There are six couples that want to rent a villa for a week in northern France at the end of July. We are a group that enjoys to visit local towns and villages for day trips. Any suggestions of where a good base would be for a week to enjoy the countryside and absorb the culture by car. If we can take a train at the of the trip to see a major city to-fly back from that would be amazing. We all fly back to the USA. We have done Paris and the south of France. Looking to explore a new part of the country.
Posted by
Freedonia
16278 posts
the en dog the trip to see a major cotton fly back from...
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Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2085 posts
For finding rental homes in France you can use the website of Gîtes-de-France. You can use it also for finding chambres d’hôtes / B&B’s, have good experiences with it and therefore think good for rental homes too. https://www.gites-de-france.com/en
Normandy, Brittany and Alsace (edited) are interesting regions in the northern part of France. Much discussed here on the forum, you can use the above search tool to find more. Likely others will give their opinion and tips too what to see and do there.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, I’m looking for an area where we could do day trips and not have to worry about moving to hotels or other places. If you know of a city that can be within an hour of day trips or an hour and a half that would be great.
Posted by
la la land...
1005 posts
If you know of a city that can be within an hour of day trips or an hour and a half that would be great.
You are describing Paris, the day trip and transportation hub of northern France.
You are aware that the Olympics will be in full swing in late July? While Paris is the center of attention, many events are spread throughout France, and that could impact the availability of "villas" in northern France. Also, for 6 adults, are you planning to rent a large van to get around, or just what is your idea? At least from Paris, there are many day trips you can make via train or bus...
Posted by
3439 posts
When I think of northern France, I think of the area north of Paris. I have been considering using Calais or Lille as a base for day trips, and as a good place just to be. I would really like to see the Louvre-Lens, which is just north of Lille.
I hope someone familiar with that part of France will see your post and respond.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2085 posts
First is best to look what you want to see and then look for a central located base. For instance Colmar in Alsace is for many a good base for exploring the region, but also for going to Switzerland and Germany. Bayeux and Honfleur for Normandy and Rennes or Saint-Malo for Brittany. But again is best having an idea about places you want to visit. You can read some guide books or use the above search tool for finding topics about the regions metioned.
Posted by
Normandie
302 posts
I'd suggest Coutances. It's a pretty little town with a large cathedral and some decent restaurants. Lots of nice beaches and coastal areas to walk within a short drive. It's about an hour to drive to D-day beaches and museums. About an hour drive to Bayeux. About an hour drive to Mt. St. Michel. About 70 minutes drive to Cherbourg. About 40 minutes to Granville. You can take a ferry from the area to Jersey. About 75 minutes drive to Fougères. About 90 minutes drive to Saint-Malo. You could drive to Caen at the end of your trip (75 minutes), return the car, and hop a train to Paris. You could take a train from Coutances or Saint-Lô instead, but it would be harder to return the car there (or impossible). Another option would be to drive to Rennes' airport (Aéroport Rennes Bretagne, about 95 minutes from Coutances) and catch a short plane ride to CDG.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1335 posts
mzemel,
As Will said, for renting a property for 12 people, look to Gites-de-France. We have rented through them many times, for various sized places and various lengths of time. Last year we had a great place for seven of us in the Dordogne, a four bedroom, three bath home in a great location with all the amenities for a good price for seven people, about $3000.00 for ten days in mid-June. To my mind, they are far above AirBandB and VRBO for reliability, variety and service. They have been around longer than the other two and are well-regulated. For me, I only go with Gites-de-France, never with AirBandB or VRBO. Once you decide where you want to settle, check them out.
With twelve people, you will find your options limited, but a six bedroom place is possible. Some of the places I have seen are two-buildings on one property. I wish you well. Have a great vacation!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1335 posts
mzemel,
I just noticed you are going at the end of July this year. Finding a place this late may be quite difficult, as most places will be booked for August by French families on vacation. The city folk like to head for the coastal towns and almost any place in the countryside. Good luck!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1335 posts
JoJoRabbit,
To compound matters, I believe the OP is referring to 12 people (six couples). I am guessing two vans or three regular cars.
Posted by
la la land...
1005 posts
The city folk like to head for the coastal towns and almost any place in the countryside. Good luck!
Especially this summer as I assume many Parisians will want to escape the Olympics.
To compound matters, I believe the OP is referring to 12 people (six couples). I am guessing two vans or three regular cars.
You are correct, my misread...I hope the OP comes back from this trip and tells us how it all came together, where they went, etc.
Posted by
France Southwest
2326 posts
It would be better to be more specific about the destination. If "Northern France" refers to the North of France, it is a region called "Les Hauts de France" whose main city is Lille.
Normandy, Brittany, Alsace, although in the northern half of France are not part of this region.