We will be in Paris from 16 July to 14 August. I want to take a train or bus, travel south to see the lavender fields, spend perhaps two or three nights in a small town somewhere, and return to Paris. I do not want to rent a car. Any advice on where to stay (mid-range prices!), where to go ... any other practical ideas will be highly appreciated. I have never been to France before!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7029 posts
I know you mention staying in a small town in Provence but, without a car, it can be a bit difficult and time consuming to find public transport around the area. I did some looking and I see several 1/2 and full day small group tours of the lavender road route that you could take that look wonderful. All of the ones I saw originate in Avignon. It's not necessarily what you think of as a small Provencal town but it does have good transportation connections with Paris by hi-speed train (TGV) and would be a convenient place to base for a couple of days without a car. In addition to the lavender areas you could do a tour of Pont de Gard from there also, or maybe a day trip by bus to St Remy de Provence which is a very nice smaller town.
One note: the lavender field trips run through August but from my experience there the fields will be there most luscious in July before the harvest starts, so you might want to plan that part of your trip as early as possible in your time frame.
Posted by
OP
Bloemfontein, South Africa
10 posts
Thanks Nancy.
I usually prefer not to go on an organised tour, but perhaps here it will make sense. I will google some more!
Posted by
133 posts
Just wanted to point out that there is a theatre festival in Avignon in July that will make it more challenging to get hotels, etc., so if you are looking at a tour that leaves from Avignon, you may want to secure a hotel before booking the tour.