9 days in Europe

For the best combination of scenery, history, culture and food, southern France is our favorite region, but July is hot and crowded just about anyplace in the south. You might think of Switzerland, Germany, Scandanavia or the British Isles simply because they'll be cooler. It really depends upon your interests. If you like the outdoors, check out the Swiss Bernese Oberland or the English Lake District.

Thanks Tex - I have been thinking about the B.O area in Switzerland, but since I am going by myself I thought I would save hiking the alps for another time when I have someone else with. Southern France sounds great, and I dont really mind the heat too much.

Sounds as if you havent been in the countryside much, more rural areas. Loire valley or Champagne areas in France. No need to do another country, and you are flying from Paris. Possibly Champagne, Alsace, Nlack Forest. Or Chunnel to London and see areas near London and back via Chunnel to leave from Paris

I'm with Tex on this one. And it is hot in the South, but not as humid as in Virginia...I found it quite tolerable, especially when we could find hotels and restaurants with AC. And those were easy to find with the help of Rick's guidebook. The coast is crowded, but part of the joy of any beach resort is people-watching. My suggestion would be to TGV from Paris to Avignon-TGV and pick up a rental car there (very very easy). Spend 4-5 days in Provence, seeing Avignon, Arles, the Pont du Gard, the hill towns of the Luberon, and the Mount Ventoux area. Then drive to the Nice area, perhaps dropping the car at the Nice Airport on your way in. Spend the rest of your time in Old Nice, on the beach, in the Maritime Alps only minutes away from the beach (Eze, especially), in Antibes, in Villefranche. Fly home out of Nice. History, culture, shopping, fantastic food, scenery, great wine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The South of France has it all.