Hi could use some help deciding where next in France. We've been to Paris and Reims, and as above, to Alsace. Loved Riquewihr. We stayed in an apartment there, and it was so nice to stroll around the town in the evening after the crowds were gone, have a relaxed dinner, and listen to the church bells.
Having a hard time picking the next spot. Loire valley, Perigord, Burgundy, Provence? Any recs appreciated. We like art, history, wine, food, and quant villages....well, France!
One thought: The Dordogne? Use Beynac as a center from which to explore Lascaux and other prehistoric caves, and the villages around them, and also the medieval villages and castles of the region. Train down from Paris about 4 hours. This plan works best if you are willing to rent a car...
I agree with previous poster that Dordogne/Perigord would be a perfect place based on your likes. Either Beynac or Sarlat would be a good place to stay to explore the region. Not sure how you travel but a car would be pretty necessary for the area, especially to get to some of the 'quaint' villages you want to see.
Provence, Provence, Provence! Without a car, stay in Avignon (inside the old city walls), and visit the region by train or bus. We had a car this past summer, and rented a gite (country house) in Saint-Rémy de Provence, which was an excellent base for exploring villages and wineries in the area.
Nice, along the coast of the French Riviera, is an art lover's paradise.
Both places can get, ahem, very warm in the summer.
Beynac. I even have an apartment that I can highly recommend:
My review is the most recent of the 8 on the site. My family and I spent 3.5 weeks in France this past summer in the Loire, Dordogne, Provence, and the Alps and the Dordogne was my favorite (the kids liked the Alps the best). I can provide more info if you are interested.
-Matt
The Dordogne is great, though train connections aren't the best and you need a car once you're there. I'd also recommend Burgundy, a quick train to Dijon and then a car to your base in Beaune or one of the villages like Semour-en-Auxois. The Loire is also beautiful though you can get "chateauxed out" after a few days. Easy train to Tours, then a car. Consider Normandy -- easy train to Caen, then car -- especially if you're interested in WWII. It's not a wine-producing area, but that doesn't mean you can't drink wine from all over France there! ;-)
I haven't been to Provence but want to go. I guess we're not being much help to you so far, are we? You really can't go wrong with any of these areas.
If you had 3 weeks or so ...
Paris >> Burgundy >> Provence >> Toulouse >> Bordeaux >> Loire Valley >> Paris
or you could split that into 2 shorter trips ...
Paris >> Burgundy >> Provence >> Toulouse/Lyon
Bordeaux >> Perigord/Dordogne >> Loire Valley >> Paris
I went to Burgundy, then Alsace, on the same trip. It was much harder to drive in Burgundy, the roads (except for the limited access highways) were narrower, not nearly as well maintained or signed. I loved it though (based in Avalon, but in fact didn't spend any time there). The villages of Alsace were much more photogenic and, of course, more colorful. I kind of think it doesn't matter where you choose, you'll love it.
Basing out of Beynac, there is a lot to see by car, all listed in Rick's book. One gem that he left out is the Chateau des Milandes which was once owned by Josephine Baker. It is a beautifully restored chateau with a very interesting history and it is remote enough that is is not real crowded.
Check out Rudy Maxa's travel video (actually watch them all) on the Carcassone. Right on the Spanish border. Not someplace that I was familiar with but now would consider visiting.
Rick might have one too.
Actually about 140km from Carcassonne to the Spanish border.
We too stayed in Riquewihr for a week in an apartment, and loved it for the same reason you mention. So you might like some of my suggestions. The Dordogne is beautiful; I consider it a little weak in the wine department, but certainly not in history, food and quaint villages. In fact, we're returning there next April, with a week in Beynac. Someone else recommended Semur-en-Auxois, which I would second. And Saint-Remy in Provence, which we stayed in twice for a week each time. I wrote a blog during several of our more recent trips, so rather than give more specific recommendations, I'll include a link to it. http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/
