I'm planning a 10 day trip to France.
I would like to spend some time in the northern section of France; however, my husband would like to go to the Provence region for wine tasting.
What is the most direct route? It looks like it's about 9 hours drive across the country from Mont St. Mchel to Orange.
Do you really want to drive 9 hours?
You could fly from Rennes to Marseille and take the train to Orange
Or go back to Paris and catch the train to Avignon then to Orange.
In 10 days you could do both, but -- as you noted -- it is a very long drive from Mont St-Michel to Orange, and then you have to get to & from Paris, assuming you're flying in & out of Paris. As earlier comment suggests, you might want to take the train.
If you drive, be aware that navigating on French highways involves knowing the major cities where the route points you -- even if you aren't going to those cities. For example, on the A28 near Le Mans, northbound is "direction Rouen" and southbound is "direction Bordeaux." It's kind of like the Metro in Paris.
I think the logical route would take you via Rennes, Le Mans, Tours, Bourges, Vichy, Lyon, and Valence. Outside of Tours the A85 takes you quite near the famed Chateau of Chenonceaux, so you might consider breaking up the trip with a stop in that area. Perhaps overnight, allow time to tour the chateau, and then continue to Orange next day.
Do you want to spend any days in Paris?
Yes, I'd like to spend time in Paris the first day we land and the last two days before we leave.
I'll take a look at the route that you suggested. The Chateau of Chenonceaux is a great idea! I'll add it to my itinerary.
Are you going to Orange just for wine tasting? Because there are wine regions that are closer to Normandy.
Almost ALL of France is noted for one kind of wine or another. And Normandy is particularly noted for cider, as well. You are right to be skeptical of automated driving time estimates - they are usually too low.
Can you name some other important plans for the trip? Are you going to spend time in Paris? What time of the year is the trip? (referring to scenery and activities available.)
