Towns Worth Visiting On The Border Of France & Spain
Are you looking for towns worth visiting along the France and Spain border? I’ve got you covered!
I took a road trip through Northern Spain and Southern France over to Portugal with the goal of visiting smaller towns off the beaten track that are still worth visiting. While most of these destinations are popular for local tourists, they aren’t as well known for international travelers.
The Pyrenees mountains form a natural border between Spain and France, offering more than just panoramic views. Scattered along this boundary are towns with a blend of both cultures, architecture, and gastronomy. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply in search of picturesque landscapes, these border towns are great places to explore.
In addition to towns on the border, don’t miss out the small country of Andorra that is sandwiched between Spain and France.
10 Towns on Spanish & French Border Worth Visiting
Here are some must-visit towns on both sides of the France-Spain border. After researching and driving along the border myself, these places were the highlights.
1. Girona, Spain
Just an hour northeast of Barcelona and an hour south of the border with France, Girona is a compact city rich in history. The well-preserved medieval Old Town and the imposing Cathedral are must-sees. Walk along the city walls for panoramic views, and don’t miss the Jewish Quarter. Girona is also known for its culinary scene, including the famous El Celler de Can Roca.
I have a detailed one day itinerary for what to do in Girona here.
2. Cadaqués, Spain
This picturesque seaside town is only a half an hour from the border. Stroll the waterfront, explore the rugged Cap de Creus National Park, and enjoy fresh seafood in the local restaurants.
It’s a retreat perfect for artistic inspiration. Salvador Dalí once lived there and you can visit his house, which is now a museum.
I have outlined all the best things to do in Cadaqués after I spent five days there.
3. Collioure, France
Artists like Matisse and Derain were drawn to Collioure for its sunlight and seaside views. Visiting the medieval Château Royal is just one of the top things to do in Collioure. Relax on pebble beaches, and try the anchovies, a local delicacy. Collioure’s small-town feel provides a laid-back coastal experience.
📍Stay at Le Relais des Trois Mas for a nice comfortable stay with stunning views of the bay. There’s even a swimming pool on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Toulouse, France
Known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (The Pink City) due to its brick and terracotta buildings, Toulouse is a cultural hub. Highlights include the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the expansive Place du Capitole.
For more things to do in Toulouse check out my recommendations here.
5. Carcassonne, France
This fortified city looks straight out of a fairy tale with its double-walled fortifications and 52 towers. The UNESCO-listed Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval dream to explore, and the lower town (Ville Basse) offers markets, museums, and the Canal du Midi.
If you are interested in planning some time in Carcassonne, check out my recommendations here.
6. Lourdes, France
A major pilgrimage site, Lourdes is home to the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, where every year millions of people visit the grotto of Massabielle, where St. Bernadette claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. You can light a candle, pray, or collect water from the springs that are believed to have healing properties. Attending a Mass or witnessing the evening Candlelight Procession are also moving experiences.
Take a guided or self-guided walking tour of Bernadette’s Lourdes, which includes stops like her family home, Le Cachot, and the churches she attended. These walks give a deeper understanding of her life and how Lourdes became a major pilgrimage site.
For a break from the religious sites, visit the Château Fort, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of Lourdes and the Pyrenees. Inside is the Pyrenean Museum, which showcases local history, culture, and traditions of the region.
7. Alquézar, Spain
In the midst of the Sierra de Guara Mountains lies Alquézar, a small town medieval treasure and one of my personal favorite stops on my road trip through Northern Spain. Declared a National Cultural Heritage site, this village in the Aragon region of Spain brings together the rustic charm of cobblestone streets with the natural beauty of the surrounding canyons.
If you are looking for other beautiful small towns in Northern Spain that are off the beaten path, there’s plenty of hidden gems including Begur, Besalu, Ainsa, Cudillero, and more!
8. San Sebastian, Spain
This coastal city is renowned for its culinary scene, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxo bars. Visit the Playa de la Concha for a scenic beach experience, and hike up Mount Igueldo for panoramic city views.
If you make your way to this beautiful city, be sure to take a cooking class to enjoy the full Basque cuisine experience.
9. Pamplona, Spain
Famous for the Running of the Bulls, Pamplona offers more with its Gothic cathedral, citadel, and old town. It’s also a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Visit during the annual San Fermín festival (usually held in July) for a lively experience or enjoy the quieter side of the city off-season.
Plaza del Castillo is the beating heart of Pamplona’s old town. Surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and historical buildings, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a coffee and people-watch.
The square is also an excellent starting point for exploring the city’s other landmarks. Once the site of bullfights and festivals, today it hosts various events and is home to the legendary Café Iruña, where Ernest Hemingway himself spent time.
10. Biarritz, France
This elegant seaside town on the French Basque coast is a prime spot for surfing in Europe. Côte des Basques beach is where beginners can take lessons from surf schools along the beach, while experienced surfers can ride the Atlantic waves.
The town’s luxurious past is still evident in its grand hotels and casinos, with the Hôtel du Palais being the most iconic place to stay, once the summer palace of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.
The main beach of Biarritz, La Grande Plage, is perfect for lounging or swimming. The wide sandy shoreline offers a stunning view of the town’s coastline and is a great spot for families or casual sunbathing. After relaxing at the beach, you can walk along the coastal promenade, which stretches from La Grande Plage to the Port des Pêcheurs.
One of Biarritz’s most famous landmarks, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rock formation topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary. Connected by a bridge, it provides stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the town.
Map of towns worth visiting on France-Spain border
Depending on where you are crossing the border or if you are driving along it through the Pyrenees mountains, here is an overview of where each town is located.
TL;DR: Towns worth visiting on the France & Spain border
Each of these towns presents a unique slice of the border region’s culture, cuisine, and history. Whether you’re indulging in Toulouse’s city feel or soaking up the sun in Cadaqués, this region offers a diverse itinerary. Plan your trip to Southern France and/or Northern Spain to enjoy the natural beauty that straddles the majestic Pyrenees and the serene coastline.