Hi. this will be my first visit to France. My wife has been twice. some of the things we are doing she has done and she wants me to share the experience. But, still seeking suggestions. We are going from 9/17 to 10/8. Here's the contemplated plan. All can change except the Canal du Midi trip. It's booked and paid for. I like to drive and I like the flexibility it gives me:
9/18 Arrive Toulouse early evening. Rent Car drive to Carrcassone; meet up with friends
9/19 Carrcassone (with car)
9/20 - 9/27 Shuttle to Homps - Le boat canal cruise on Canal du Midi
9/27 Cruise ends outside Beziers in the morning. Rent Car. Drive to Arles (for the van gogh stuff)and then up to Albi
9/28 Drive to La Roque Gageac (with car)
9/29 La Roque Gageac (with car)
9/30 Make way to Bordeaux (with car)
10/1 take the Early TVG Train to Paris arrive before noon.
Now, I have a week in the Paris area. I was thinking of renting a car on 10/1 and heading out to the D-Day area and MSM for 2-3 days then back to Paris. but, that would put me in Paris at the beginning of the week and it seemed from reading rick's book that many attractions are closed then. So, I might reverse that or do a 2-3-2 thing.
Suggestions welcomed and greatly appreciated. Also looking for suggestions on where to stay for 1-2 nights in Normandy and for a good tour guide for the D-Day history (doesn't need to be a private tour)
Merci Beaucoup.
Tim