My first instinct is to do about 3 days in Paris, shoot straight down to Annecy/Alps region for 2 days, Provence for 2-3 days, then the water in the south for 2 days and fly out of Marseilles. Then i wonder if that's too ambitious even for us...should we do the Loire valley instead? Or toward the Alps instead and skip the coast? I'm not dying to head north from Paris, but should we do that and head to Belgium instead? Other? All suggestions welcome!! I wish we had 4 more days! Here is the basic info to get you started:
The trip:
- 90% chance it will be in the summer (10% chance it would be in April)
- must include Paris (we've never been)
Us:
- 30s, energetic, physically fit, and totally fine walking all day long in hot weather in summer. really.
- have traveled extensively in western Europe, never in France except Strausbourg. we have done 1-2 night serial stays and are OK with it if needed.
- our ideal days are spent walking around a new town for 10 hours, exploring back roads, eating good food, hanging out, enjoying the charm.
- Seeing museums and "sights" and shopping are much less important than the above.
- hiking, cycling and/or swimming are all a plus but not necessary. we can handle a strenuous hike in the Alps.
- love the idea of the coast. love the idea of provence. love charming towns, canals, landscapes, castles, history, etc.
- could either rent a car or use trains -- please indicate if a car will be necessary for the suggested itinerary
Thanks for any input!