My husband, parents and I are planning a trip to France and Spain in September 2013. We are all fairly seasoned European travelers. Below is the itinerary we are considering. We'd plan to fly open jaw, and fly into Paris (from Chicago) and out of Barcelona. We'll be renting a car, and would like to rent one outside of Paris (we'll take the train from Paris to the first city). My dad and husband both have experience driving in Europe. Much of the trip will focus on the southeast area in France, as I studied abroad in Chambery, France, and want to revisit the area with my family. I've been to Paris numerous times, and my parents have also been. It will be my husband's first time. Also, I've been to Barcelona, but the others have not. I realize only two days in Barcelona is not ideal, but I'm not sure where else to cut. Does this itinerary seem doable? I've noted the cities that we're not completely sold on or have thought too much about. Any feedback or insight would be appreciated! Thanks, Nicole Day 1: Arrive Paris in AM Day 2: Paris Day 3: Train to somewhere like Dijon or Auxerre (any other ideas for this area?) Day 4: Annecy Day 5: Chambery (I realize Annecy and Chambery are very close, but it'd be nice to have some time in this area and not spend a lot of time in the car for a few days.) Day 6: Avignon or Arles? Day 7: Somewhere along the way to Spain Narbonne? Other ideas? Day 8: Somewhere in Spain near Barcelona. Ideas? Day 9: Barcelona Day 10: Barcelona
Day 11: Leave for Chicago
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Nicole, the only obvious difficulty I see with your plan is the drop-off fee you may have to pay if you rent in France and return in Spain. You might find it cheaper to rent a car in each country. Anyway, it is something to check out. About your itinerary, I am seeing a lot of cities. I'd prefer Beaune to Dijon and perhaps Chablis or one of the villages in the Serien valley to Auxerre. But perhaps you were just thinking of these as places to pick up your car? For similar reasons I prefer Arles to Avignon.
Posted by
OP
Milwaukee
194 posts
Thanks, Adam. That's very helpful! I didn't even think of the fees, so that'a definitely something to look into. We prefer small towns to cities, but it's hard to know which smaller towns to pick, so these recommendations are appreciated!