[owenhubbard]

Hi
I'm thinking of getting a rail pass and travelling round Spain for two weeks with a couple of friends this summer, starting and finishing in Paris. I've worked out a rough itinerary and wondered if anyone could give me some advice on whether it's feasable or not?

Also, I'd quite like to spend some time in the south of france (biarritz/cote basque or perpignan/montpellier regions) at one or both ends, preferably somewhere with a good beach that's not too expensive or touristy.

Here's my rough itinerary:

Overnight train Paris-San Sebastian via Hendaye
3 nights San Sebastian
2 nights Bilbao (the train from San Sebastian to Bilbao isn't covered by my pass - anyone know what the fares are like?!)
Train down to Seville via Madrid
3 nights Seville
3 nights Cadiz/anywhere else on the coast that still has a bit of spanish flavour!
Train up to Barcelona via Seville
2 nights Barcelona
Train back to Paris via Montpellier

Also, if anyone knows of any smaller or less well-known places worth a couple of days, even if they're off the route - maybe somewhere to break up that huge journey from Seville to Barcelona, or a beach resort in Andalucia that isn't completely overrun by concrete and package tourists - that would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Owen

[ppp]

Between Seville and Bacelona is a place called Alora which has a train station its a lovely town in its own right but a short journey from there takes you to el chorro and the lakes around there are incredible also there is a mad gorge to see with some of the maddest scenery you will ever see. If you get there go to Mike and Marinas bar near the station and say hi from Stubbsie. One other thing to consider is if you are travelling as far as Seville is just a stone throw away and well worth the visit.
ppp

[owenhubbard]

Thanks a lot - just the sort of advice I was looking for! Do you know if there's anywhere to stay in Alora?