EU trip (Spain + France + ?)
Hi guys,
I'm planning (sort of) an EU trip, starting in about a week, that should last about 3 weeks (I'm a bit flexible with the end date, but only to some degree).
I'm starting the trip in Spain based on an event in Madrid and will stay in Madrid for 12 nights.
Because I'll start my trip in Madrid and probably spend majority of the time in the event / city, I was thinking to rent a car afterwards and drive to France, and possibly even Italy but I'm not sure if it's realistic in the time frame. It's important for me to note that this trip isn't about seeing as many places as possible, it's more about "stopping to smell the roses" sort of thing. I don't want to be in a rush to get anywhere, and if I find a nice place and feel like just staying there and chilling for 2-3 days then that's what I'm going to do.
I wanted to visit the south of France for a while (been to Paris only), I really enjoy some of those small towns and the idea of traveling between some of these for a week or two seems fun (I hope it turns out to be the case 
)
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So now that I've given a bit of context..I guess this is what it comes down to -
1. Spain - Outside the event, I have about 7 days and I need to figure out what to do.
I was thinking to spend about half in the city and the rest taking day trips outside of Madrid. I've already been to Barcelona so I don't see a need to visit it again, and have been recommended places like Málaga or even going to Lisbon but I wonder if it's worth the hassle for a day trip or turning it into a 2 day trip. I already have an apartment for my entire Madrid stay, so I'm not super happy about paying accommodation twice, but if you guys think there is a place worth doing it - please feel free to suggest.
2. Spain - France - Like I mentioned, I really want to visit the south of France and the question is how do I get there and for how long. I like the idea of renting a car, and it seems like driving through the border is quite expensive (drop off fee) so looks like the solution is dropping off at Girona, taking a train to Perpignan and then continue in another car from there.
How long should I take for the Madrid - Girona trip? It's about 6 hours drive, I can do it in a day but I'm not sure if I want to. Should I stretch it over another day and visit some places on the way?
Once in Girona, any reason to stay there / in the area? Or should I just take the train and continue to France?
3. France - Once I arrive in*Perpignan, this is where I feel like I'm the most clueless. Should I stay in the area? Should I just rent a car and start driving? Should I create a list of a few places I want to visit and just drive through them as figure it out as I go? I do want to have some flexibility in the timing, so if I really enjoy some specific town, I can just stay there a bit longer. I also don't plan to book accommodation in advance for this part of the trip. Does it make sense? I figured I shouldn't have an issue with places being fully booked or anything like that in this time of the year but I'd appreciate some input on that as well.
Last thing I'd like to add - I'm REALLY open minded to suggestions, so if you have ideas outside of what I mentioned but can fit given the time frame / geography etc - please feel free to let me know, (almost) nothing is set in stone
Thanks!