Hi forum,
I am in the early planning stages of a trip to visit family in the French Alps. I'm looking for a small town to stay in for about 5 days after that. I did this several years ago in Collioure, France and that town was perfect. I can imagine it gets flooded with people in the high season, but when we were there it had a great balance of charming town, beach, surrounding sites, restaurants, and shops. And it wasn't so too much travel from the Alps. I've never been to the Cinque Terre, but I'm worried that even in shoulder season it will be too packed.
I'll traveling with my husband and 9 year old). I'll likely be there in the end of May or EARLY June. I'd love suggestions from this great group!
(I'll post in Spain and France as well)
Posted by
Paris
6867 posts
Hi! Answered your Spain post as well :)
Where in the Alps are you going? If it is in the vicinity of Annecy or Chamonix, then you can make it to Lake Maggiore (e.g. Stresa) or Lake Como quite easily.
If you are further south, e.g. Briançon or Gap, then I would rather suggest Piemonte. The wine country around Barolo is beautiful (even if vineyards aren't at their most stunning in May); I also really like Saluzzo but perhaps not for 5 days.
The Portofino area on the Ligurian coast is also within reach, and the 5 Terre are just a bit further.
I assume you are driving: watch out for closed mountain passes. In particular, the Petit Saint Bernard pass leading into Italy from Tarentaise valley can open as late as early June (4th June this year), so if your family is in that area then going to Italy will involve massive detours.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
12 posts
Ooh, great ideas. I'll be near Grenoble, but up in the mountains. I had thought about doing a drive over a pass, but I didn't realize that they might still be closed.
I have family in the Alps, Paris, Nice, and Florence so when I plan these trips there are always (always!) too many choices. Everywhere is great, but I can't go everywhere. If that makes sense.
Posted by
Southwest Florida
855 posts
If coming from Grenoble, consider Pinerolo. Pretty town, easy train ride to Turin if you crave bright lights/big city along with museums, etc. Consider a day trip to the epic Chiusa di San Michele as well.