Visit Spain, France, and Andorra in one unforgettable day — medieval villages, authentic French mountain culture, and two full hours to explore one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. All in a small group from Barcelona.
Explore Three Countries in One Day
Where else in Europe can you cross three international borders in a single day? This is the original Barcelona day trip — Spain, France, and Andorra — and we’ve just made it better.
Depart early from Barcelona and head north through the dramatic Pyrenees. Your first stop is the medieval village of Bagà, set against the peaks of the Cadí-Moixeró National Park. Cross into France for a short stop at one of the most extraordinary supermarkets you’ll ever walk into — a mountain Carrefour unlike any other, stacked with the finest French products and a décor that has to be seen to be believed. Then on to La Tour de Querol, a quiet French village with deep historical roots and a story your guide will bring to life. From there, the road climbs to 2,408 metres over the highest paved pass in the Pyrenees — a climb that has featured in the Tour de France — before dropping down into Andorra la Vella, where you have two full hours to explore, shop, or simply take in one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain capitals.
And here’s what makes this day genuinely unique: you don’t just pass through Andorra — you drive across the entire country, entering from France on one side and exiting into Spain on the other. All 468 square kilometres of it, border to border, in one afternoon.
Every stop is different. Every stop has a story. And your guide ties it all together.
Big Value, Small Group Atmosphere
At Explore Catalunya, we limit our tours to a maximum of 34 people — far fewer than the 50+ found on many coach tours. Our guides learn names, answer questions, and engage with everyone. You’ll never feel like just another seat on a bus. We travel in custom-fitted coaches with panoramic windows, perfectly suited to the mountain roads ahead.
- Visit three countries in one day: Spain, France, and Andorra
- Wander through medieval Bagà, gateway to the Pyrenees
- Stop at a spectacular mountain Carrefour in France — authentic French produce in a truly one-of-a-kind setting
- Discover La Tour de Querol, a historic French village on Europe’s most storied border
- Drive over Port d’Envalira at 2,408 metres — the highest paved road in the Pyrenees, a Tour de France climb
- Drive across the entire country of Andorra — entering from France, exiting into Spain
- Enjoy a guided walk through Andorra la Vella followed by two full hours of free time
- Stamp your passport at the Andorran border — a genuine souvenir
- Travel in a comfortable coach with panoramic mountain views
- Expert local guide throughout the entire day
- Full Tour Description
- Included
- Video
- Brochure
Detailed Tour Schedule
7:00am — Explore Catalunya office, Barcelona Meet your guide opposite the Palau de la Música. Before you set off, your guide spreads out a map and walks you through the day — where you’re going, what you’ll see, and the timings for each stop. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early. There’s a café just around the corner if you need coffee before the off.
8:45am — Bagà, Spain (leave by 9:45am) The Pyrenees begin to take shape as you arrive in Bagà, a beautifully preserved medieval village framed by the rugged peaks of the Cadí-Moixeró National Park. Your guide leads you through the cobbled streets, the ancient square, and past the village church, weaving in the history of this corner of Catalonia. There’s time for coffee, a pastry, and the toilets before continuing north through the Tunnel del Cadí towards France.
~10:15am — Carrefour de UR, France (20–25 minutes) Just across the French border, something unexpected awaits. This is no ordinary supermarket. The Carrefour in UR is a mountain institution — with a bear at the entrance, ski gondolas hanging from the ceiling, Catalan giants on display, a piano, tractors, and an atmosphere entirely its own. More importantly, the shelves are stocked with the real thing: French wines, aged cheeses, salted butters, jams, pâtés, fine biscuits — the kind of produce that simply tastes different when you buy it here, at altitude, in France. Your guide will have already primed you on exactly what to look for. You have 20–25 minutes. Make them count. Meeting point and time are non-negotiable — keep an eye on the clock.
11:00am — La Tour de Querol, France (leave by 11:35am) A short drive brings you to La Tour de Querol — a quiet, handsome French village that sits on one of Europe’s most historically charged borders. This is Catalunya Nord, the part of Catalonia that became France following the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, and the village carries that history with quiet dignity. Your guide tells the story — of borders drawn in mountain passes, of a people divided by a stroke of a pen, and of the wartime memorial that stands as a reminder of what this region endured. It’s a short stop, but a meaningful one.
11:35am — The Road to Andorra: Over the Roof of the Pyrenees Most tours take the tunnel. We don’t.
Instead of disappearing underground, we take the mountain road — climbing to 2,408 metres (7,900 feet) over the Port d’Envalira, the highest paved road in the entire Pyrenees. Higher than any road in the British Isles. A climb that features in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. And views from the top that stop conversations dead.
As the road winds upward through the high alpine landscape — rocky peaks, snowfields even in summer, a sky that feels closer than it should — Andorra reveals itself slowly. First as a valley far below, then as a capital city tucked between mountains, and finally as one of Europe’s most surprising hidden countries. It’s a descent you won’t forget.
1:00pm — Andorra la Vella, Andorra Cross the border from France, stamp your passport, and take in the mountain panorama as you drop into the Andorran capital. But here’s something most people don’t realise: you don’t just visit Andorra — you drive straight through it. You enter from France on one side, explore the capital, and exit on the other side back into Spain. In one afternoon you cross the entire country — all 468 square kilometres of it — from border to border. Not many people can say that.
Your guide leads a short walking tour through the historic heart of the city — from the church of Sant Esteve and the Casa de la Vila — before leaving you free to explore.
1:00pm–3:00pm — Two Full Hours in Andorra The time is yours. Andorra is famous for its tax-free prices on wine, spirits, perfume, electronics, and luxury goods — but it’s also simply a beautiful mountain city worth wandering. Find a terrace café, browse the old town, or head straight to the shops. Meet the bus at Carrer Tarragona at 3:00pm sharp.
3:00pm — Depart Andorra into Spain Exit through the Spanish border, completing your crossing of the entire country. A brief comfort stop along the way. On busy weekends, your guide and driver will coordinate the best route back to Barcelona.
~6:30pm — Return to Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona Back in the heart of Barcelona, comfortably in time for dinner. Your guide can recommend where to eat or how to get back to your hotel.
Tour Facts
- Duration: approx. 11.5 hours
- Departs: 7:00am
- Returns: approx. 6:30pm
- Max group size: 34
- Language: English
- Availability: All year round
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Included
What’s Included
- Professional local guide
- Transport in air-conditioned coach
- Free filtered water refills at our office
Not Included
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
