With its kilometers of golden sandy beaches, picturesque marinas, and avant-garde architecture, Barcelona will never fail to enchant you. Barcelona is the most vibrant city in Spain, thanks in large part to its young and active population. Its popular culture, tapas, nightclubs, and numerous landmarks make it a warm and lively city. You will be charmed by the good vibes and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Barcelona. Its mild and pleasant climate allows you to relax on café terraces throughout the year. When winter arrives, ski slopes are just 1.5 hours away from the city. The capital of Catalonia is also proud of its cultural heritage: you can stroll along the famous Rambla, which embodies the soul of the city, or admire works by Picasso or Dali. During your language stay in Barcelona, you will be captivated by the bohemian lifestyle of the Spaniards...
1.621 million inhabitants
Megalopolis, seaside
1 hour 25 minutes from Geneva
Located 180km from the French border on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is a densely populated city, dominated by the Collserola mountain range and surrounded by the hills of the plain delimited by the mouths of the Besòs and Llobregat rivers. As the capital of Catalonia, it is divided into 10 districts and enjoys a Mediterranean climate in a region protected from western winds by the Pyrenees. Although often sunny, its location between the sea and the mountains can result in periods of fog during autumn and early spring. Summers are hot, though tempered by the proximity of the sea. Winters are generally sunny and relatively mild, despite occasional cool winds.
As the historic heart of the Roman colony in the Iberian Peninsula in the early 2nd century BC, the city of Barcelona, capital of the autonomous principality of Catalonia, became a powerful trading empire in the 12th century before eventually being absorbed by the Castilian state in the 15th century. In 1888, Barcelona hosted the Universal Exposition, which led to the worldwide recognition of Catalan culture. Following the resignation of General Miguel Primo de Rivera in 1932, the new regional government reestablished an autonomous community of Catalonia, recognized by the central government of Madrid in 2006. Today, Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, renowned for its rich and ancient artistic culture.
In Barcelona, make sure not to miss the must-see attractions such as Park Güell and the unfinished cathedral, the famous 'Sagrada Familia,' and its esplanade. These fabulous and astonishing monuments were born from the imagination of the genius architect Antoni Gaudí, whose monumental works can be found throughout the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the renowned Ramblas, wide pedestrian avenues lined with countless lively tapas bars, cafes, and talented street artists, in between your Spanish classes in Barcelona. Don't forget to catch a match at the enormous Camp Nou stadium, home of the famous FC Barcelona, and visit the lively market of La Boqueria, where colorful fruits, barrels of olives, regional hams, artisanal cheeses, and other delights tantalize your taste buds. Lastly, the unmissable Picasso Museum houses rare works created during the artist's youth.
European nationals do not require any specific formalities before visiting Barcelona; they simply need to carry a valid national identity card or passport. In terms of urban transportation, the city has a comprehensive and efficient network of trams, metros, and buses. It also offers a bike-sharing service. The cost of living in Barcelona is quite reasonable and lower than in Paris (expect around €40 for a meal for two in an average restaurant, compared to €52 in Paris). When it comes to shopping, the city is full of diverse boutiques and shopping centers, and it hosts the Barcelona Shopping Festival in July.
Barcelona Tourism Office:
Passatge de la Concepció, 7-9, 08008 Barcelona.
Phone: +34 932 853 834.
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Francais/
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