We are taking our kids (19, 16, 13) to France this summer We want to go to Paris and Normandy but don't know where to go from there. We are really struggling. What would you recommend as the must see in France. Loire, Provence???? We will be there the first 2 weeks in July. HELP.
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
We went to France for two weeks in September and yes, one of the hardest parts was determining what to see and what to pass on. Don't cut Paris short. Versailles is nearly a full day. A quick stop in Giverny to see Monet's Garden might be nice...we hit Honfleur enroute Normandy and really had a wonderful afternoon there. Your kids will really love Normandy, the D-Day beaches, Mount St. Michel, etc. We loved the Loire Valley but if you're not careful, you might get "over-chateaux'ed," especially the kids. Try to take in a market, such as the one in Loches on Wednesdays. One chateau that I think the kids would love is Cheverny...they maintain about 80 foxhounds there and the daily feeding has to be witnessed. They also have boat rides throughout the property. We also went to Blois on a Wednesday night when they have a light and sound show in English. Provence has so much variety I think it should be on your must-see list (Uzes, Nimes, Arles, Avignon, Les Baux, Roussillon, Pont du Gard,and so much more). We skipped the Dordogne region due to time constraints but I think the kids would love the caves, floating down a river, and so on. Oh, one last thing - make sure you all go on a bike tour with Bike About Tours in Paris - one of our absolute highlights.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
In two weeks, five people of different ages traveling together might reasonably visit three different destinations. I think four would be pushing it, although you could make the case for one or two chateaux with a one-night stopover in the Loire.
If Paris and Normandy are given (good choices!) then you need to decide what would be the best place for the final stage of your trip.
In your place I would choose Provence hands down, but this is very much a "vanilla vs. chocolate" decision. They are very different places, so you and yours have a clear cut choice to make.
Logistically, Provence is a little farther off. You'll have to return to Paris, probably best by train, then cross town to another train station to catch the TGV to Avignon. Then you'll probably want to rent a second car while you are down there.
That's all perfectly feasible, but more of a stretch than just driving to the Loire, so if you really can't decide you could let logistics decide for you.
If you do go to Provence, you could return your first car in Amboise after visiting a chateau or two. Also, look into return flights from Marseilles.
I hope this helps you think about it. Have a blast!
Posted by
Calgary, Canada
78 posts
We spent a week on the Mediterranean coast last summer just east of Marseille. The village we stayed in was Cassis and it was fabulous - one of the most enjoyable vacations we've ever had. We rented an apartment for the week and just soaked up the sun, amazing food and friendly people. (And we were with our two daughters aged 7 and 5 - they loved it too!).
The only thing is that for apartment rentals you usually need to book from Sat - Sat in the high season so that could limit your choices, but it was so relaxing and we really felt like we'd experienced something real - plus we used it as a base to explore a bunch of little towns in the area. Aix-En-Province, Avignon, even did a day trip to Nice!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
13 posts
Provence Coast is definitively the best place in summer. Early July is not too busy yet.
Enjoy Cassis, Bandol, Sanary, Six Four...
Check www.provence-coast.com