We are planning a trip that we can use some help on. We want to spend four days in Nice and the surrounding towns. We are also absolutely want to see Carcassone. We would also like to fit Lake Geneva in the trip. I like to drive in Europe so we will rent a car. We do understand that when you pick up the car in one country and drop off in another it is too expensive. So, does it make sense to Fly into NIce. Spend 4 four days in that area. Than drive to Lake Geneva for three or four days. Than drive to Carcassone for a couple of days. We originally wanted to fly out of Barcelonia but the drop off of the car would cost us an extra $600. If we drive back to Nice and fly out it would cost less. So, is Lake Geneva worth the three or four days or would we be better off after Carassone just heading toward Barcelonia and spending some time in that regime. Would really appreciate your recommendations. This site and you guys have been so helpful on past trips. Thanks in advance
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
Lake Geneva is a pretty far stretch from the other two areas. You can get your distances and driving times at viamichelin.com.
Why don't you fly into Geneva. One side of the airport car rental functions as French territory for rental purposes. Then drive to Nice, Carcassonne, and leave the car at a town near te border and take the train to Barcelona, or drive to Nice to fly out.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA
7 posts
I think Bets ' reply is genius! Carcassonne (ok, this is my favorite city in France..truly..so I am prejudiced about the place). It's not just the Cite, there's also the Canal du Midi flowing through the city and all the vinyards in the surrounding areas, there's lots more, and the surrounding areas are worth a mention, so here's a site I've used and found accurate and informative (I used to visit the area every year): http://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/Languedoc/activities/index.php And while in Nice, check out Menton:http://www.mentondailyphoto.com/ Heading down the coast from Montpellier, Beziers is my favorite 'between' town. Arrived there one day when there was a spring floral marketplace on the main street (actually two streets divided by a center park which hosted the show and sale. Nice hotel overlooking that, all on a hill which overlooks the canal.
Hope you have a great time wherever you go.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10600 posts
Perpignan would be a good place to drop your car and then take the train to Barcelona. Would you plan at least a couple of days in Barcelona?