Bilbao-Barcelona-Nice Route Options?

Hi there,

A friend and I will be riding from Bilbao to Nice via Barcelona May 12- June 18. We won't be camping, tho are opting to stay in hostels and hotels. A big question for me is, what are our options to get from Bilbao to Barcelona? The French side of the Pyrenees looks great, tho it may be a bit more inclement, and a tad slower. We need to be in Barcelona May 28.. Any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated.

Tim