Following up to Dave J.

2) I'll be renting a car and leaving Barcelona for about four days.
Have to get back to the airport there, so can't go more than a 4-5
hour drive. Any suggestions of interesting towns, villages, moderate
hotels for my several days? I can go to France or stay in Spain, ideas
most welcome! We are avid travelers, and most enjoy interesting
towns/cities and just walking/eating/wine,etc.

you could go up towards the spanish side of the Pyrennnees.
Or Tortosa/Alcaniz and the Ebro delta to the south.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale, Thames path, London, landscapes "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" -- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" -- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap