Travel between Paris and Barcelona for just €29

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As 2023 comes to an end, it's time to start planning next year’s adventures. And while we are certain that convincing you to visit two of Europe’s hottest destinations will be a sinch, for good measure, here are 5 lesser-known reasons why you need to add Paris and Barcelona to your next getaway itinerary.

1. Step out of the urban jungle and into a green oasis 

After you max out on standing in line at tourist attractions for hours, retreat to the stunning green escapes that both Barcelona and Paris offer. 

Barcelona  

Some of the world's most famous parks are located right in the heart of Barcelona. Think of the iconic Park Güell where you can take in some of Gaudí’s most iconic works alongside some of the most brilliant views of the city; or the Parc de la Ciutadella where the city’s zoo is located.  

But there are dozens of under-rates parks and gardens that deserve the same love. Our favorite? Jardines de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. Named after a famous Catalan poet, this park houses plants and flowers from all over the world but is best known for its over 800 different varieties of cacti overlooking picturesque views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Paris 

In between iconic museums and endless patisseries, you will find over 400 impeccable parks sprinkled throughout Paris. Stroll through endless green meadows, attend an outdoor yoga class, shop at local outdoor markets, or set up a charming picnic steps from the hustle bustle. 

Besides the popular Luxembourg and Tuileries Gardens, there are numerous green spaces whose names you may not know now, but after visiting, you’ll remember for life. If you are travelling to Paris during the chillier months, head to the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, a public park located in the 16th arrondissement. As its name "garden of the greenhouses" suggests, you can walk through covered greenhouses with thousands and thousands of plants grown for decoration around Paris. You will find everything from succulents and roses to palm and papaya trees.

2. Discover treasures hidden in plain sight 

Millions of travellers visit Paris and Barcelona each year, but there are still spots tucked away from tourists. Get a feel for what a local’s life is like in the tranquil Plaça del Pi in Barcelona or Place Saint-Georges in Paris. We could continue to list our favorite hidden gems in both cities, but then they wouldn’t be hidden anymore now would they?  

We don’t like to gatekeep, but the best way to truly enjoy these off-the-beaten-path places is to stumble upon them yourself. So, after you have taken care of the must-see stops like the Eifel Tower and Las Ramblas, continue exploring to reveal new treasures hidden right in plain sight. 

3. Go with the flow, literally! 

Life is better on the water. Take in Barcelona and Paris with the flow of two legendary bodies or water.  

Barcelona  

Although Barcelona has been crowned the Best City on the Beach by National Geographic, its Mediterranean beaches were constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games. But that doesn’t take away from their appeal. During warm months, you will find locals and tourists alike on the beach tanning, doing yoga, playing volleyball, windsurfing, yachting, and even taking in art installations. If you’re headed Barcelona during cooler months, or just want to escape the sun for a spell, check out the nearby DHUB (Museu del Disseny de Barcelona), which features tens of thousands of pieces of decorative arts, designs, and clothing. Then wrap up the evening with dinner at one of the seaside restaurants in Port Olímpic. 

Paris 

Synonymous with Paris, the Seine is the second-largest river running through France. This slow-flowing beauty has inspired countless paintings, poems, and Instagram posts. Walking (or taking the metro) across the 37 bridges that stretch from the left to right bank of the Seine is a stroll through French history. Take the oldest bridge in Paris, Port Neuf, for example. The bridge, composed of a series of smaller arches, was built by King Henri IV to improve mobility throughout the city. Whether by foot, metro, or boat, take in the city alongside the flow of the Seine to get into the rhythm of Paris’s past, present, and future. 

4. Wake up your tastebuds 

Sure, both of these locations are known for their culinary prowess with around 200 Michelin-starred restaurants between them, but, just like fashion, food also had trends you don't want to miss. Here are some to try during your visit:

Barcelona  

• Tapas with a twist: With a punch of flavor in each bite, traditional tapas, like patatas bravas or tortilla, will always be a pillar of Spanish cuisine. But chefs are building onto the pillars of traditional tapas by adding some unique flavors, some of which include:
  • Latin-inspired tapas, with elements like ceviche or chiles 
  • Asian-inspired tapas that utilize ingredients like wasabi or soy sauce 
• Street food: The hottest food trend isn’t in a restaurant – it’s right on the calle. Find the freshest ingredients and the trendiest foods in one of Barcelona’s many street food markets. At Barcelona’s monthly Palo Market, you’ll find everything from food trucks to vintage shopping.  

Paris 

• Non-alcoholic beverages: Although France and wine go together like like Cabernet Sauvignon and coq au vin, the mocktail is all the rage now. Take Le Paon qui Boit, the first alcohol-free wine cellar in the country, or Bisou, the cocktail bar without a menu. The incredible mixologists at Bisou will whip mocktail of your dreams – you won’t even realize the alcohol is missing. 

• International cuisines: Almost half of all Parisian residents are either immigrants or have one immigrant parent, which makes the city a beautiful melting pot of languages, cultures, and, of course, cuisines. So, sure, you should enjoy croissants and cassoulet when visiting Paris, but also try popular cuisines like Vietnamese and the iconic kebab.

5. Final reason: €29   

Now through Thursday you can get from Paris to Barcelona or Barcelona to Paris for just 29 euros, which is reason enough to take this adventure.  

Book €29 tickets through 14 December 2023  👉Paris to Barcelona / Barcelona to Paris 

Travel details: getting from Paris to Barcelona by train

Travelling between these two cities on TGV Inoui at speeds of 320 km/h takes 6 hours 36 minutes station to station. There are a total of 12 stops during the journey, including in Girona, Figueras, and Lyon. Expect free Wi-Fi onboard and access to the bar car where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Sale details: Active from 11 to 14 December 2023, or as supplies last. Valid for Second Class fares for all France-Spain inter-destinations. Valid for travel between 11 January 2024 and 21 March 2024. All tickets are non-exchangeable/non-refundable.

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