Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
Two nights at the Cava & Hotel Mastinell, in Vilafranca, with the cava cellars of Sant Sadurní by train
In early October the Penedès harvest has just ended and the cellars show the new musts. The hotel serves its menu on the eve of holidays, so on 11 October too: book a table with the room.
A weekend in Siurana and the Priorat: cliff, reservoir and vineyards
After the harvest, the Priorat vines begin to change colour, and the reservoir kayak opens on autumn weekends. The 4x4 route is a single vehicle per departure: on the long weekend, book it before the room.
A weekend in Carcassonne: the Cité, the Canal du Midi and a Cathar castle
October is the last month of the Canal du Midi boat, which sails until the end of the month. 12 October is not a holiday in France, so the Cité has fewer people than in spring and sleeping inside works out better.
A getaway to Rupit and the Collsacabra cliffs
With the first autumn rains the Salt de Sallent runs with water again and the Collsacabra oaks begin to turn gold. For the crossing to Tavertet, arrange the return with the tourist office before setting out.
Montseny: Gothic castle and chestnuts
In October Viladrau already cooks with its chestnut and Montsoriu castle opens its weekend and holiday guided passes. The door closes when the visit starts: arrive with margin and book castle and lunch.
Peratallada and the Iberian city of Ullastret
In October the Iberian city of Ullastret is toured without summer's heat, and under-16s go in free. The Peratallada Medieval Fair falls in early October; by the Pilar the village is already quiet.
Montserrat: cable car and Sant Jeroni
The Sant Jeroni circuit is in season, from October to May, with clean air for seeing the Pyrenees from the summit. The Aeri leaves from the lower station; check the autumn timetable, which changes with the season.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will there be autumn leaves in the Montseny for the Pilar?
Few. The Santa Fe beech wood changes from mid-October to mid-November, depending on the year.
Can you do the Priorat in a day from Girona?
It is three hours each way: better with at least one night.
Does Carcassonne have more people on the Pilar long weekend?
Not especially: 12 October is not a holiday in France.