We are a couple in late 50's looking to go to France this summer - last week June and first week July. We have been to France before but only to Paris (several times), Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley (twice), and Alsace (twice). Normally we have tried to limit driving but this trip we will cover a lot of ground. Going to sample several areas and really want to see Carcassonne. We will be back so this trip is really to see what areas we want to visit again in the future when we retire for longer periods of time.
Have a direct flight from USA to Paris. Have a car at airport, and will drive directly to Blois (1 nights). Possible take nap and see the night time Castle light show (if we feel like it).
Next drive to Sarlat-la-Caneda. Stopping along the way at Oradour-sur-Glane. Walk around Sarlat that evening.
Will spend (3 nights) in apartment with washing machine, private parking and a/c in Sarlat.
Day 1: Chateau de Beynac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, La Roque-Gageac, Domme, Carlux.
Day 2: Market Day (get picnic lunch); Roufignac Cave; Rocamadour (maybe) or finish day 1 items or what ever else we find.
Drive to Carcassonne - stopping at Pech Merle cave (have French language reservation), (St Cirq Lapopie?); Carcassonne (especially night walk) (1 night) at Ibis Styles, within walking distance to Castle. Any suggestions for the visiting the castle?
Drive to Antibes (3 nights). early am Carcassonne walk, then drive, later afternoon and evening in Antibes. Staying in hotel
Day 1: Nice, possibly Russian Cathedral (anyone been before?). Use train.
Day 2: Sunday (hopefully less busy), drive Corniches to Cape Ferrat, Monte Carlo, Eze, and possible St-Paul-de-Vence. Goal to see beautiful scenery.
Drive to Provence (3 nights) - 3 nights in St Remy apartment with Washing Machine, private parking, and A/C, walking distance to restaurants. We will skip most of the Roman ruins as went to Italy last year. Need to do some more research on this segment.
Day 1: Las Baux, Ponte du Gard, ??
Day 2: St Remey market day; Ansouls, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon
Long drive to Provins (2 nights) - staying in hotel
Day 1: around city and Legend of Knights show?
Anyone been to Provins and have any insight?
Drive to CDG and fly out in the afternoon.
In the past when driving we have had lots of luck doing sightseeing all day and transition to new area in late afternoon, evening so we were not driving when sites were open. Doesn't look like this will work as well for this trip due to drive and check in times at apartments.