Puigcerdà, capital of the Spanish lower Cerdaña region of the Pyrenees, has long been a getaway for Barcelonans looking for (and often needing) a breath of fresh air. From spring until autumn, people tromp through in their hiking boots. And in the winter, it's just a stone's throw from the ski slopes of La Molina.
Built on a hill, a funicular railway takes you from the train station to the quaint town above, which incidentally is a setting for 'The Angels Game' by Spanish Carlos Ruiz Zafón and there's a short trail you can follow.
Being on the border with France and on the railway line, it's also a nice little stop-off between Spain and France.
Highlights
Walking in Pyrenees in summer
Skiing in winter in nearby resorts (e.g. La Molina)
Station stroll ideas
Tourist info have provided a map of Puigcerdà here and links to themed walks here.
...and here's a link to a google map that I've made which you can use on your phone in case you fancy the 5km walk to France.
Guided tours
I'm not aware of anyone offering guided tours. Let me know if you find anyone...
Luggage
I'm not aware of anywhere in Puigcerdà where you could drop your bags, but you could try checking the nannybag app or asking local hotels.
If you would like to know more about the place before you go, you could check out the video I made below.
If you fancy a mini-adventure and walking across the border between Spain and France, this short video shows how I took the 5km 'Smugglers' Route' from Puigcerdà to Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg station.
...And here is an accompanying article.
Train buffs may be interested in the fact that Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg is one of few stations in the world with three different gauges, which includes The Little Yellow Train that takes you across the Pyrenness
Getting there
A night train runs from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz every evening to Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg and Puigcerda is next stop down the line for local trains to Barcelona.
From Toulouse 2 3⁄4 hours
From Barcelona just over 3 hours.
Useful links
Tourist information: https://www.puigcerdaturisme.cat/