5-Day Road Trip in Spain, and France from Barcelona to Carcassonne

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Spain, and France begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Barcelona in Spain. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Barcelona for 2 nights.

Catch an early flight to Spain to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Barcelona before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated urban park and attraction in Barcelona — Parc de la Ciutadella. About 68,100 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Barcelona. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Barcelona boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Spain.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Barcelona by reserving a table at Lasarte. Known for its 3-star Michelin reputation, Lasarte captivates its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to ABaC, renowned for its delectable creative dishes. This distinguished 3-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Cocina Hermanos Torres, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative menu. With a 3-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Barcelona.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Bobby's Free offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Barcelona. Torre Rosa is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Your multi-country road trip in Spain, and France has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Barcelona. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

A tour of Barcelona is not complete without a visit to the famous Park Güell. This incredible sculpture garden and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 181,403 travelers.

Make the most of your Barcelona travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Sagrada Família. This minor basilica and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 226,955 travelers and gets around 4,527,427 annual visits.

You can then move on to the incredible La Pedrera for an experience worth remembering. This local monument and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,188 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This amazing site is a wonderful fountain with more than 85,986 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Barcelona boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Spain.

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at ARTiSA Barcelona, an iconic dining spot in Barcelona. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant El Foro, a popular restaurant in Barcelona. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Braseria La Selva Barcelona, a hidden gem nestled in Barcelona. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Dr Stravinsky offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, El Xampanyet is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

Celebrate day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Spain, and France. Today's main destinations are Barcelona in Spain, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Carcassonne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Something that makes Barcelona the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding sightseeing destination, Mercado de La Boqueria. This local gem has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 160,835 visitors.

The famous Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Barcelona's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 62,263 travelers have rated this incredible catholic cathedral and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Barcelona is also home to the extraordinary Palau de la Música Catalana, which boasts a 4.7 out of 5 star rating in 40,217 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Arc de Triomf. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 77,887 reviews, a visit to this wonderful triumphal arch and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Barcelona and set your GPS to Carcassonne, France. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 3 hours 3 min. Upon reaching Carcassonne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Carcassonne of your choice.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Carcassonne. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Spain, and France.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

Take in the ambiance of Carcassonne as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Carcassonne in France. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Barcelona, your home for 1 night.

A tour of Carcassonne is not complete without a visit to the famous Château Comtal. This incredible castle and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,823 travelers.

Make the most of your Carcassonne travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Cité de Carcassonne. This fortress and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Narbonne.

A tour of Narbonne is not complete without a visit to the famous Réserve Africaine de Sigean. This incredible zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 18,879 travelers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Leucate-Plage, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Barcelona, Spain. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Spain. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 41 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Something that makes Leucate-Plage the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, Phare du Cap Leucate. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,241 visitors.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Barcelona. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Barcelona's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Spain to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Barcelona has them.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at CocoVail Beer Hall - Craft Beer Barcelona, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? El Nacional offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ciutat Comtal. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Barcelona.

As the night falls in Barcelona, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Barcelona before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Spain, and France. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

Plaça de Catalunya is a travelers’ favorite in Barcelona, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 175,036 visitors.

Get a last taste of Spain’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Barcelona and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Spain, and France.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Antigua, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

The time has come to say farewell to Barcelona for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Spain, and France with fond memories. Safe travels!