the Pont du Gard and visit a Provençal market for lavender products!

Please note that lavender in Provence is in peak bloom from late June through early July!

Day 11: Road Trip to Nice, France

A Barcelona and French Riviera road trip itinerary is only completed if it includes Nice! Located on the Côte d’Azur, Nice is France’s 5^th largest city.

It will take you a few hours, by train, to get from Marseille to Nice, but once you arrive, take on the narrow streets in Nice’s Old Town. This picturesque place will have you amazed by all the stunning buildings, street performers, artists and ambiance! Scattered throughout the city are also local markets.

One of the top Nice staples you must try is socca. It’s a chickpea flatbread or pancake that is nice to have with fresh tomatoes and a glass of rosé. As you stroll through Vieux Nice, you must stop at Chez Theresa, Chez Rene Socca and Chez Pipo for a light lunch.

Another great thing to do in Nice during the day is to shop along the Place Masséna. You can find everything from Zara to L’Occitane and Hermès to H&M in this beautiful shopping center. If it’s raining during your trip to Nice, you can visit one of the many museums!

A memorable thing to do during a road trip to Nice is climb Castle Hill and enjoy the city’s best views! It’s located over 300 feet above sea level and where a former Citadel sat.

Since Nice is situated close to the Italian border, you will find great Italian restaurants. One of the best is La Voglia, which is in Old Town Nice. It’s one of the best places to enjoy dinner.

Day 12: Explore Nice: The Best City to Experience on a French Riviera Trip

After having a morning coffee in Old Town, go to one of Nice’s best beach clubs! First, you must stroll along the breathtaking Promenade des Anglais before reserving an oceanfront lounge chair at Opéra Plage.

This beach club is open from 9 am to 8 pm every day during the summer months. It costs €23 for a day at the beach with an umbrella and cabin included, €19 for a half day on the beach with an umbrella and cabin included and €230 for a 12-day pass per person. If you prefer having your umbrella/lounge chair directly facing the water, which I recommend, it’ll cost €28 for the day.

You’ll want to spend the majority of the day at the beach. Other great beach clubs to visit in Nice are below:

• Castel Plage: A fun and swanky beach restaurant that is perfect for those in their 20s and 30s.
• Ruhl Plage: The perfect family-friendly beach club with a restaurant and salt-water children’s pool.
• Blue Beach Club: A popular beach club that draws locals.
• Plage Beau Rivage Beach Club: Recognized for having the best restaurant along the promenade.

Later in the evening, a wonderful place to enjoy dinner on the water is at Les Pêcheurs, where you can savor delicious seafood dishes like bouillabaisse!

Day 13: Road Trip around the Côte d’Azur

A highlight of a Barcelona and South of France road trip is driving the French Riviera. There are a lot of charming villages to visit and spend time in.

You can enjoy many day itineraries from Nice to the villages along the French Riviera. I suggest starting from the furthest village and making your way closer to the city. Your first stop should be closer to the Italian border to the laidback and colorful town of Menton.

From Menton, you must visit Monaco – a hub for the rich! It’s famous for its fascinating Monte Carlo Casino and iconic for the Grand Prix, a Formula 1 motor racing event. Monaco has a port, beaches, and renowned shopping and dining like other villages along the French Riviera.

In the late afternoon, visit the village of Villefranche-Sur-Mer. It’s one of the most charming seaside villages along the French Riviera with a beach, wine bars and quaint narrow streets to wander through.

Other great coastal towns and villages to visit during a French Riviera trip are Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze, St. Tropez, Cannes and Antibes. Most of these towns and villages have a picturesque Old Town, beach clubs and wonderful restaurants.

Day 14: Concluding the Road Trip – Traveling Home from the French Riviera

When it comes time to conclude your Barcelona and French Riviera road trip, the best airport to depart from is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

If you wish to continue your trip, I suggest heading into Italy and visiting the Italian Riviera, like Cinque Terre, or discovering the Italian region of Piedmont. You can also head north and discover the Burgundy wine region.

Plan Your Barcelona and French Riviera Itinerary for this Summer!

Looking for other destinations to visit after your road trip? Check out the below spots!

Madrid, Spain

Milan, Italy

Alsace, France

I hope you enjoyed following this Barcelona and French Riviera road trip itinerary. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

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Basic Facts of Spain, Andorra and France:

Spain – Currency: Euro, Capital: Madrid, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

Andorra – Currency: Euro, Capital: Andorra La Vella, Time Zone: Central European Time

France – Currency: Euro, Capital: Paris, Time Zone: Central European Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

In addition, great and secure luggage storage to utilize during your summer Europe trip is Nannybag! It is easy to use; all you do is download the Nannybag app, and type in the city that you will be visiting and when you plan to arrive and depart. At a small cost per luggage, Nannybag will list the stores, restaurants or hotels where you could drop your bag off at the city you are visiting.

Nannybag is also insured against theft, loss and breakage. It’s a convenient way to store your bags when you are traveling from one city to the next in Europe.

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