I’m traveling solo end of September with about one week to spend in the French countryside. I have been to Normandy, the French Riviera, Colmar and Chatres. I was thinking of starting in Lyon, staying in the area a couple of days then to Provence. Should I just focus on Provence? Is the Lyon area worth breaking it up? I love small villages, markets, some chateaus but not too many.
Posted by
Washington DC
27393 posts
Do you plan to rent a car in Provence?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
I’m open to it but I read different views about it. I was thinking once I got to a home base I could rent to explore.
Posted by
Paris
7026 posts
I do find that a car is very helpful in Provence, especially if you are curious about the small villages. You can easily rent one at Avignon TGV train station as you take the train south from Lyon. With a car, St Rémy de Provence is an excellent all-around home base, and there are some good options to the east (more suitable if you want to explore the Luberon) such as Pernes Les Fontaines or L'Isle sur la Sorgue.
With a full seven days on the ground, I would allow 4 to Provence and 3 to Lyon. If 8 days, make it 5 Provence + 3 Lyon. 3 days in Lyon leave time for a day trip: Pérouges is a lovely village, Vienne has good Roman ruins and a few other monuments, and there are some other options too.
If you have more like 5-6 days, I would do Provence only so as not to rush either Lyon or Provence.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you! That’s extremely helpful!
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1387 posts
Pérouges is on my list to visit. As a medieval town 3 different Three Muskateer movies have filmed here. Park near the Catholic Church, Eglise Sainte Marie Magdalene, and stroll the through the streets and alleyways.
Enjoy your trip.