France and Spain are among the most visited countries in Europe and are particularly popular for city trips. However, the countries also have an often-overlooked potential for unforgettable road trips. A road trip from Montpellier to Barcelona is among the best of them, as this journey along the Mediterranean coast seamlessly combines bustling cities, medieval towns steeped in history, and beautiful coastal views.
Based on her own adventures, Maerle from Travel to Catalonia has put together the ideal Montpellier to Barcelona road trip itinerary that highlights the culture, history, and natural beauty of Southern France and Spain’s Catalonia. So, get ready for this great Southern European road trip that combines cultural discovery and outdoor adventures, and explore one of the continent’s most captivating regions.
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Overview: Montpellier to Barcelona Itinerary
Have you already read this Mediterranean coast road trip itinerary and want to book your trip now? Then this overview is exactly what you need!
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Day 1: Montpellier
Where to stay: Hôtel du Parc (1 night)
Day 2 & 3: Béziers & Narbonne + Gruissan Day Trip
Where to stay: Hôtel Le Mosaïque (2 nights)
Day 5 & 6: Collioure
Where to stay: Hôtel La Casa Pairal (2 nights)
Day 7: Cadaqués
Where to stay: Hotel Playa Sol (1 night)
Day 8 & 9: Girona
Where to stay: Hotel Nord 1901 (2 nights)
Day 10 & Day 11 (onwards): Tossa de Mar & Barcelona
Where to stay: Casa Bonay
Montpellier to Barcelona Road Trip
This Montpellier to Barcelona road trip itinerary takes you to my favorite stops along the Mediterranean Sea. The driving distance is about 500 kilometers, which would take you about 8.5 hours in total without additional stops.
This means you can drive from Montpellier to Barcelona in one day only, but you would miss out on many worthwhile stops along the way. It is set up as a 11-day itinerary, but if you prefer travel slower or have less time, you can adjust it according to your preferences and needs.
Day 1 – Montpellier
Montpellier has an international airport (MPL) and is well connected by train, so it is easy to get there ahead of your road trip.
No road trip from Montpellier to Barcelona would be complete without actually exploring Montpellier, so you’ll spend your first day exploring the lively, medieval city. Spend your day walking around the Écusson, Montpellier’s historic city center, and soak in the atmosphere. The must-sees in this area are Promenade du Peyrou, the aqueduct of Saint-Clément and the Cour d’Appel de Montpellier, which are all quite close to each other.
Additionally, you’ll encounter a lot of street art and lively squares such as Place Jean Jaures and Place de la Comédie. If you need a break during the day, there are loads of nice places to eat or have a drink on one of the terraces.
Where to stay in Montpellier
Hôtel du Parc is a lovely place to stay while in Montpellier. It is located close to the old town and also offers parking.
Day 2 – Béziers & Narbonne
Distance from Montpellier to Béziers: 73 km – Driving Time: 1:15 h
If you haven’t already done so, it is time to pick up your rental car early in the morning and start driving towards the small city of Béziers. The medieval city center of Béziers is gorgeous and you’ll want to wander around the narrow streets for a while.
One of the highlights of this city is the Cathedral of Saint-Nazaire. Also, don’t miss Pont Vieux and make sure to cross the river for incredible views of this old bridge and the cathedral.
If you like cycling and want to spend more time in and around Béziers, you could also rent a bike and cycle along Canal du Midi for as long as you want. Relax Bike Tours is located in the city center and a great place to rent a bike.
On the way between Montpellier and Beziers you can make an optional stop in Sète, which is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Languedoc’.
Distance from Béziers to Narbonne: 35 km – Driving Time: 0:36 h
After spending a few hours in Béziers your road trip continues south along the coast to Narbonne. The city of Narbonne offers a mix of history and Southern French charm, and I loved the atmosphere.
The cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur is a must visit and close to it, you’ll find Place de l’Hotel de Ville with its impressive Palais-Musée des Archevêques (Archbishop’s Palace). It’s open to visitors if you’re interested in discovering it further. One of this palace’s keeps offers a panoramic view of Narbonne. Next, you can walk to Canal de la Robine for a boat trip or just admire Pont des Marchands. I also liked the Les Halles market hall for buying local fruits and cheeses.
Where to stay in Narbonne
Hôtel Le Mosaïque is a great choice when you’re in Narbonne. The building is beautiful, the rooms are very comfortable, and the hotel restaurant serves delicious breakfast and dinner.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Gruissan & Gruissan Plage
Distance from Narbonne to Gruissan: 15 km – Driving Time: 0:22 h
Instead of moving on to the next location, the third day has you do a relaxed day trip to Gruissan, an old fishing village. Here, you can stroll around the streets and climb the steps toward Tour Barberousse. The view from the ruins of the tower is amazing. After getting back to the center, it’s a good time to stop for a coffee.
