We just bought our airfare (Toronto to Lyon, return Toulouse to Toronto). 19 nights in September (19 days which includes morning we land but not the day of departure). To cut costs we are considering a one week rental and are looking at either Provence or Dordogne. In your opinion which location would be better for a full week of explorations? I don't think we can fit in two one-week stops because we also want to see Annecy, Chamonix, and the Cote d'Azur. It also seems criminal to arrive in Lyon and not spend time there too. In your opinion is Provence just too far to fit in the Cote d'Azur for day trips? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Either destination would be a fabulous place to spend a whole week. I'd probably choose Provence by a hair but you could convince me the other way. You would not be bored spending a week in either place. Figure 5-6 hours on the road for day trips from Provence to the Cote d'Azure. To me, this argues against day trips, and maybe in favor of staying less than a week in Province to allow for an overnight in Nice. I also think you are overreaching just a bit with all the alpine driving around your itinerary implies. But if you overdo it at the start of your trip you can decompress during your longer stays in Provence & Dordogne. September is a perfect season for such a trip--have a great time!
Posted by
New Orleans, LA, USA
105 posts
We are also going to that area but, in April. Pondered the same question. We decided to spend a few nights in both areas. However, I have been doing a lot of reading, travel books as well as novels, and think the Dordogne region is less touristy, less expensive, more laid back and with lots to do and see. The history of that region is also quite interesting...just something different and everyone has their own ideas of good travel experiences. Good luck!
Also, I think you could do day trips from Cote d'Azur, at least one day.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
I'm like Adam, I'd be hard-pressed to choose one over the other, as they are my two fave areas in France! I'd probably edge a little towards Provence for a week stay, but would try to spend at least 4 nights in the Dordogne. If in Provence, you are near a TGV station (Aix and Avignon both do), then Nice would be accessible for a day trip. I'd train ONE day trip to the Côte d'Azur from Provence, instead of driving, but only by TGV. I'd consider spending a couple nights on the French Riviera, before moving onto Provence, myself... There's more than plenty enough to do in Provence!