From Barcelona to Paris in 5.5 days

Dear Fellow Travellers,

We will be finishing our trip in Barcelona on January 1st and have to be in Paris on January 7th morning. I am looking for an itinerary to from Barcelona to Paris for about 5.5 days.

I would appreciate if you can suggest places to see. We are more interested in sight seeing, photography, some hikes are fine. Just want to get a feel for the culture.

Thanks

Deepa

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Your trip will take you through the Languedoc region of France, which is very beautiful. There are lots of things to see and do, including:

Doing the Cathar trail - there are lots of old Cathar castles in the southern half of the Languedoc around the Carcassonne area and further South. The castles were built by the Cathars in medieval times (although many are more recently built on the sites of the old ones) who were literally exterminated by the Catholic establishment by the end of the 14th century. I%26#39;ve never been round them all, but it%26#39;s supposed to be a really interesting thing to do, and I think there is a certain order you are supposed to do them in!

Using the A75 motorway, which is free, but mainly because it goes over the amazing Millau bridge (which isn%26#39;t free - there is a toll).

Spending some time in the Cevennes mountains or the Haut Languedoc - absolutely beautiful scenery.

Visiting one or more of the main cities and towns in the area - Carcassonne, Narbonne, Beziers, Monpelliers, Nimes etc - they are all very different.

A bit further north is Albi, a very beautiful town, which is worth a visit.

There%26#39;s so much but these are just a few ideas.