Early Sep. Flight in to CDG. Then High speed train to Tours. Hotel in Tours.
Bus Day trip to Amboise, see Amboise Chateau and Leonardo Devince's House.
Bus Day trip to Chateau Chambord.
Bus Day trip to Chenonceaux to see the Chateau Chenoceau and rent a a row boat, then to Chateau Villandry to see the gardens.
Take High Speed Train to Lyon.
Hotel at Lyon.
Visit Places in Lyon : Take funicular, Fourviere, then walk to Roman Theatres.
Visit Roman Museums. Boat Tour of the River.
Visit the Old Silk Trade Center and fabric museums. Musee des Tissues et des Arts Decoratifs Walk the town.
Train to Aix en Provence.
Day trip to Arles, Roman Forum and Arena
Day Trip to Avignon
Day trip to Nime.
Fly out at Marignane International Airport MRS. Marselle Airport.
Posted by
Washington DC
28084 posts
I'm not clear on how many nights you plan to spend in Lyon. It's an interesting, attractive city and quite large. I really liked the Resistance Museum.
I don't think Aix-en-Provence is terribly practical as a base for seeing Arles, Avignon and Nimes.
Posted by
Aurora, Il, USA
198 posts
I highly recommend using Lyon Greeters. Avignon is a good base for Provence.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7942 posts
So from where are you basing yourself for your Day Trips to Arles, Avignon, and Nimes? Not from Lyon, I hope. As mentioned, Avignon’s a great place as a base. Their Les Halles indoor market is outstanding!
We did CDG to Tours for a night, then on to Amboise ourselves. Great plan - we got a room at the Ibis Hotel in Tours - worked for that night.
We actually rented bicycles in Amboise and rode to Chenonceau - but since you’re rowing that day, maybe you won’t want the extra exercise, but maybe you would.
Pam S’s suggestion of Lyon Greeters is the way to go! My greeting was by a was a married couple, and they don’t take any payment or tip, but did let me buy them a drink at a cafe at the end - sparkling water.
For Lyon, I’ve rented a former old-time silk worker’s place in the Croix Rousse neighborhood a number of times. They usually don’t have A/C, so if it’s summer, they can be really hot. Great restaurants nearby in a great setting, and the town below is easily accessible. If you’re like me, the Musee de Tisus could be the highlight of your trip. I’ve gone back several times!
Another Lyon highlight is the Lumiere Museum, in the family home of the brothers who invented moving pictures. Beautiful mansion, and the movies and fascinating equipment are delightful.
Posted by
OP
Eugene, Oregon, USA
959 posts
Spending three nights in Lyon
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Aix isn't a good public transportation base to visit Arles, Avignon or Nîmes, as the main train station is 15 miles out of town. Avignon is the most convenient base, closely followed by Arles (which I find more charming). It is easy to reach MRS airport from either, provided your flight isn't too early (there are several airport hotels if your flight is early).
Posted by
shingle springs, CA, USA
782 posts
We did a Lyon Greeters tour and highly recommend them,lots to see in Lyon and the Resistanse Museum is must see to see what the people of Lyon went through in WWII.Look at a map and see that Aix is East of Arles,Avignon and Nimes which is Close to Pont du Gard.Avignon would be a better base.
Mike
Posted by
OP
Eugene, Oregon, USA
959 posts
If i can take a bus, from Aix, to MRS from 4,50 in the morning to late at night, at 12 Euro and the trip lasts 30 or so minutes, and there is another bus on that schedule all day of going to the airport every 1/2 hour, why would i stay anywhere else?
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Well, because getting from Aix to Arles or Nîmes for instance, is a real schlep without a car. Avignon is far more central to the region for sightseeing.
If you have an early flight out of MRS, I'd rather just spend my last night in Aix or at the airport but not all of my Provence nights.
Posted by
11570 posts
Stay in Avignon as a base or Arles.