Homage to Catalonia: Rusty Rally 2026
Sun. Salt. Sand dunes. And a splash of sangria. The 2026 Rusty Rally route is heading south on a bold new adventure we’re calling The Catalonian Route — a three-day drive through France and northern Spain, where marshes meet mountains, and oysters meet open roads.
A kind of homage, if you will, to a different road once taken through Catalonia — though this one is more likely to include potholes than political manifestos.
You’ll tackle over 600 miles of unpredictable roads in a car that makes your toaster look cutting edge! There will be breakdowns. There will be belly laughs. And there will absolutely be wine.
Day 1: Brittany to La Rochelle
First up: a 5.5-hour leg to La Rochelle, with a coastal crawl through medieval salt towns and cider country. Stop off in Guérande for a taste of history, salt marshes, and maybe an apple or two.
Highlights Along the Way:
Cider Museum (yes, tastings included)
France’s second-largest wetlands — hire a boat, drift through peace
Parc Floral de La Court d'Aron — ten acres of botanical beauty
Canal & marshland museum (House of the Master of the Dykes)
Spend the evening near La Rochelle or on the scenic Île de Ré. Kick back. You're only just getting started.
Day 2: La Rochelle to San Sebastián
The longest leg of the rally brings you across rivers, vineyards and dunes en route to the Basque Country. Expect a 6.5-hour ride (including the ferry across the Gironde).
Not-To-Miss:
Oysters and ocean air at Arcachon Bay
Dune du Pilat — Europe’s tallest sand dune
Vineyard stops and Renaissance châteaux
La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s high-tech wine museum
Seaplane Museum in Biscarrosse
Open-air living museum at Marquèze
Your destination? San Sebastián - a culinary capital where tapas meets the tide.
Day 3: San Sebastián to Cambrils
The final stretch takes you into the heart of Catalonia, via the rugged Navarra region. Think Roman villas, ancient blacksmiths, enchanted woodlands, and more wine than your boot can carry.
Lunch in: Tudela - a hidden gem with stunning views and a towering Cristo statue.
Detour-Worthy Stops:
Peru-Harri Stone & Mythology Park
Forges Brun - still hammering since 1772
Royal Palace of Olite
Pixie Village made entirely from recycled forest materials
60 preserved cave wineries in Alberite de San Juan
Your finish line is Cambrils, right on the Med. Relax. Reflect. Recharge. And maybe wash the dust off in the sea.
Fly out from: Reus (15 min away) or Barcelona (a bit further, but plenty of options).
Every mile you drive helps raise funds for The Outward Bound Trust. You’re not just in it for the ride—you’re driving purpose forward.
Up for it? Grab your team. Get the map. And start looking for a car that really shouldn’t be doing this.
The Catalonian Route awaits.