After this, it’s lovely to spend some time at the beach at Gruissan Plage. You can relax, and if the weather permits, go for a swim. When you’re there, check out Plage des Chalets, which is the most iconic beach in the area. It’s famous for its wooden chalets on stilts, which sit right on the beach.
Return to Narbonne in the late afternoon, so you can spend some more time in the city or head straight back to your hotel to freshen up before going out for dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 4 – Perpignan
Distance from Narbonne to Perpignan: 66 km – Driving Time: 0:55 h
Day four sees you heading towards Perpignan, the last major French city you will be visiting during your road trip. Given the proximity to the Spanish border and a history of being under Catalan rule, many things in the city are reflect a blend of French and Spanish influences.
While Perpignan isn’t a particularly large, it’s great for wandering around for a few hours. The city has some incredible highlights that are worth a visit, and I particularly loved the Palais des Rois de Majorque, which is a 13th-century Gothic-style palace. The palace is beautifully intact and offers the most amazing views of the city.
The old city gate Le Castillet is the only remaining part of Perpignan’s city wall and is a nice stop as well. It now houses a museum. Close by you’ll find loads of nice terraces for lunch or a drink.
Other places to see include Mairie de Perpiginan with its patio and the ornately decorated Wedding Hall, and the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Where to stay in Perpignan
I can recommend Dali Hôtel when staying in Perpignan. The rooms are comfortable and nicely decorated and the hotel serves an excellent breakfast. There’s a nice rooftop terrace too for some relaxation time.
Day 5 & 6 – Collioure
Distance Perpignan to Collioure: 28 km – Driving Time: 0:27 h
On the fifth day you’ll continue your road trip along the French coast towards Collioure. This colorful coastal town is known for its charming old center and the incredible beaches nearby.
The 13th century Château Royal de Collioure is the main highlight in this town, but this doesn’t mean it’s the only thing to do. With its cobblestone streets, great restaurants and bars, and art galleries, Collioure is a place that makes you want to stay longer.
As you have two days in Collioure, you can spend the first day leisurely strolling through the streets of the historic center and taking in the unique atmosphere of the French Catalan region.
Your second day in Collioure marks the midway point of your road trip from Montpellier to Barcelona, and ideally, you’ll want to use this day to relax ahead of the second leg of your trip.
Spend the day checking out the art galleries in the center, having a long lunch, and relaxing at the beach in the afternoon. Alternatively you can also visit a local vineyard and do a wine tasting.
Where to stay in Collioure
Hôtel La Casa Pairal is a beautiful hotel which is centrally located, which makes it very convenient if you want to stay for a few days. The hosts are very welcoming and there’s a lovely garden which you can enjoy during your stay.
Day 7 – Cadaqués
Distance from Collioure to Cadaqués: 60 km – Driving Time: 1:40 h
After spending the night in the beautiful French coastal town of Collioure, it’s time to cross the border and discover Cadaqués, one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia. This whitewashed coastal town is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets and was once considered the artists capital of Spain. It is closely linked to Salvador Dalí, who lived in nearby Port Lligat and was inspired by the surrounding landscapes.
If you love spending time in nature, I recommend visiting Cap de Creus Natural Park, where you have excellent hiking trails with sea views. Alternatively, you can also do a boat tour to the national park during which you can take in the panoramic views of the coastline from the sea and snorkel in the crystal-clear water.
Where to stay in Cadaqués
Hotel Playa Sol is beautifully located along the beach in Cadaqués. Some rooms have balconies with sea views, and it’s definitely worth booking one if available. The hotel also has a nice pool area.
Day 8 & 9 – Girona
Distance from Cadaqués to Girona: 76 km – Driving Time: 1:25 h
On day eight of your Montpellier to Barcelona road trip, the route continues further inland to Girona, one of Catalonia’s most beautiful historic cities. Ensure you arrive in the morning, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend in the city and can explore its sights.
Wandering around the small alleys in the Jewish Quarter is one of my favorite things to do in Girona. If you want to learn more about the city’s Jewish history this guided tour that includes a visit to the Museu d’Història dels Jueus is the ideal option for you.
The views on the colorful houses along the river are worth your time, be sure to walk along the river. The Eiffel Bridge (Pont de Ferro), designed by Gustave Eiffel, is one of the best vantage points. Other highlights of Girona that are not to be missed are the historic city walls, the Cathedral de Santa Maria and Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants.
The following day, you can either visit more places in the city like the Arab Baths and the Archeological Museum, or head to the Mediterranean Sea where some of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Costa Brava like Calella de Palafrugell await you.
Alternatively, you could also do a day trip to a waterfall in the Pyrenees Mountains, do a wine tasting, or explore a volcanic crater and the Banyoles Lake.
Where to stay in Girona
Hotel Nord 1901 is a great place to stay in Girona and in an ideal location close to the old city center. The rooms are very comfortable and if you want, you can relax in the pool.
