Need a city between Paris and Barcelona next April- Avignon?

Hi, travelers!

I'll be on a 2-week trip next April. A few days in Amsterdam to see the tulips and party, train to Paris for a few days, train to SOMEWHERE, train to Barcelona for a few days and maybe somewhere else on the way back to Amsterdam for my flight home. I loved Sitges but it's a little early to party there?

Rather than fly direct to Barcelona from Paris to avoid a 6 hr train ride, I thought I would take a train to somewhere in-between. Thought about Geneva but I'm thinking more to the west so I'm closer on my way to Barcelona. I may have a guy I met in Barcelona join me at some point in France so it would be convenient to be closer to Barcelona. Considered Aix-en-Provence and Marseille but not so sure. Avignon sounds interesting.

Anyone recommend Avignon for a couple days? Somewhere else in the vicinity?

I am interested in gothic and renaissance architecture, fine dining, wine tasting, nightlife (club dancing) and anything offbeat and strange. Last year, they had a light show with the history of Avignon projected on a major building. Hope they do that again as I design projection media for living.

Any insights?

The train route follows Lyon, Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier, etc. I'd do some research on Montpellier, Nimes and Avignon as a stop off point.

Montpellier is the regional capital with most clubs, restaurants, galleries, museums etc and a tram system.

Nimes has most roman remains and Avignon has the papal palace.

Quoting mpprh

The train route follows Lyon, Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier, etc. I'd do some research on Montpellier, Nimes and Avignon as a stop off point.

Montpellier is the regional capital with most clubs, restaurants, galleries, museums etc and a tram system.

Nimes has most roman remains and Avignon has the papal palace.

I wish i would have suggested, but i know if some much of restrctions it hard to give best if somone already give that. Good lcuk for first reply. I belive would get what he was looking at i can' give better suggestion then yours.