We are arriving in Nice August 17 (yes, I know! Most crowded tourist time. My health demands that I avoid cold weather and this is the beginning of two months in Europe). We plan to rent a car, and spend our first week in Avignon and Provence. Please advise what you might do with three more weeks. We were 10 days in Paris last June, so although that is a possibility it is not necessary this trip. We do need to end up in a major city to fly to Budapest next. Go west? The Alps? How much time in Loire? We do not like rushing and are somewhat active. I am thinking a few hours bike riding in Loire on very gently rolling roads, maybe a slow canoe or kayak paddle somewhere, easy hiking for a few hours. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
If you need warm weather then consider heading west along the French coast toward Spain. It's amazingly beautiful. You have the Cevennes with the beautiful gorges and small villages like St. Guillaume le Desert. There are lots of "village circulade" in Herault such as Pezenas that are lovely and surrounded by vineyards and wineries. The town of Agde on the coast is unique and the Canal du Midi offers biking along the old tow paths and cruising on the water - not sure but I would imagine you could kayak/paddle somewhere along the canal. Further west you have towns like Beziers and Narbonne, both with lovely cathedrals and old town centers. The coastal town of Collioure is quaint and very picturesque and was the center of Fauvre painting in France. Not too far from there is the Cathar region with it's hilltop fortresses built to avoid religious persecution. There is so much more in this region and you could spend months exploring! Great hiking, biking, boating! From there you could easily head over to Spain as well and all that has to offer!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
With that much time I would be sure to include the Dordogne valley on your itinerary. There is also great stuff between there and Provence. You could easily spend from 1-2 weeks doing that.
I don't much care for the Loire, but it is justly popular and a day's drive from the Dordogne. From there you could swing through either Normandy or Burgundy before flying home from Paris.
Great cycling opportunities out of Beaune.
Posted by
Niceville, FL, USA
154 posts
Check out the Nice section on the southern coast. Arles was a great stop over. The coastal town was amazing!