Motorbike Route through the Costa Brava and Southern France: 5 Days of Adventure from Barcelona
5 Days of Adventure
If you enjoy motorbike routes that combine the coast, mountains, and a touch of French culture, I propose a 5-day route from Barcelona, traveling through the Costa Brava and into southern France. Along the way, you’ll visit charming coastal towns, enjoy spectacular Mediterranean views, and discover historical sites along the border.
Key points
- Day 1: Barcelona - Tossa de Mar (95 km)
- Day 2: Tossa de Mar - Cadaqués (125 km)
- Day 3: Cadaqués - Collioure, France (75 km)
- Day 4: Collioure - Carcassonne (160 km)
- Day 5: Carcassonne - Perpignan - Barcelona (295 km)
Day 1: Barcelona - Tossa de Mar (95 km)
We depart from Barcelona towards one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar. The journey is about 95 km and takes you along the C-32 and then the GI-682, a coastal road with stunning views. This route is known for its curves and coastal landscapes, perfect for an exciting motorbike experience.
Tossa de Mar:This charming medieval town is famous for its Vila Vella (walled old town) and its beautiful beaches. Stroll through its narrow streets and climb up to the castle to enjoy spectacular sea views.
Where to eat: Can Carlus: A traditional restaurant where you can enjoy rice dishes and fresh seafood from the area.
Tossa de Mar:This charming medieval town is famous for its Vila Vella (walled old town) and its beautiful beaches. Stroll through its narrow streets and climb up to the castle to enjoy spectacular sea views.
Where to eat: Can Carlus: A traditional restaurant where you can enjoy rice dishes and fresh seafood from the area.
Day 2: Tossa de Mar - Cadaqués (125 km)
On this stage, we continue heading up the Costa Brava to Cadaqués, about 125 km from Tossa de Mar. We’ll pass through Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Palamós, and Roses, following the GI-682 and then the C-31. The journey offers incredible sea views and charming coastal towns.
Cadaqués:This town is known for being a retreat for artists like Salvador Dalí. Here you can stroll through the old town, enjoy its crystal-clear beaches, and visit the Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, just a few minutes by bike.
Where to eat: Es Balcó de Cadaqués: Offers Mediterranean cuisine with fresh fish and spectacular views of the bay.
Cadaqués:This town is known for being a retreat for artists like Salvador Dalí. Here you can stroll through the old town, enjoy its crystal-clear beaches, and visit the Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, just a few minutes by bike.
Where to eat: Es Balcó de Cadaqués: Offers Mediterranean cuisine with fresh fish and spectacular views of the bay.
Day 3: Cadaqués - Collioure, France (75 km)
We leave Spain behind and head into southern France, with the destination being Collioure, about 75 km from Cadaqués. The route continues along the coast, passing through Portbou and crossing the Franco-Spanish border. We take the N-260 and then the D914 in France, a road filled with exciting curves and panoramic views.
Collioure:A charming coastal town with a rich history. It’s known for its medieval fortress, the Château Royal de Collioure, and its artistic legacy, having been a retreat for painters like Henri Matisse. Wander through its colorful streets and visit the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, which seems to float over the sea.
Where to eat: Le Neptune: A seaside restaurant offering seafood specialties with a French twist. Perfect for trying bouillabaisse (fish soup).
Collioure:A charming coastal town with a rich history. It’s known for its medieval fortress, the Château Royal de Collioure, and its artistic legacy, having been a retreat for painters like Henri Matisse. Wander through its colorful streets and visit the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, which seems to float over the sea.
Where to eat: Le Neptune: A seaside restaurant offering seafood specialties with a French twist. Perfect for trying bouillabaisse (fish soup).
Day 4: Collioure - Carcassonne (160 km)
We continue the adventure inland towards the famous medieval city of Carcassonne, about 160 km away. We take the D914 to Perpignan, and then follow the A9 and A61 north. This leg is a bit longer but offers mountainous landscapes and vineyards along the way.
Carcassonne:The Cité de Carcassonne is a fortified medieval city that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Walk along its impressive walls, visit the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. This UNESCO World Heritage site is truly unparalleled in beauty.
Where to eat: Le Comte Roger: A restaurant within the citadel where you can try the region’s typical dish, cassoulet (a bean stew with duck and sausages).
Carcassonne:The Cité de Carcassonne is a fortified medieval city that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Walk along its impressive walls, visit the Château Comtal and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. This UNESCO World Heritage site is truly unparalleled in beauty.
Where to eat: Le Comte Roger: A restaurant within the citadel where you can try the region’s typical dish, cassoulet (a bean stew with duck and sausages).
Day 5: Carcassonne - Perpignan - Barcelona (295 km)
The last day takes us back to Barcelona, with a stop in Perpignan, about 90 km from Carcassonne. From Perpignan, we take the A9 and cross the border again to return to Barcelona. The entire journey is about 295 km.
Perpignan:Although it’s a French city, it has strong Catalan influence. You can visit the Palais des Rois de Majorque and the Castillet, ancient symbols of the city. Its historic center has a delightful Mediterranean vibe.
Return to Barcelona:After enjoying the architecture and history of Perpignan, we continue to Barcelona, where you can end the route by exploring areas you may have missed earlier, such as Port Olímpic or El Borne.
Where to eat in Barcelona: Can Solé (in Port Olímpic): A restaurant with over 100 years of history, specializing in rice dishes and seafood, ideal for wrapping up the adventure with a good meal.
Perpignan:Although it’s a French city, it has strong Catalan influence. You can visit the Palais des Rois de Majorque and the Castillet, ancient symbols of the city. Its historic center has a delightful Mediterranean vibe.
Return to Barcelona:After enjoying the architecture and history of Perpignan, we continue to Barcelona, where you can end the route by exploring areas you may have missed earlier, such as Port Olímpic or El Borne.
Where to eat in Barcelona: Can Solé (in Port Olímpic): A restaurant with over 100 years of history, specializing in rice dishes and seafood, ideal for wrapping up the adventure with a good meal.
Conclusion
This 5-day route will take you through some of the most beautiful places along the Costa Brava and southern France, combining sea, mountains, and medieval cities. The blend of Catalan and French cultures, along with the beauty of the Mediterranean, will provide you with a unique experience on two wheels.
