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Itinerary advice - what to do between Paris and Nice

Posted by (Ypsilanti) on

I have booked a trip to France from July 1 - July 15. I'll be flying into Paris and flying out of Nice. I plan to stay in Paris for three nights (July 2, 3, 4) - I've been there twice before so I wouldn't mind a side trip (I'd love to see Mont-Saint Michel). I have an event to attend in Monaco on July 12 so I'll be staying in that area (not sure where yet) for four nights (July 11, 12, 13, 14). I'm trying to decide what to do in between. Essentially, I have six more nights to decide on. I'd like to go to Colmar - I'm not sure whether I want to stay there or just pass through. I like the outdoors (hiking, biking, running, walking) and I love the water and mountains. I'm not a big museum person but I do like visiting castles (I've been to the Loire Valley). I thought about Lausanne/Lake Geneva or Mont Blanc (I passed through there years ago). I have also stayed in Annecy and wouldn't mind going there again. I'm just trying to think of a practical itinerary so that I can see 2-3 more places besides Paris and the French Riviera and not spend too much time on the train and/or running around.

Thanks so much for any ideas/advice!

Posted by
6792 posts

Sounds like you might be overloading with too many places...not sure of you're trying to get to all the places you mention or if that's the menu to choose from.

You have just shy of 2 weeks, which might sound like a lot, but has its limits. I'd suggest you be careful not to try and add in too many places, especially if they're not geographically congruous - eg if you head out to MSM and Normandy (which would certainly be a nice option), then that's going to limit any excursions you can add in a different direction (eg Colmar).

Get out a map and mark the places that you're considering, it'll help you strategize a rational route (as opposed to trying to zoom back and forth across different regions which would eat up precious days.

Posted by
10344 posts

David makes good points and his comments should be read twice.

Posted by
146 posts

Yes, I agree! Overloading is exactly what I'm trying to avoid! I'm definitely NOT trying to get to all of the places that I mentioned - I'm just trying to decide on 2-3 other places besides Paris and Nice. I usually don't like staying anywhere less than 2 days (preferably three). I guess that I am mostly trying to get opinions on what everyone else has enjoyed based on what my interests are. Thank you for your input!

Posted by
243 posts

Chamonix is beautiful and you can definitely spend three days hiking. There is also a flat trail right in the town for running that follows the river.

Provence is great for cycling especially near the gorge du verdun. There is also kayaking in the gorge in the turquoise water.

Many options between Paris and Nice!!

Posted by
146 posts

Thanks! I've passed through Chamonix and it would be nice to spend more time there. I'll have to check on Provence as well. Like you said, lots of possibilities - which is why I can't decide! :-)

Posted by
4132 posts

Burgundy is also prime for cycling, and more enroute than Alsace. Lots more to see in Provence though.

I'd say pick no more than 2 intermediate destinations, and 1 would be OK too. To minimize travel time, skip the Alps this trip.

Posted by
146 posts

Thanks! I'm also considering cutting down to two nights in Paris since I've already been there twice so that would give me the ability to see two other places before heading to Nice. I will check out Burgundy as well!

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