Many years ago (10-15?) we had a Rick Steves consultant help us plan an amazing trip through France. My understanding is their consulting service is no longer available (at least not at this time), so I'm counting on you guys for advice. Last time we spent a week in Paris - Then took a high speed train to Dijon where we rented a car and drove through Burgundy (took a couple of days) and rented an apartment in Aix for a week --- using it as a base for day trips.
We'd like to follow a similar itinerary allowing 14-16 days (not including flights to and from France) while making a few changes. Because of work schedules, we will be traveling in June (yes, I know it's probably going to be hot!).
Paris: We only need a couple of days there since we've been several times recently.
Burgundy: I loved our (too short) time there. We especially enjoy exploring the small villages (staying in one that was pedestrian only - had to leave our car and walk up to it). Had to drive through Beaune without stopping which was a crime - it sounds really interesting.
Provence: My wife would like to spend some time there visiting the small hill towns again but we don't really want to stay in Aix. Driving around Aix was not a lot of fun! Can you recommend another smaller town for a home base that is fairly centrally located in Provence?
Antibes: We are thinking about a few days in Antibes (turning in our car there)--probably looking a place in Old Antibes that is walking distance to the train station and each day hopping on the train to see Nice, Villafranche, etc.
Fly home from Nice.
How would you allocate days for this trip? I wish we had an unlimited number of days but we are limited.
Any recommendations of interesting places to stay (b&b's, vrbo's? small hotels?)
We are foodies so are especially interested in some amazing French meals. Any recommendations?
If you have suggestions on any of these topics we would really appreciate it.
Thanks!
Bob