Traveling to Paris and Provence in August. We will spend a few days in Paris, then head down to Provence spend 4 days in near Avignon were we will rent a car and tour Nimes, Pont du Gard, Arles, St Remy and Le Baux then head towards Luberon for 3. We have a few days that we would like to spend by the Ocean. My thought is Cassis. or if anyone has another suggestion we welcome that. Two questions in trying to finalize our itinerary, Our flight is on Saturday at 6:20 from CDG. We can put Cassis at the end and relax before heading home or in the middle to break up the trip. Coming back from Cassis would you take the TGV from Aix( ( can e return the car in Aix if rented in Avignon) into CDG or head back to Paris the night before and spend the day in Paris.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
That sounds like a lovely trip.
If ocean is a priority I would consider the Cote d'Azure, if you can fly home from Nice. If you are stuck with tickets home from Paris, it is maybe not such a good choice.
SE France is really not the greatest for beaches etc., but the best, such as they are, are on the Cote.
if ocean is not really so important, consider Burgundy, Annecy, or Lyon for a change of pace from Provence.
Posted by
59 posts
We just got back from Cassis and really enjoyed it there we had a Airbnb less than a block from the harbor enjoyed hiking was little chilly and windy when we were there but it could be a lot of fun although I imagine it gets very crowded.
Also plan your trip to Le Beaux carefully because it gets very crowded and there is not much of anywhere to park. We stayed in Maussane. Very convenient and a great bakery just outside our door. Arles was kinda more of the same as anywhere else. Easy parking just down the hill from old town by the cemetery. Minstrel wind while we were there too
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10632 posts
If staying in Cassis, I would return the car in Aix or Marseille and take a 9am TGV back to Paris. You’ll have time for lunch before heading to the airport. My kids did this before the last Delta flight to NY of the day, which leaves at 7:30 pm. Though this went against my cautious nature, it worked out well.
Note on traffic congestion and overcrowded trains in August: every Friday and Saturday heading south, and every Saturday and Sunday headed north. Be sure to buy your tickets well in advance.
Posted by
Boston
98 posts
We took a daytrip to Cassis from the Luberon and we loved it. Loved hiking the Calanques, wished we had worn bathing suits and packed a picnic. The Route des Cretes was beautiful. I was so surprised that there is a small beach right in the Cassis center!
Posted by
OP
54 posts
Monique, How far of a drive was it from Luberon? Did you stop along the way?
Posted by
OP
54 posts
Bets, In my younger days the thought of this would not have worried me, However not having been to France I am concerned about missing the flight. I am assuming your children took the train into Paris and then out to CDG. Was luggage a problem?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10632 posts
They travel light and only public transportation. Yes, they took the 9am TGV to Paris and the RER to CDG after lunch at a favorite restaurant. They were comfortable with it. I don’t know if I would be.
Posted by
613 posts
For ocean, consider Villefranche-sur-Mer (Cote d'Azure)
Provence: add Valence & Orange.
Posted by
Setubal, PT
44 posts
Having spent a few days in Cassis, and knowing how lovely it is, I'd personally rather head straight for CDG having relaxing memories of Cassis in my mind before getting on the plane. I once made the mistake of ruining a relaxing week on Molokai by spending the last day driving around Oahu! Talk about young & stupid!!!! Live and learn. Never again. Can't wait to go back to Cassis!