We are traveling to Brittany in May and will spend 5 days there. My question is: we will have an additional 16 days and can't decide whether to go to the Cotswolds or Provence? Is it realistic to do both, we are seniors on a budget.
We would appreciatebany help.
Thank you
Sharon
If you want to visit the Costwolds (England) along with both Brittany and Provence (on the opposite sides of France) within 3 weeks, then the most "practical" way would be to fly into London or Birmingham first, then travel to France, then fly home from Nice or Marseille. You can search for a "multi-city" airfare, into and out from the two end points of the trip.
You would rent separate cars in each country; see http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/rental-car-requirements. See also www.aferry.com for a search engine that could help you find ferries from the south of England to Roscoff or St. Malo in France.
A train across France could be more comfortable than driving the whole way, or you could make stops on the way. There are not many convenient trains, but there is one direct TGV leaving at 7:00 a.m. from Rennes to Avignon, Aix, and Marseille. How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
I've only been in St Malo @ the ferry terminal and one night in Rennes, but I'd like to explore much more of Britanny. Driving from Brittany to Provence you'd see lots of varying countryside and sights and then you cld plan a week in a small town in Provence. Take the TGV from Marseille or Avignon back to Paris ('m guessing you will be flying into Paris). I'd save the Cotwolds for another trip. We spent 6 days in Stow last June, and while the villages are picturesque and charming, there is a bit of sameness abt them. Many will post and disagree, but........................ If you're interested in WW II history, Anthony Doerr has a fascinating new novel set in St Malo---All the Light You Cannot See.
I once spent a miserably wet and cold late Easter long weekend in the Cotswolds. Provence will be warmer for sure. Look at InnTravel.co.uk for some good ideas. They will also help you work out options for the travel there from Brittany and to your return airport.
Thank you for your advice, I think we will limit our visit to France.
Cary
Thank you for recommeding the book, we will get it!
You didn't say if you have already seen the Loire, or Normandy, or the Channel Islands, or near-Paris outings like Giverny and Chartres and Rouen. I presume you've been to Paris. If you are afraid of too much France, consider going to the near corner of Belgium, which would get you the very popular destination of Bruges (via Louvre-Lens?). Gent and Antwerp are very affordable, and you can fly home from Brussels if your air fare cooperates.
It would be helpful to know if "seniors on a budget" means "trains only". For example, Brittany and Normandy are loaded with lovely private gardens that could be beautiful by the middle of May, but hard to see without a car. Many people with cars want to see medieval village remains and neolithic (?) stone monuments near the coast, but I haven't been that far into Brittany. Luxembourg has a cheap airline, and you could hit Trier, Germany
Tim made sev good points; his mention of the Channel Islands jogged my feeble brain. Last may we took the ferry from St Malo to Guernsey for 5 nights---loved Guernsey. We lucked out w/ a great cab driver from the ferry terminal to the hotel who's a native who also does island tours and suggested good restaurants. PM me if you would like his contact info. [email protected]
