Hi SO I changed itinerary and now I’m heading South. Unfortunately I tore out the pages I thought I needed and left the US.
So I don’t have the SofFrance pages.
I watched an old video and got the cites down. I think.
Driving from Lyon Part-Dieu tmrw looks like the best place to start would be Vaison-La-Romaine — sault, crestet, glgondas
Orange (should I stay here)? I love to stay in small CUTE towns (for example 2 of my favorite places on the planet are Senlis FR and Avila SP)
Chateaneuf du pape
I don’t drink - so if any of these places are just for wine drinkers I’ll have to skip them (unless they’re lovely and it’s not just for wine)
If I should change or move things around please suggest …
Uzés, Pont du gard
ARLES
NICE
Then back to Lyon —- fly out on the 29th
Today is already the 14 wow … I like to chill in each place so I’m not running around.
Can anyone taper down this itinerary for a non drinker and also (if possible recommend a hotel or B&B ????? I’m def a little scared without my guidebook on this part)
I know it’s a lot to throw at you but I’m a woman solo traveling without her guidebook soooo yeah would love any advice. THANK YOU!!!
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
550 posts
I can't help with the itinerary, but as someone who relies a lot on having a guidebook, if it were me I would spring for a new guidebook, either an ebook that I could download (my preference), or if you need hard copy, there are very likely bookstores in Lyon where you could buy one. If you happen to have access to your home library, you might even be able to download an ebook for free.
Posted by
Washington DC
28455 posts
I find virtually all my lodgings on booking.com, though I increasingly book directly via the hotel's website. Booking.com also has quite a lot of apartment listings. I've found the reviews generally very reliable, because you cannot leave a review there without having stayed at the property. And there's none of the rating inflation you can get on Airbnb since landlords aren't trying to screen out people who've left negative reviews of other properties.
I didn't have a rental car when I went to the Riviera and Provence in 2017, so I can't be very helpful about potential destinations. For what it's worth, I liked all the following:
Lyon
Nice (also very convenient for side trips along the coast via the regional train, but watch for pickpockets)
Arles
Avignon
St-Remy (day trip)
St.-Cirq-Lapopie (day trip)
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (day trip; market makes it hard to appreciate town architecture; check schedule)
If you enjoy markets, you can find some good ones in Provence, especially. You should be able to find decent schedule info on line, but try to find articles/blogs with dates on them (all too rare) so you know you have reasonably current information.
The car will not be helpful at all for visiting coastal towns along the Riviera unless St-Tropez (which has no train station) is a must-see for you.
If you tell us your interests, folks can give more targeted suggestions.
Posted by
Indiana
1043 posts
We absolutely love Hotel West End in Nice. I get the superior ocean view room. Right across the street from the Promand a block away from the Negresco. Excellent free breakfast.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
THANK YOU Lulu — this is exactly what I needed. I just want to stay in the best locations and in a lovely hotel.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
I will book through Booking.com and noticed last night Hotels.com is better here than in the States.
I wrote down your itinerary.
Soooo maybe I shouldn’t rent a car?
I love as quiet as humanly possible small old towns. I like to walk around at night and see castles, old churches, old buildings, basically old anything. —-(except my hotel) I would like new and comfortable.
I don’t shop, eat out, drink, so just like to walk around in a cute little town and have quiet which is why I travel to Europe in November.
I am simply not good at allllll in finding what LOCATION or basically what much area I should stay in the town.
Booking.com does give me a good map and shows the prices but typically I choose the one that’s outside of the old town on accident or in a bad part of town etc. Booking doesn’t tell you which location is the best. You have to go through a review after review, then I’ll read that people were happy with their hotel so I book and but then I’ll be walking and find old town and be bummed I didn’t stay there or in a much better location.
In Rick Steve’s book he says what location is good but I don’t have his book so asking you guys.
There is usually those 2 pages with a picture and he says “stay in this area” but again don’t have the book.
Posted by
Paris
10418 posts
As suggested above, you really might want to bite the bullet and purchase an e-version of his book to make this easier on yourself.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
WHAAAAAT that’s an option!?!? I pledge my platonic undying love to you. lol Holy moly — thank you so so so so much! Yay
Posted by
Minnesota
87 posts
From Nice I would take either the regional train or the bus to Villefranche sur Mer which is a charming town. We loved Hotel Welcome with a sea view room and balcony. Lots of great restaurants and a lovely waterfront area in Villefranche sur Mer.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Hi CD in DC sorry I accidentally missed your recommendation. Thank you that.
And — Thank you for saying “as mentioned above”.
I got the book and wrote down all of what you guys recommended and I’m off from Lyon tomorrow so Au revoir and MERCI BEAUCOUP!! Yes i’m yelling that because you all really saved me. Thanks so much!!