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French Riviera or Milan/Lake Como?

My parents and I will be spending four days in Paris next month, followed by a few days in Normandy. After that, we have another week to explore Europe and are deciding between visiting Lake Como/Milan or heading south to the French Riviera.

Years ago, we took a cruise where we walked around Marseille and did an excursion to Monaco. We've also spent time in southern Italy, so we're looking to make the most of this trip by experiencing something new.

We prioritize exploration over museums and are unsure which option would be a better fit. Personally, I’m more drawn to Italy for the food, and after a while, the churches start to blend together for me.

A bit about us: I’m 31, and my parents are seniors. We’re all active, but my mother has hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and a pacemaker, so we need to be mindful of activities that may be too strenuous for her.

Posted by
5877 posts

March is very early, weatherwise, for both Normany and Lake Como. I would think that after a few days in Normandy, the comparative warmth of the Riviera would be welcome.

Posted by
1458 posts

If you're going to Italy, Lake Como probably isn't the place to be unless cold weather doesn't bother you. Maybe Puglia.

Personally, I'd be thinking about the Costa del Sol or perhaps the Algarve. Weather there should be ideal. The French Riviera will be a bit cooler, but still pretty nice.