Spain or France

I am trying to decide between going to France (the Riveria, Loire Valley?) and Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, costa del Sol) in October. DH and I have not been to either. I think I am leaning towards Spain, but we are using a travel agent and she is really pushing for South of France, etc. I would love to hear what other people's preferences are!! Please help (I know tough problem )!

Re: Spain or France

I prefer Spain - I lived there for 13 years. The people are warmer, the attitude is less, the scenery and beaches are beautiful...the language is friendlier and easier (for me anyway, lol)...so much to see and do, great weather ....

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i love spain

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I've been to both many times and my personal preference would be France.

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Thanks for the input everyone! I think I am going to go with with Spain. I think we will have more fun there and probably like more of the food.

Did anybody spend time in the Costa Del Sol area? Would you recommend it?

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i loved marbella and torremolinos

go during the summer
awesome beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightlife

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I've heard Marbella is great but since we are going in October I was wondering if it was worth it. But seems like the weather should be warm enough for us to get some beach time in. Are there non-beach sights/activities (and by activities-I mean a place to sit and have a glass of wine)...

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I prefer the South of France over anything else. The towns are gorgeous and laid back, the people are so friendly and IMHO it beats Spain any day. (I've been to both). Check out towns such as Arles, Nice, Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Cannes.

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I was in the Costa del Sol region towards the end of November (as you know ) and it was sort of dead there. Places closed early, not too many people around, etc. We liked it, but we were honeymooners

I wouldn't rule out the French Riviera --- I heard that is supposed to be amazing!!!!!!

Good luck!

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Thanks for the info-good to know what it is like there in the off season.

Anyone have any thoughts on another stop besides Costa Del Sol? I am thinking 4 nights in barcelona, 2 or 3 Madrid and 2 in Seville, that leaves me with 2-3 nights left.

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try to go to gibralter!! its driving distance from seville! its awesome and part of the UK so they use the puond but its actually on spains land

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Ive been to the south of france and loved it- I was an exchange student there and lived with a spanish family-

I have not been to spain, so I cant compare, I would love to go though!

Either choice sounds fantastic! Have fun!

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All the cities have SO much to see, you might want to limit yourself to Southern Spain or you will be running around a lot.

I recommend Granada as a day trip from the Costa del Sol - the Alhambra is just amazing. And there are lots of activities on the Costa del Sol, even in semi-off season. Mijas village in the mountains is beautiful with amazing views and fun burro taxis. Nerja has amazing underground caves. Marbella and Puerto Banus are where the beautiful people play, and just to walk around the marinas is breathtaking.

Seville is my favorite city and I did guided tours of the city for family, friends, and university students. I can give you all kind of info if you like - FM me and tell me what you are interested in.

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there is a lot of differences btwn the places you mention. Maybe go to the library/bookstore and look at some travel books to see which activities/sights you would want to do/see