Train from London to Barcelona

[AlyssumandHelianthus]

Has anyone done this and got any good recommendations for getting cheap tickets? Or anything else that will make the trip fun? It looks to me like the obvious way is to change in Paris, is that right?
The idea is for it to be a fun trip with my 13 year old for her birthday.

I did this many, many years ago so my experiences won't be relevant, but all the information you'll ever need can be found courtesy of Mark Smith aka > The Man in Seat 61 | The train travel guide

Thank you! I actually did just find this. Wish train travel was cheaper!!!

I have not done this but have done Normandy to Barcelona via Paris.
Paris to Barcelona I was in a 4bed couchette. It was fine. Not sure what else to say really. Arrived early morning and had to hunt down breakfast. I’d advise researching breakfast places ahead of time as you’ll arrive desperate. Also had luggage and obviously far too early to check into accommodation so speak to hotel too about that ahead of time.

I wouldn't change in Paris, but would get off in Lille and take the direct train to Lyon or Valence and change there. 2 trains only needed and no traipsing across Paris. You can get some bargains with SNCF if you book when the tickets first go on sale.

We did London to Carcassonne on the sleeper (it carried on to the Spanish border and you could change and be in Barcelona without too much trouble). It was quite good fun, and definitely an experience (!) but frankly a pretty dreadful night's sleep, and there's no power or drinking water on the sleeper train.

On the other hand my trip from Italy to Paris by high speed train was delightful and a very relaxing 6 hours.

Hopefully the OP has found this on the Seat61 website: