Spain and France Tours and Trips

Get the best of two iconic countries by combining your tour to France with a Spain tour. Visit both renowned capital cities, Paris and Madrid, with stops on the way at Bordeaux, Narbonne, Barcelona, Seville, and many other picturesque locations. Or, for a shorter break, trip from the scenic wine regions of Bordeaux in the south of France, to the vibrant cultural port of Bilbao in Spain, home to the infamous Guggenheim museum. Adventure seekers can trek the Pyrenees, the natural mountainous border between these two countries, and even stop off in the small state of Andorra on the way through.

Southern France and Northern Spain are also home to the Basque region, a unique area rich in ancient history and culture. Starting from Bayonne, make your way across the Pyrenees to Pamplona, then through San Sebastian, and on to Bilbao as your final destination.

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• High season: Mid-June to end of August
• Good season: May to end of September
• Popular starting destinations: Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Bordeaux.

Getting to either France or Spain to start your tour is rather easy, with many options available in terms of activities and transportation methods. Keep reading to get the full overview.

Getting to your starting destination for a France and Spain tour is simple, especially if you are traveling to Paris or Madrid to start your journey. Both capital cities have international airports with several modes of onward travel. For other starting destinations, you may need to take a connecting flight to a regional airport, such as Bordeaux, Bilbao, or Barcelona.

Alternatively, using the rail networks of both countries can easily link you with your starting destination. A Eurail pass will be your friend throughout your trip to Spain and France. For more relaxed slower-paced travel, rent a car to take things at your own pace on Spain and France’s scenic highways.

The best time for a Spain and France tour is in the late spring to summer months, anywhere from May until the end of September, when the weather is at its best. However, is also the peak season so those looking to avoid crowds might consider shoulder season or off-season instead.

For a seasonal guide, check out our article on the best time to visit France. Read our article and learn the month-wise information about the best time to go to Spain.

• Explore the ancient beauty of the Basque country and take in the unique culture in locations across Southern France and Northern Spain such as Bayonne, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Bilbao, and San Sebastian. Top attractions include La Concha Beach, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and the Bodegas Solar de Samaniego.
• Take a sip of the very best wine of Spain and France by visiting vineyards and wineries in the famous regions of Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Bordeaux, and Loire.
• Go on a cultural journey and head to famous institutions such as the Louvre in Paris, and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and learn about the stunning architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona.
• Discover the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees, the natural border between France and Spain. Enjoy skiing in the winter months, or take a hike in warmer weather and be rewarded with spectacular views.
• Have the perfect mix of countryside and coastline on tours of Southern France and Northern Spain with the rolling hills of Provence, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, and Perpignan, and the seaside views of Santander, Gaztelugatxe, and La Rochelle.

• Take advantage of the Eurail Pass to travel through both Spain and France by train. Not only can you travel on the rail networks in both countries, but 33 other countries as well. Note that a Eurail Pass can only be used by non-European citizens or non-European residents. European citizens can use an Interrail Pass instead for the same price.
• Smaller establishments in quieter or more rural towns and cities in France and Spain may not be able to take credit cards. Thankfully, both countries use the Euro so you don't need to carry two currencies with you!
• Pack an adapter or converter for Europe for your cell phone, tablet, laptop, or other plug-ins. Don’t forget many countries have different size plugs and voltage. Europe runs on 220 volts (as compared to 110 volts in North America) and you might need an adapter for wall plugs.