Day 10 & 11 – Tossa de Mar & Barcelona
Distance from Girona to Tossa de Mar: 38 km – Driving Time: 0:50 h
Before driving to Barcelona, it is time for one final stop along the way. Tossa de Mar is a lovely coastal village with an old castle, and you’ll want to spend a few hours here. If you want a touch of history, you should visit the castle and the Roman ruins of Villa Els Ametllers, before eating lunch at the seaside.
Afterward, you can either do a short hike along Camí de Ronda so you can take in scenic coastal views or start driving to Barcelona in order to have more time in the city.
Distance from Tossa de Mar to Barcelona: 86 km – Driving Time: 1:30 h
If you only spend a few hours in Tossa de Mar and arrive in Barcelona in the early afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the old neighborhoods of Barri Gòtic and El Born. Spend the afternoon strolling through the narrow streets and taking in the medieval charm before ending the day with a lovely tapas dinner.
In case you finish dinner early for Spanish standards, you should consider heading to the Font Magica (Magic Fountain) in the Montjuïc neighborhood to see the free 1-hour-long public light show.
The final day of this itinerary has you spending a full day in Barcelona, and you’ll want to get up early to see as much as possible. If you are here for one day only, make sure to visit the most impressive site in Barcelona, the Sagrada Before it is time to head to the final destination of your road trip, it is time for one final stop along the way.
Tossa de Mar is a lovely coastal village with an old castle, and you’ll want to spend a few hours here. If you want a touch of history, you should visit the castle and the Roman ruins of Villa Els Ametllers, before eating lunch at the seaside.
Afterward, you can either do a short hike along Camí de Ronda so you can take in scenic coastal views or start driving to Barcelona in order to have more time in the city. Be sure to book your entry ticket ahead of time, as they sell out fast. After all, it would be a shame to only see the exterior and not get to see how the colorful windows illuminate the interior of the basilica.
Afterward, continue your day in the Gracia neighborhood, where you can look around local shops, sit down for some drinks or have lunch at one of the squares. Explore Park Güell and then walk back along Passeig de Gracia to see Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, two houses that were designed by Gaudí.
If you have more time, I highly recommend spending more time in Barcelona. You can easily spend 3 days in this incredible city.
Where to stay in Barcelona
I recommend staying at Casa Bonay, which is a very cute hotel with a lovely rooftop and spa facilities. The location is very central, making it an excellent base for exploring the city at the end of your Montpellier to Barcelona road trip.
How to get from Montpellier to Barcelona?
By Car
A rental car is the most convenient and flexible way to discover the destinations on this road trip between Montpellier and Barcelona. In both cities you’ll find the big international car rental companies, so you can easily opt for a one-way rental and don’t have to drive back to the pickup location.
When you reserve your hotels, it’s best to look for accommodations with free parking options. Otherwise, you can expect to pay a lot of money for parking – especially in the bigger cities.
Also keep in mind that this route between Montpellier and Barcelona takes you along some highways with tolls. You can take the smaller roads to avoid paying tolls, but this will take considerably more time.
Traveling from Montpellier to Barcelona by car means you’ll have to cross the border between France and Spain. Since both countries are part of the Schengen area, you shouldn’t expect any difficulties or checks when crossing the border.
Can you do this Montpellier to Barcelona Road Trip By Public Transport?
If it’s not an option for you to do this road trip by car, you could travel by bus and train. Most of the stops have train stations, so you would still be able to easily visit most places on this road trip itinerary.
The only places that will be a bit more difficult to reach are Gruissan, Cadaqués and Tossa de Mar. These three stops are reachable by bus, but not by train and if you want to visit them, you first have to travel to a nearby bigger city from where you can take a bus. Therefore, your travel time will be longer and of course, you are also limited to the bus schedule. Be sure to check the exact departure times ahead of time.
What is the best time for a Montpellier to Barcelona road trip?
I recommend going on this Montpellier to Barcelona road trip in spring (April till June) or autumn (September and October) as the temperature is ideal for sightseeing and places are less crowded.
If you are a true sunseeker and would like to spend more time at the beach, the summer months are also a great option. However, you should expect more people and higher accommodation prices during July and August.
Why do a Road Trip from Montpellier to Barcelona?
A road trip from Montpellier to Barcelona is one of the best ways to experience both the South of France and the northeastern part of Spain in one trip. Each stop in this itinerary has its own character, and it’s worth taking the time to explore them beyond the main highlights. Whether you do this by having a long lunch in Collioure, a beach walk in Gruissan, or simply getting lost in the old streets of Girona.
More about Europe
If plan to explore Europe, you might also be interested in these articles:
Weekend Getaways in Spain
Things to Do in Gran Canaria
Is there anything else you want to know about this MOntpellier to Barcelona Road Trip Itinerary?
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Maerle
Maerle is a travel writer from the Netherlands who has been living in Catalonia since 2016. She is a passionate traveler and has spent years exploring both Spain and the South of France. On her website Traveltocatalonia.com, she shares personal travel guides and local tips about her favorite places in Catalonia.
