Languedoc has nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, a glittering coastline and is steeped in history stretching back 2000 years. With the France ‘n Spain Railpass, you can easily take in Languedoc’s highlights. Besides Carcasonne, there is dynamic Perpignan, the heart of French Catalonia,  Nîmes with its Roman amphitheater, and elegant 18th century Montpellier. Hiking, fishing, spelunking, spa visits, wine tasting, sailing, golf, and of course, dining are the pleasures of this region. Here too you can, as I did, take a barge ride on the Canal du Midi. Floating down this green, narrow, 17th century  waterway relaxes all the senses. On the tree-lined banks you see painters with their easels, picnickers, and bicyclists. You wave to them and to the other happy folks on passing barges. On the Canal du Midi the world slows and seems right again. 

On my journey back to Barcelona,  I stopped overnight at the celebrated village of Collioure where Picasso and Matisse lived and founded the expressionistic art movement known as the Fauves. Collioure perches right on the French/Spanish frontier. It’s a hilly, rainbow-hued seaport of immense charm. The steep cobblestone streets, colorful fishing boats, and bright houses cast a Mexico-like spell.  In Collioure you can sit outside in a café, listen to the waves and eat mussels steamed in tomato sauce, the Languedoc fish stew known as bourride and the  town’s specialty—Anchois de Collioure— anchovies with chopped garlic, hard boiled egg, grilled sweet peppers and parsley. The waiters speak Spanish, the shopkeepers sell espadrilles and paella pans, and the locals enjoy  late afternoon bullfights. Collioure is Catalan France at its best. 

Back in Barcelona I succumbed to its Modernista architecture and energetic street life. Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca wrote that Spain is so vibrant that Spain’s dead are more alive than the dead of any other country. This vibrancy is certainly true in the exciting Catalan capital of Barcelona, the perfect place not to wind down, but to cap my rail trip through French and Spanish Catalonia.

Practical Information

As the France'n Spain Railpass is so flexible, I could just as easily have ventured south to Madrid, east to Provence and the Riviera or north to  Paris. Today, there is no longer just one Eurail Pass but a smorgasbord of rail passes versatile enough to suit any itinerary and budget. 

Purchasing Tickets

You must purchase a France'n Spain Railpass in the United States or Canada before you leave for Europe. You can use it either consecutively or non-consecutively and you can purchase 4 to 10 days unlimited train travel in a 2 month period. If you’re traveling in a group of two or more people (and who doesn’t?) the savings advantage is significant. If you’re in a group of 4 or more, the savings are even better. The France ’n Spain Railpass is also available as a youth pass with an additional discount if you’re under 26. You have a choice of first or second class travel.  In truth, there’s not much difference between the two classes. You’ll find buffet cars on the train with hot and cold meals available to both classes. First class is a bit less crowded and the seats more  plush. Here’s an example of the pricing: 

Regular France ’n Spain Railpass
Any 4 days in 2 months 
First class Adult: $292.00
Second class Adult $ 252.00

France ’n Spain Saver Pass
Any 4 days in 2 months traveling in a group of 2 to 4 people 
First Class Adult: $248.00
Second Class Adult: $214.00

To find out about France ’n Spain Youth Pass and other discounts or further information, contact Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 or go to www.raileurope.com which contains a wealth of information including great maps of all the rail routes. 

Destination information
Spain: www.spain.info or www.okspain.org. You can also call the tourist offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Miami.
France: www.franceguide.com or call (410) 286 8310