Spain and France | Travel Photography

December 21, 2017

I got the opportunity to take a girl’s trip to Spain this past August and had such a wonderful time, despite the heat! Not only did I get to spend it with one of my best friends, but I got to reconnect with some of my family that I hadn’t seen for years. It was as beautiful as I remembered and I also visited some new spots than the last time I visited. We got caught during some of the hottest temperatures in Barcelona and I don’t think I’ve ever sweat that much in my life (tmi?). Next time I visit I think I’ll go during Spring or Fall! I wanted to share with you all the places we got to see and the beautiful cities we go to visit. Post a comment if you have any questions about my trip, enjoy!

One of the first places we visited was Montserrat Monastery located in beautiful hills about an hour-long train ride from Barcelona. It was definitely an all day trip, but very much worth it. This monastery has origins dating back to year 888, and it has one of the most beautiful depictions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus that I have ever seen.

It had been 10 years since I visited the city of Barcelona and one of the biggest changes I noticed was the work that was done in the Sagrada Familia. We paid a little extra to head to the top of one of the towers to have a wonderful view of the city. This is a stop you can’t miss.
Next was Castell de Montjuic, which gives another beautiful view of the city and also the coast. These next few pictures we traveled up the coast line towards France and got to visit some of the best beaches I’ve even been to. The sea was a perfect temperature for swimming and it offered relief from the hot sun. I could lay on the beach all day if I could… If you’re going to visit one place along the coastline besides Barcelona, please head to Cadaques! YOU HAVE TO! This city is one of my favorites in the world. I enjoyed good views, wine, food, a dip in the sea, wine, walks, cute shops, and did I mention wine?! We drove a little further and reconnected with a long time friend in Marseille. My family hosted Matthieu for a few weeks in the summer 11 years ago! It was so great to get to see him again and catch up on life. We hiked to a calanque just outside of Marseille (in 94 degree weather) and cooled off in such a great spot! Also, I ate the best food ever in Marseille. If you’re in Marseille please stop by La Passarelle, it won’t disappoint. Being in France made me want to freshen up on my French, I forget how frustrating it is to not understand the language that is being spoken around you (it’s been 22 years since I moved to the US!). Time for some Duolingo! Thanks for a wonderful time, Matthieu! Can’t wait to catch up again, maybe Peru 2018??We then explored around Barcelona a little more, checked out some more Gaudi masterpieces. I also got the opportunity to team up with a wonderful husband and wife duo from Pamplona that made their way to Barcelona. But more of that in a bit! I absolutely love Barcelona, and Spain in general. It also helped that I spoke Spanish! There is so much beauty and history in this city and I can’t wait to go back. A big thank you to my beautiful aunt who hosted us while we were in Barcelona, I’m so thankful for you! Te quiero tia!

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