Month of June in France

Posted by Mark (Mesa, AZ, USA) on 08/30/15 03:35 AM

I have been to Paris 4x, brittany, Normandy, Loire Valley, and to the coast near antibes, Cannes and Nice a few times. Also to Provence too. I really like the SW, though I haven't explored much of it besides a few nights in Toulouse and Carcassonne.

My family of 5 wants to spend a month in France, and I am not quite sure where to go! I would love to rent 2-3 different places in Gascony and The Midi Pyrenees. The reason why is so that I can visit a few different areas without having to drive much. I feel a little overwhelmed though, with all of the places to go and see there.

I love wine and food and historical sites. My wife and I are 42, and our kids are 16, 7 and 4. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Posted by JS

Bay Area

08/30/15 03:55 AM

3551 posts

I would definately add the dordogne area. Think cave art, prehistoric museum ,canoe or kayaking on a calm river with gorgeous views, castles and some interesting tiny villages . Extraordinary area to visit driving is easy there too. A family destination for sure. With gourmet food possibilities ie foie gras everywhere. Ck it out the area is a gem. That is my pick for the sw.
If u happen to be on the sw coast the area around Cassis for the incredible calanques and layback beach town and adjacent villages another great area.

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

08/30/15 09:28 AM

15576 posts

I spent 10 days in June in Burgundy and Alsace. Beautiful. Lots to see and do.

Posted by Matt

Somerville, MA

08/30/15 11:25 AM

605 posts

The join us in France travel podcast www.joinusinfrance.com has many episodes about the southwest of France. They are very detailed and helpful.

If you go to the Dordogne I highly recommend this gite to rent

http://www.vrbo.com/343941

I just got back from a month long trip with my family and had a great time. Trip reports below:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/3-and-a-half-weeks-in-france-with-kids-part-1

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/3-and-a-half-weeks-in-france-with-kids-part-2

Let me know if you have any questions.

Matt

Posted by Mark OP

Mesa, AZ, USA

08/30/15 03:14 PM

90 posts

thank you matt! wow this is great.

Posted by Carolyn

Seattle, WA, USA

08/30/15 06:05 PM

784 posts

Definitely the Dordogne, but also Languedoc, which is my personal favorite. There is so much to see there. The landscape is varied. Also, the Gorge du Tarn, Gorge du Herault. When you get tired of the hills snd mountains, you can head for the beach. You could do something different everyday and not see all.