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Dilemma: Normandy or Burgundy to contrast Provence?

Posted by (Sydney, Australia) on

So much to see, so little time! We are an Australian family planning a trip in September for my husband and I (30's), my mother-in-law (60's) and our (due any day now!!) baby, who will be about 5 months old. It is all of our first trip to France, and we cannot decide between Normandy and Burgundy. So far, our trip looks like:

London - 5 nights
* Possibly Bayeux - 4 nights
Paris - 5 nights
* Possibly Beaune - 4 nights
St-Remy-de-Provence - 5 nights (note: we will focus on that area, not head to the coast)
Onwards to Spain

If we choose Normandy, I am inclined to catch the train to Lille and then spend the afternoon driving at our own pace across to Bayeux as I don't fancy trying to change train stations in Paris with the baby and all of our gear. That would give us 3 days, in which we would visit Mont St Michel, self-tour the D-Day beaches, and visit Bayeux, Honfleur or any other towns we have time for. I understand that we would get more out of a tour of the beaches, however don't think it is realistic with the baby.

Alternatively, if we choose Burgundy, I am thinking of catching the train from Paris to Dijon, visiting Dijon before picking up a car and heading to Beaune. Wine tasting wouldn't be a big attraction for our group, though we love the beauty of the vineyards. We would spend our time visiting towns and chateau in the area.

The key point for us is choosing a place that contrasts and complements the rest of our trip. As far as I can tell, we can't make a 'wrong' choice - either region will be lovely - however need to decide somehow! I like the idea of breaking up London and Paris and have the impression that Normandy is more 'different' to Provence, but we lose most of a day in travel. Burgundy involves less travel time, however I am concerned that we will be seeing a lot of nice towns and countryside in Provence and would like a bit of variety.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Sarah

Posted by
10344 posts

I think you're correct that Normandy is more of contrast with Provence.
You could possibly reduce your 4 nights in Bayeux to 3, but maybe leave it at 4 since you're doing so many day trips.
Most train routes in France that traverse central France go through Paris--you'll have to research your specific train route. Sometimes people are surprised by that--it was one of your concerns, changing stations there.

Posted by
4132 posts

I think that Burgundy will prove a pleasant contrast with Provence, and is logistically much sweeter than Normandy in this itinerary.

Normandy has a special history; it is near the sea; it prefers apples to grapes. So Kent is right about which if the two is most different from Provence. But I think that Burgundy's differences are quite enough and will serve you better on the trip that you describe.

Which I'm sure will be smashing.

Posted by
8551 posts

I love both Normandy and Burgundy and really think either of these is just fine. I myself would stay a bit longer in Paris and Provence because 3 or 4 nights (2 or 3 full days ) is just not very much time any of these areas.

Posted by
2083 posts

We spent a week in Provence and week in Burgundy on our last trip to France. We went in May and we had a car. It was a wonderful trip. Provence was rocky, more arid, more Roman. Burgundy was lush, green, lots of Romanesque..that was our focus. Cluny, Autun, Auxerre, Fontenay, Vezelay etc. I realize my characterizations are fairly simplistic, but we thought the two regions made for a fascinating trip full of beauty, interest, and contrast. Now for the plug: check out then check into the Carpe Diem Guesthouse in Massangi, about 45 minutes from Beaune. This B&BS was fantastic, well priced, and run by caring and kind owners. It may look like it's in the boonies, but with a car it was easy to access everything we wanted to see. We did not take dinner there, though fellow guests did and were pleased ; several dinner options are nearby. I found them on tripadvisor. The ratings are to be believed. Normandy is on the docket for this September. Safe travels!

Posted by
1194 posts

Hi from Wisconsin,
If you haven't been around Europe much, the downside of Normande is that we, the US, flattened it. OK, we had help, and we did it for what we consider a good reason. But much of Normande was heavily damaged during WWII. The city of Bayeaux was captured relatively quickly so had less damage. The again, in the country side around Vire was not unlike traveling in a Monet painting.
I have not been to Burgundy, so I can't speak of it. Ask me in a month, I should be sitting in a cottage near Avallon.
wayne iNWI

Posted by
11 posts

Thank you all for your advice, I have really struggled with making a decision so it's very helpful to get some experienced perspectives. I am thinking that Burgundy may be the winner on this trip as it cuts down on the travel but still adds variety to what we will see in Provence.

Denny, that B&B looks lovely! Unfortunately they don't cater to children under 12 and I hear it's frowned upon to leave babies in the car overnight, so we might have to find somewhere else this time :-)

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