We are planning a trip to Europe beginning at the end of August, and lasting through mid-september (17 days, day 1 & 17 are travel days). We are doing a mix of France & Italy but have a block of seven days for France that we haven't mapped yet. In reading Rick's France book he says, "If all you have is a week and it's your first trip to France, do Paris, Normandy, and the Loire." It is our first trip to France, and I was wondering if we should stick to this plan, or deviate to other areas like Lyon, Provence or even Burgundy? We are prepared for these 7 days to be packed and full, I am just having a hard time making a final decision since they all seem wonderful in their own way. The end goal is to end up in Paris. Does anyone have suggestions on a different itinerary? Or, if we should stick to this itinerary, and suggestions for hotels & must-sees in Paris, Normandy or Loire that may or may not be mentioned in the book?
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
386 posts
Hi Christine,
Before I offer suggestions, where in Italy are you spending your other 10 days? That would help us on the forum to recommend complementary spots in France...
Posted by
New York, NY, 10025
392 posts
Those areas suggested by RS are certainly worth visiting, but that being said, I think the answer depends on your interests. If you could give the people here an idea of what you like to do, they can recommend things more easily!
Posted by
OP
Annapolis, USA
16 posts
That is always a tough question with no easy answer! :) My husband is really into history (born and raised in Gettysburg), and so Normandy is really appealing for that reason, but he also enjoys ancient ruins and architecture. Great food and wine experiences would be great (he's more into food, I'm more into wine). I am also a sucker for picturesque charm and scenery, and we are open to touring well, and lesser, known locations and sites. I know this is quite broad, but hopefully narrows down a little.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I could easily spend a week or several in Paris alone, have never spent less than a week there in four trips. But if this is your introduction to France, I'd suggest Paris plus either Normandy or Loire. Food will be great most anywhere in France, local wine better in Loire. Both areas are rich in history, different places and events from different periods. I guess I'd pick Normandy because I could get to Rouen quickly by train, pick up a car, and see places like Bayeux, D-Day beaches, Honfleur and/or Caen in a couple of days. Mont St-Michel would add a lot of time, maybe better to save for another trip. As RS says, "assume you will return." Or spend the whole week in Paris with a day trip to Chartres or Rouen or Giverny to give you a sense of the countryside. I hope you're thinking of August-September next year, you'll have a hard time finding good accommodations if it's next month. Either way, have a great trip.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Paris, Normandy, and Loire are solid choices, and I think you are traveling in about the best time of year to visit Normandy. (I'd skip the Loire with only 7 days and plan a day trip to a chateau, but I appreciate the impulse to see as much as possible.) But Provence is also logistically sweet, especially if you are coming from, or heading to, the boot. Lyon is also enroute that way too, and Burgundy plays well with Paris. So your decision should be based on your priorities, and perhaps more than one guidebook too. I'd just say don't over program, as you are really just getting tastes as it is.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7884 posts
I agree that two of Rick's three are the most you should do. I think Normandy is more compact than the Loire, and everyone in the U.S. is going to ask about the D-Day beaches, so you might as well get it out of the way. Rick likes "packed" days, but your quote is scary! You can't do justice to all three of those in 7 days. You can't assign too many days to Paris. If you feel that you have to be on the go every minute, you can always add in Versailles and/or Giverney. No many times you come back to Paris, you will not run out of things to do. On our first trip to Paris and to France, around 1987, we spent 7 days in Paris after 7 days in London. That was the whole trip. No regrets. Have each been to Paris at least 8 times since, sometimes together, sometimes on our own business trip. Still look forward to it every time.