Barcelona, France or Rome

[doubleornothing]

Dh turns 40 next year and he'd like to go away for a weekend just us no kids. I've been looking at France, Barcelona and Rome as the flights won't be too long and the weather looks good at the time of year.
We've never been to any of these places and I can't decide where to start. We're not too fussed about the beach but haven't really done a 'cultural' break, all our holidays have been beach kid related so far so really unsure where to start looking for a short break for us. Could anyone advise where to start, any websites and experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks

What's the budget and what sort of things do you (and he) like?

Rome and Barcelona are both gorgeous woth loads of cultural stuff (obviously!) but very busy Spring through to Autumn.

France has a lot of very different cities - Paris is great but I also like Marseille and Montpellier for a more Southern seaside vibe. Lyon is gorgeous and has lot of Roman sites and nestled in the mountains straddling two rivers. Perpignan is a bit of a left field idea but it is very near Barcelona and has a lot of Catalan style culture - so two for the price of one!

Two are cities, one a whole country with very different cities.

Have you got one in mind in France or you're looking for suggestions?

The budget is about a grand would be great if it was cheaper though. We're only thinking Friday to Sunday as its hard getting time off work.

I've not got any in mind for France, I was thinking Paris but am unsure as I've heard mixed reviews from friends. Any recommendations are welcome.

Dh likes old buildings and castles and things like that. He's not been to any museums so unsure if he'd like that but will definitely give them a go as well. We want to try new experiences.

Rome.

Between Rome, Barcelona and let's say Paris I would def choose Rome for a special holiday like yours.

Rome ls really beautiful in most places and romantic with lots to do for days. Barcelona has the inspiring Gaudi architecture and gothic quarter but to stroll around, I refer Rome.

I was in Rome yesterday, it was busy and loads of building/restoration work going on. I know it was a Sunday but it was a national holiday so I don’t know how busy it would usually be.
Hop On/ Hop Off bus temp said 34c

I think between Rome , Paris or Barcelona I’d pick Rome

Looks like Romes coming out on top. I'll start looking more into it. Thanks.

A weekend is nowhere near long enough, but if you just want to "dip your toe in", I'd say Paris or Rome. I think Barcelona is a bit too sprawling.
Make sure you stay very central, and then you won't be wasting too much time travelling around. You can walk absolutely everywhere if you stay centrally in Rome (eg near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona). Don't stay close to a railway station though - not great areas.

I'd go with Rome unless you had somewhere specific in France in mind. Barcelona is a shithole.

Definitely Rome, it's so beautiful and interesting. I love Barcelona and have been a few times. Latest was in July and we got soaked by a huge crown with water guns protesting about tourists.

Rome. It has a mixture of everything. Wonderful architecture, ancient history, great eateries, galleries, cafes, bars.

Provence is lovely if you'd like some wine and art to go with your history. The town of St Remy for a Van Gogh trail and just outside is a big Roman site called Glanum that you can walk around. There are lots of vineyards in the area to try tastings at as well. 🌞🍷🎨

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm looking at Rome as it seems to have things both of us will enjoy.