Barcelona Day Trip: Andorra, France & Spain Three Country Tour

Summary

Cross borders for breakfast in Spain, lunch in France, shopping in Andorra

You’ll start your day with fresh pastries in a sleepy Catalan village before crossing into France to soak your feet in Ax-Les-Thermes’ hot springs and enjoy local cheese for lunch. After winding through mountain passes into Andorra, there’s time for shopping or wandering stone streets before heading back to Barcelona as Montserrat glows outside your window. It’s a border-hopping blur you’ll keep replaying.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Bagà before I realized how early it was—still dark outside, but the bakery lights were glowing when we rolled into the village. Our guide, Marta, waved us over and pointed out which café did the best croissants (she was right; mine was still warm). There’s something about those first sips of coffee when you’re standing on a cobbled street, watching locals open their shutters. I tried to order in Catalan—Marta laughed at my accent but helped me out. It felt good to be a little lost.

By mid-morning we’d crossed into France. Ax-Les-Thermes looked like something from an old postcard, steam curling up from the fountains. I took off my shoes and dunked my feet—hot water, almost too much at first. A couple of older men nodded at us, one offered cheese from his market bag (I said yes). Lunch was slow and noisy with clinking cutlery and that buttery smell you only get in French kitchens. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet.

The drive up to Andorra was all switchbacks and sudden views—snow patches even though it was spring. Pas de la Casa felt like the top of the world for a minute; everyone got quiet looking down at the valley. In Andorra la Vella we wandered stone streets and poked around shops (tax-free everything), but I ended up just buying a weird local chocolate bar for the bus ride back. The air changed again as we crossed back into Spain—warmer somehow—and I watched Montserrat’s jagged peaks go by out the window, thinking about how strange it is that three countries can feel so different in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Spain, France, and Andorra

• Arrive at office near Palau de la Musica
• Depart Barcelona to Bagà village
• Walk tour and free time in Bagà
• Drive towards French border
• Visit Ax-Les-Thermes spa town
• Enjoy lunch in Ax-Les-Thermes
• Drive through Pyrenees to Andorra
• Cross Pas de la Casa mountain pass
• Shop and explore Andorra la Vella
• Return to bus and depart for Barcelona
• Stop to stretch and refresh enroute
• Pass Montserrat mountain scenery
• End tour at Arc de Triomf, Barcelona

Top questions

How long is the Barcelona day trip to Andorra, France & Spain?

The tour lasts about 12 hours, departing around 7:00am and returning between 7:00-7:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included on this three country tour?

No, pickup is from an office near Palau de la Música Catalana in central Barcelona.

Do I need my passport for this day trip?

Yes, you must bring a valid passport for border crossings between Spain, France, and Andorra.

Is lunch included on the tour?

No set lunch is included; you have free time to choose your own restaurant in Ax-Les-Thermes.

Can I use public transport to reach the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby the meeting location.

Are there any spa activities on this tour?

You can soak your feet in natural hot springs at Ax-Les-Thermes; bring a towel if you plan to do so.

Is this three country tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour operates only in English.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking local guide throughout. Breakfast stops are suggested at local bakeries or cafés (at your own cost), there’s free time for lunch in France, opportunities to soak your feet at Ax-Les-Thermes’ hot springs if you bring a towel, plus some time for duty-free shopping or exploring old streets in Andorra la Vella before returning via scenic routes past Montserrat Mountain.