First Visit to France

Tuscany is sui generis. However, two outstanding regions of France that offer all of the above plus great character are the Perigord, in SW France (which includes the Dordogne valley), and Provence, in the SE. Of the two, Provence is logistically easier for a short trip such as yours. There's a great train connection fro Paris; there are even direct trains from Avignon to Charles deGaulle for your trip home, or you could fly home from Marseilles. Both are wonderful places with lots to see, do, and eat. For Provence I'd look at a small town either near the Rhone or in the Luberon, depending on how you want to spend your time. I'd almost suggest Burgundy, but that is really a much more rural region. Still it is one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, if that is your thing.

I agree with Adam about Provence and Dordogne, with one caveat: wine. Both areas have beautiful landscapes and great little villages, and good food (especially Dordogne), but the wines are lacking a bit (particularly most of the Dordogne), at least compared to Tuscany. Another option is the Loire Valley, although much of it is pretty flat. But the chateaus are marvelous, and plenty of interesting towns; and I love the wines there.

Have also been to Tuscany and loved it, can't wait to return some day. I also vote for Provence and the transportation reasons. It's glorious in September too. We took the train from Paris to Toulous, rented a car and drove to Carcassone (super as a day trip)...then on to Arles, Avignon, and Pont du Gard. Have fun!

I think Provence would be a good choice. Driving there is not difficult and there is so much to see and experience.

Thanks to everyone for your responses! To Adam, we had been looking at Burgundy and wondering if this might be a good location to choose. Wine is definitely our thing and we know that Burgundy offers some of the best wine in the world. Can you explain further what you mean about it being "rural"? Does this mean that there aren't a lot of options for restaurants, small shops, etc?

I'll chime in about Burgundy: no shortage of restaurants, small shops, etc. But do some wine research ahead of time. We didn't the time we went, and had a fair amount of mediocre wine, particularly at one of the large old negociant houses in Beaune, which had beautiful vaulted cellars in which we were able to taste loads of over-the-hill mediocre wines. Plus, many of the Burgundy producers are basically working farmers so they don't have fancy tasting rooms at which you can just show up for a tasting and visit. But with the right research and/or assistance, it would definitely be worthwhile to visit the area.

Not at all, Burgundy is a great choice. It is not as well served by rail as Provence, a good chunk of it is national forest, and there is a strong agricultural component. That's what I meant by "rural." There are also many small towns of charm, and Dijon is a big city (too big in some ways). Great food and legendary wine. The wine scene is both friendly and lively - as a neophyte I found it very easy to get into, not snooty at all. I wouldn't say it's much like Tuscany, other than being a great place with its own regional identity, cuisine, and wine. But if you were thinking of Burgundy you'd probably like it. I especially enjoyed Beaune, renting bicycles to tour the vineyards, a tasting lunch in Aloxe Corton, the Fontenay Abbey, Vezeley, and the Serien valley. As a bonus there are a few trains that go directly from Dijon to Charles deGaulle, bypassing Paris, for your return trip. Dijon is a quick hop from Beaune, many trains per day.

I agree with Dordogne and Provence. Sarlat is a great home base and this region offers prehistoric caves, castles along the river, several beautiful small towns, foie gras, duck, and a lazy river for canoeing. Provence offers Roman ruins (Arles, Nimes, Orange, Pont du Gard), lavender, Gorge du Verdun, and wine (Chateauneuf du Pape, Tavel, Gigondas, Vacqueyras). Arles is a great home base as is Vaison la Romaine. , Both regions really need a car to explore, but Provence is easier to get to by train. Either region is will be wonderful.