Barcelona, Spain to Marseille, France on the Mediterranean Coast

          For the next five days of my circuit around Western Europe by train I would see some of the most famous landmarks and most beautiful scenery in the world.  It would take me along the Mediterranean coast from Spain to Italy, with stops in Montpellier, Marseille, Genoa, the Cinque Terre, Rome and finally Naples and the Amalfi Coast.  I had seen this region once before looking ashore from the decks of a U.S. Navy ship, but this excursion would give me a whole new perspective looking from shore out to the blue sea from the window of a first class train.

Stopover in Montpellier

          We left Barcelona around 9 AM on June 1 and followed the northeastern coast of Spain along the Med for the short distance before crossing the border into France.  The train passed through the coastal towns of Perpignan and Narbonne before making a stop around 1:30 PM in Montpellier where I had to change trains.  The two hour stopover gave me time to get out and enjoy the main square of this lively city, which was bustling with activity and filled with music.

On to Marseille

          Back on the train we passed through Nimes and Arles, getting frequent glimpses of the water and the seemingly endless number of picturesque little seaside villages.  It was the perfect time of year for a visit…incredibly beautiful weather without the summer crowds.  I didn’t want the trip to end as we arrived in Marseille around 5:30 PM.  Now I would have to hustle, as it was getting a bit late to start looking for a hotel.  I needn’t have worried, since within an hour I was relaxing in what turned out to be one of my Awesome Accommodations, ready to head out to explore another city.