Drive to Barcelona? Much to see?

[Conor D]

A few friends of mine are talking about cycling over to Barcelona this summer from Ireland I was planning on heading out to Barcelona when they arrive for a few days, been looking at flights, the eurotunnel, and a few different ferries.

I'm tempted to take the car, get the ferry from Ireland to Cherbourg and then drive down to Barcelona, meet up with them, party for a bit and drive home.

The problem is that this route only really travels down the west of france, stays away from the ring etc which is somewhere I'd love to go but I don't know if I'd have the cash for extra mileage around Europe. Direct to Barcelona is coming up at about 800 miles from Cherbourg, each way.

This is the map Google throws up:


So my question is, is it a worth while drive? I guess I could travel around a bit as I head south, maybe take the coast and then maybe take a drive over to Monaco on the way back up etc.

Would I just be better taking a flight, or should I drive?

[qualityscrew]

Without a doubt DRIVE!! Some fantastic routes to get there!

[Oi U]

You seem to be accepting the need to use autoroutes and hence pay their tolls. If cash is limited that might not be a good idea, depending how much time you have of course.
I would plan your route on viaMichelin, avoiding tolls but routing via Andorra for cheaper fuel and mountainous roads with great views. ViaMichelin will also calculate your fuel and toll costs.
Also consider a route via the Millau Bridge - amazing.

[coppice]

Much to see...na, it's all boring really driving through some of Europe's nicest scenery on divine roads. Just forget the bloody Ring (yaawn) and enjoy yourself !

[DMarks46]

It would be awesome, but why don't you try to fit Bilbao into your trip?