Barcelona to France Day Trip: Girona & Collioure Lunch

Summary

Breakfast in Girona then French lunch by the Mediterranean coast

You’ll start your day leaving Barcelona behind for breakfast in Girona’s old town, then cross into France for lunch by the Mediterranean in Collioure. Expect stories from your local guide, free time to wander or swim, and small surprises along the way—like tasting fresh pastries or watching locals play pétanque near the sea.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before we were rolling out of Barcelona—our guide, Marta, already joking about how early it felt for everyone. The drive north was all soft hills and that kind of morning light that makes you squint even if you’re not fully awake. Girona came up quicker than I expected; suddenly we were walking across this old iron bridge—red beams everywhere—and Marta pointed out it was designed by Eiffel himself. She told us a story about Game of Thrones filming here (I haven’t seen it but some people got really excited). We grabbed pastries at a little café where the owner smiled and said something I didn’t catch—my Spanish is still terrible—and I tried this flaky thing with custard inside. Still thinking about that taste.

After wandering around the cathedral (we didn’t go inside—apparently the nave is almost as wide as St Peter’s), we piled back into the van. There wasn’t any border sign or anything when we crossed into France—just a shift in the road signs and suddenly things felt different. Collioure kind of sneaks up on you; one minute it’s winding roads and vineyards, then there’s this splash of blue from the Mediterranean and pastel houses stacked along the water. Our guide gave us some tips for lunch (she recommended anchovies, which are apparently a big deal here) and set us loose for a couple hours. I ended up sitting on a stone wall near the harbor with my sandwich, just watching these old men play pétanque under some crooked trees. The sea air smelled salty and warm—it made me want to nap.

The drive back was quieter—most people dozed off or scrolled through photos. Marta kept chatting with the driver in Catalan; sometimes she’d switch to English to point out something random (“that vineyard makes rosé for half of Paris,” she said at one point). There was something funny about having breakfast in Spain and lunch in France without ever showing your passport—like cheating at geography class or something. Anyway, if you do this day trip from Barcelona to France, bring your ID just in case (Marta warned us). And maybe swimwear if it’s summer—I forgot mine and kind of regretted it when I saw those kids splashing around by the castle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Spain and France day trip

• Meet and depart from Barcelona
• Drive scenic route to Girona
• Cross Eiffel bridge to old town
• Walk around Girona Cathedral exterior
• Stop for Game of Thrones photos
• Drive from Girona to France
• Explore Collioure village
• Free time for lunch and stroll
• Drive back to Barcelona

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Barcelona to France day trip?

No, you'll meet at a designated meeting point in Barcelona before departure.

How long is the drive from Barcelona to Girona?

The drive takes about an hour and fifteen minutes depending on traffic.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, always bring your passport or ID as there can be random police controls at the border.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included—you'll have free time in Collioure to choose where and what you eat.

Can I swim during this tour?

Yes, during summer months you can bring swimwear and enjoy swimming in Collioure.

How much free time do we get in Collioure?

You’ll have about two hours of free time for lunch and exploring by yourself.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What language does the guide speak?

Your professional guide speaks English (and likely Spanish/Catalan as well).

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Barcelona in an air-conditioned van with a professional local guide leading you through Girona’s historic streets before heading into southern France. You’ll have plenty of free time for lunch by the sea in Collioure before returning comfortably back to Barcelona—all with support if you’re traveling with kids or need special seating.