The best of three worlds┃Round trips Southern Europe┃Caractère

Route

A road trip through three countries. You start in southern France around Toulouse with excursions to Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel. You then cross the Pyrenees into Andorra. The journey ends in Catalonia with Girona and the Dalí Triangle of Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol.

Pace

A relaxed pace with three bases. You stay three nights in each region: first in the Midi-Pyrénées, then in Andorra and finally in Catalonia.

Highlights

Toulouse and the Canal du Midi, the UNESCO city of Albi and the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel. The mountain landscapes and natural parks of Andorra. Girona and the Dalí Triangle with Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol.

Accommodation

Three characterful Caractère hotels: in southern France, in the mountains of Andorra and on the Catalan coast.

Profile

For travellers who enjoy discovering several regions in one trip. You travel from southern France through the Pyrenees to Catalonia and stay several nights in each place.

DAY 1: Departure to Midi-Pyrénées

Your round trip starts in the Midi-Pyrénées. You can fly to Toulouse by plane or travel by car yourself. You will spend three nights here in a Caractère hotel.

DAY 2: Toulouse

Today you will visit the university city of Toulouse, also known as "La Ville Rose". Discover ancient bridges across the Garonne, the most beautiful Romanesque church in southern France and the plane tree-lined avenues along Canal du Midi. End your day with a delicious wine tasting at one of the several wine estates nearby.

DAY 3: Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel

The first stop of the day is the lively city of Albi, a remarkable Unesco World Heritage Site. Wander through the medieval centre filled with cobbled streets and beautiful cathedrals such as Cathedral Sainte-Cécile, one of the biggest stone buildings in Europe. Then drive further to Cordes-sur-Ciel, a beautiful medieval village surrounded by stunning countryside.

DAY 4: Andorra

You will continue your drive towards Andorra where you will stay at a Caractère hotel for three nights. Today you will go on a long hike in the Sorteny Valley Natural Park, one of Andorra's most extraordinary natural environments. The park covers more than 1000 hectares, in which you will discover diverse fauna and flora. Your day will end with a gourmet dinner at the hotel.

DAY 5: Andorra la Vella

The capital, Andorra la Vella, is a real shopping paradise as you can shop tax-free here. Apart from that, you will also stroll through the cosy streets of the historic centre. After exploring the city, head to Andorra's most beautiful spa with pools, jacuzzis, jets and much more.

DAY 6: Naturland

Those looking for nature and adventure can visit Naturland. Enjoy activities like the zip line, archery or the breathtaking Tobotronc, the longest toboggan run in nature. Another option is to take one of Andorra's many hiking trails where you will experience breathtaking landscapes.

DAY 7: Catalonia

The round trip continues to the last region you will explore, Catalonia. Here you will stay three nights at one of our Caractère hotels. Enjoy a day at the beach or go on a sailing trip. Prefer a more sporty option? Then go for a bike ride in one of the beautiful natural parks nearby.

DAY 8: Girona

Today you will explore the Catalan city of Girona, a city full of ancient narrow alleys, fascinating museums and historic churches and monasteries. Stroll through the old city centre and behold Europe's best-kept secret, its Jewish quarter. Besides the impressive cathedral, you can also visit a bath complex from 1194, a copy of traditional Muslim bathhouses. Furthermore, you can also shop in the shopping centre or enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the gourmet restaurants.

DAY 9: The Dalinian Triangle

The three towns of Figueres, Púbol and Portlligat are also known as the Dalinian Triangle. Your first stop is Figueres where you will visit the Dalí museum. Then drive on to Portlligat where Dalí converted a row of fishermen's houses into a single dwelling and lived for almost 50 years. After visiting the house, you can go for a walk to one of the nearby pretty coastal villages. The last stop is in Púbol. In this pretty little village, Dalí once bought a castle for his muse Gala. Here you can discover beautiful murals, the many 'trompe l'oeil', works and personal belongings of Dalí and Gala. To conclude your visit, take a stroll through the small Spanish village of Púbol before returning to the hotel.

DAY 10: Return home

After an extraordinary round trip through France, Andorra and Spain, you will return home with a backpack full of fond memories.

Frequently asked questions about this trip

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes. The route passes through three countries and several regions. A car makes it easy to travel between Toulouse, Andorra and Catalonia.

What is the best time for this trip?

March to October is ideal. Temperatures are pleasant for city visits, walks in the Pyrenees and trips along the coast.

What makes this trip special?

This journey takes you through three different regions: the cities and vineyards of southern France, the mountain landscapes of Andorra and the art and coastline of Catalonia.