First significant trip to France. 8 days in early May. Wish to focus on small town charm. 2 areas would be between Lyon and Avignon (2-3 days), and Sarlat-la-Caneda area (2-3 days). Would appreciate recommendations on places to stay. From there we go to the Normandy beaches. I assume I'm driving this entire route unless someone tells me otherwise. Thank you.
Posted by
801 posts
Yo Fr,
You have endless choices, none of which are necessarily better than the next.
But I would check out Uzes. As for that other area, below is our loooooooooooooooooong TR.
Bon chance!
I am done. the end
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/en-pays-villefranchois-photo-essay-part-one-1681367/
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2254 posts
Your current intentions are to focus on driving, not small town charm. Lyon to Sarlat is 6-8 hours. Sarlat to Normandy is another long day. I assume you're flying into Geneva to limit the drive to Lyon? Because Paris to Avignon is a stiff drive also. And you need to plan on gas at $6-8/gal and tolls. You will spend the majority of your 8 days on the road.
France is big. And driving the main roads is boring. If you want small towns you need to drive the secondary roads, but they are much slower. But it's worth it. Avignon/Sarlat/Normandy, you cannot see any of these in a week. Trying to do all three in that time is a recipe for disappointment.