My husband has a conference in Annecy May 25-31, and we want to add a few days after the conference for other destinations. We will probably fly into Paris a couple of days before the conference and visit Versailles and/or Chartres before taking a train to Annecy on Sunday. (We spent a week in Paris a couple of years ago but did not go outside the city.) We'd like to see Burgundy (based in Dijon?), Provence (based in Avignon or Arles?), the Loire Valley chateaux, Chamonix, and Lake Como but not sure how much we can fit in. We need to end up in Paris to fly home. Can you suggest an itinerary that can be done by train and bus with minimal transfers?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
How many days is a few? To go to Provence and get back to Paris will take most of two separate days. Burgundy lies between Annecy and Paris and would be an enjoyable place to visit for two or three days. I'd stay in Beaune.
Posted by
OP
Rockville, MD, USA
15 posts
Thanks, Adam, for the open jaw suggestion--I'll check this out. The Provence vs. Burgundy decision is difficult--I'd rather see Provence but my husband would rather go to Burgundy based on interest in wine country.
Any thoughts on whether we should allow 2 or 3 days for Lyon?
Posted by
OP
Rockville, MD, USA
15 posts
I think we can stay an additional 8-9 days after the conference, which ends Sunday 5/31 around 2:30 pm. We don't want to stay more than 3 places after the conference, and prefer at least 2 nights in each place to have a chance to explore. We are thinking of taking the train from Annecy to Lyon Sunday afternoon, staying in Lyon 2-3 nights and then taking the train to either Avignon or Dijon/Beaune for 3-4 nights before returning to Paris for 2 nights. Given this time frame, would you recommend Avignon or Dijon/Beaune for the second stop? I know there is enough sightseeing in Avignon and surrounding area to justify 4 or more nights, but is that too much for the Dijon/Beaune area? Also, is 3 nights too much for Lyon?
We are ages 57 and 60, independent travelers who enjoy visiting castles and other historic sights, gardens, picturesque villages, interesting museums, and natural scenery. And, of course, good food--but I assume that goes without saying in France! Hope this helps.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Pat, I think that is a charming itinerary, and it sounds as though you have boiled down your choice to Provence or Burgundy. They are both outstanding destinations.
Without a car, all else equal, I think Provence has more to see and do than Burgundy, which is more rural. (Of course you would also be missing a great deal of Provence.)
If you have not purchased your air tickets yet, you might consider flying into Marseilles, staying a few nights in Arles (visiting the sights there and in Avingon, the Pont du Gard and Les Baux, and perhaps Nimes and/or the Roman Theater in Orange).
Then on to Annecy, Lyon, and a swing through Burgundy (Beaune and a visit to the Fontenay Abbey, perhaps enroute to Paris). Flying open jaws would give you a little extra time to sightsee.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Pat, Burgundy does have a very interesting and accessible wine scene, but to really see it you need wheels. There are at least three opportunities to sample wines in Beaune itself, though. This is either an argument against Burgundy or in favor of renting a car if you go.
Or bicycles. Beaune is a short, flat ride to many vineyards that offer tastings. And there is a shop in Beaune that has a fleet of well-maintained machines.
As for Lyon, I'm afraid I never made it there, though I was going to visit during my last trip to France. (I spent the time in Burgundy instead). So I hope someone with direct experience can answer your question. I think you could easily spend 2 or 3 days there, the question being could you spend that third day better someplace else?
Provence is wonderful.
Good luck and bon voyage!
Posted by
Kamloops, BC, Canada
466 posts
spend 2 days maximum in Lyon. spend the extra day in Provence. This will give you a bit more time to enjoy the wonderful southern feeling in that area; lots of quaint towns. If you prefer bigger cities, spend more time in Lyon. I think most people would probably prefer Provence. Annecy is quite a nice place to visit. Bon voyage!