TGV Duplex high-speed train

[denso13]

Lovely part of the world and as you aren't travelling widely in Spain the train is doable. The trip can be part of the holiday itself, if you have the time to enjoy it properly

Cost is obviously a factor. See what train vs plane comes to.

 

[Nwgs2]

The trip can be part of the holiday itself,

That’s her plan.

There’s not much in it cost wise. And she wants a night in Paris, so we’ll see.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

It’s getting a bit complicated now. A plane sounds appealing once again.

Depends on whether you want to arrive quickly or savour the trip.

A night (or 2) stop in paris. Easy to get between stations if not running against the clock.

I'd also consider breaking the trip from Paris to Barcelona too for another overnight or 2 and the same on return.

How long are you allowing, how long do you want at the destination are the real questions

Edited to add. The train will be a lot more comfortable and enjoyable than cattle class on a plane.

Seat61 website is good for train advice in Europe

 

[Nwgs2]

Depends on whether you want to arrive quickly or savour the trip.

A night (or 2) stop in paris. Easy to get between stations if not running against the clock.

I'd also consider breaking the trip from Paris to Barcelona too for another overnight or 2 and the same on return.

How long are you allowing, how long do you want at the destination are the real questions

Edited to add. The train will be a lot more comfortable and enjoyable than cattle class on a plane.

Seat61 website is good for train advice in Europe

9 days in total. A few days in San Sebastian will be ok for us.

I agree about the train being a better travel experience. I’m sick of Ryan air etc.

So 2-3 days of travel won’t be an issue. I’d like a chilled journey and avoiding an airport would be nice for once.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Break the trip and the hassle then by overnight in paris.

Work out where you want to leave Paris from. There's some good hotels (not overly expendive) near most of the stations, and they will organise taxis for your trip to next station. Generally at a better price than you will get "on the street"

 

[blup]

It’s getting a bit complicated now. A plane sounds appealing once again.

Train there, plane back, but how doable that is cost wise I don't know

 

[Nwgs2]

Train there, plane back, but how doable that is cost wise I don't know

That’s a good idea. Cheers

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Train there, plane back, but how doable that is cost wise I don't know

If I was considering that I'd do it the other way round. Fly out, train back.

Coming back, home, is always the worst part (the excitement and fun is over), so making the most of the return trip just leaves a fresher memory and experience.

But whilst I use planes as I need, they are just a method of transport, very little enjoyment. Slower, relaxed and scenic travelling for me whenever possible.

 

[Nwgs2]

If I was considering that I'd do it the other way round. Fly out, train back.

Coming back, home, is always the worst part (the excitement and fun is over), so making the most of the return trip just leaves a fresher memory and experience.

But whilst I use planes as I need, they are just a method of transport, very little enjoyment. Slower, relaxed and scenic travelling for me whenever possible.

Yeah that’s another good idea!

I’ll talk it over with the Mrs when she’s home later.

 

[motorbiking]

Have you done Paris before? It’s not really on par with its reputation. I can think of a dozen nicer places in france without much effort.

The other option is the overnight ferry

 

[Brigadier]

Have you done Paris before? It’s not really on par with its reputation. I can think of a dozen nicer places in france without much effort

It's the OP's missus that you have to sell the "Anywhere but Paris" plan to

 

[carmanmemoranda]

It's the OP's missus that you have to sell the "Anywhere but Paris" plan to

Paris is 1 of those places that has to be visited. Not necessarily re visited.

 

[motorbiking]

I’m probably bias because I’m there so much.

If you want some fancy food then it’s great but all the sights. Are so spread out, it’s hard not to spend your time on the metro.

 

[Nwgs2]

Paris is 1 of those places that has to be visited. Not necessarily re visited.

This!

 

[Nwgs2]

I’m probably bias because I’m there so much.

If you want some fancy food then it’s great but all the sights. Are so spread out, it’s hard not to spend your time on the metro.

As above the Mrs is in charge of this one. A Paris visit is a given, unfortunately. I don’t fancy it and never have. But I can put up with it and might find a little bar

@carmanmemoranda Your idea is the favourite at the min.

I think a chilled journey home will make a nice change from the sardine tin experience we normally enjoy!