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Southern France or Northern Italy in November

Posted by on

Hello! I will be in Europe for 18 day in November. I'm devoting 5 to 7 days in Paris (with possible side trips to Bordeaux, Loire Valle and/or Reims) and I'm debating where to spend the remainder of the time. I think I've narrowed my choices to southern France focusing on Côtes du Rhône/Provence or hopping a flight to Florence and exploring Tuscany then Venice (don't know if Cinque Terre would be too ambitious in the time frame of 10 to 11 days.) Keeping in mind the time of year (November 2017) and the fact that I could possibly be traveling as a solo woman (might be joined by my girlfriend,) any recommendations on which direction to go? Should I stick to France? Is 10-11 days enough for northern Italy? Should I stay put in Paris - you can spend a lifetime in Paris, right? Is there another region that "shines" this time of year that I shouldn't miss? Thank you for your input!

Places I have been: Ireland, England, Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Berner Oberland, Paris and Versailles.

Posted by
11613 posts

There is nothing wrong with spending 18 days (17 nights?) in France. Especially if you want to do side trips. You might consider staying in Reims for a couple of nights and visiting Strasbourg or Colmar.

I would move toward Provence and Cote d'Azur after northern France. I spent five nights in Nimes and daytripped to Orange, Arles, Pont du Gard, and a couple of nights in Nice.

Posted by
10712 posts

From reading Tim Park's books on his life in Italy, it seems the Venice area is rather unpleasant and foggy at that time of year. Maybe Zoe can confirm or correct me. Provence will vary in temperature depending on where you are but it is clear and sunny.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks for the advice. Considering I'm traveling in November and I've never been to southern France or Northern Italy, I might just go and let the weather decide for me!

Posted by
7175 posts

My first trip to Italy was made in November, and there was lots of fog right across the northern parts. I would choose south of France.

Posted by
11 posts

If it were summer I would say Provence, but the Dolomites are amazing in the winter months. The views don't get much better.

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