We are planning a trip to France in May/June flying into Paris and out of Nice. Our plan is to spend 3 nights in Paris, 3 nights in Loire valley, 3 nights in Chamonix, 3 nights in Provence, and the last 2 nights somewhere on the riviera. We would rather train between areas and rent cars in Loire valley and Provence area. Is it feasible to train between the Loire Valley and Chamonix? Or should we skip Loire valley and stop in Beaune on our way to Chamonix? Or should we skip Chamonix? Any thoughts or suggestions? We have spent 3 days in Paris on a previous trip but have not been anywhere else in France.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
These are all fine, and very different destinations. The questions you ask are ultimately personal ones; their answers have to do with what you value and how nimble you care to try to be.
Loire to Chamonix by train is feasible, but a very long travel day. Is it worth it? Only you can say.
Burgundy is lovely. I'd pick it over the Loire in a heartbeat, but the question is, which will thrill you?
Visiting Chamonix adds lots of travel time to your itinerary. Compare Paris - Chamonix - Provence to Paris - Avignon. But, Chamonix is hard to get to because it is in the Alps. Which is the point, isn't it? So, your call.
If the trip from the Loire to the Alps is a sticking point, you might consider proceeding directly to the Loire the morning you arrive, then working your way back with a stop in Paris. Basically, you could shorten your trip to Chamonix by lengthening your trip from deGaulle.
These are all choices--but enviable ones! Have a great trip.
Posted by
OP
Canby, OR
22 posts
Thank you, Adam. If I revised my itinerary to Paris 3 nights, Burgundy 3 nights, Avignon 4 nights and Nice 3 nights then I have 2 questions: would you start in Burgundy and make Paris your second stop to take advantage of the fast train Paris - Avignon that you mentioned? Also,I have one more night to add to the itinerary so is there anywhere along this route that you would stop for a night?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Jayne, no, I'd start in Paris in that case. The rail connections are all very good on that itinerary, no need to double back through Paris as one would from the Loire.
I also think it's a very nice itinerary, supposing you are OK with leaving the Loire and the Alps for another trip. You cover a lot of ground but at a reasonable, if brisk, pace.
As a partial compensation for missing the Loire, you could (if you like! not required) plan to visit an an Ancient Regime chateau near Paris (Versailles, Chantilly, Fontaineblue).
There is also an older castle south of Beaune that is fun, and medieval sites in Vezeley and Fontenay (near Montbard) in Burgundy.
That's a great time of year for a trip like this, by the way! Have fun.