My husband and I may take a last minute trip to France the first week in September- we've never been. I want to spend time in Paris, and I've always wanted to go to Provence. Any suggested itineraries? We have to keep the budget low, and we only have a week- so any hotel or B&B recommendations would be appreciated! We've traveled to other parts of Europe and have taken trains and driven, so we're game for either, but would probably prefer taking trains.
The goal of the trip is wine, food, and walking. I want to see as much as we can, but don't want to cram in a bunch of cities and feel like I'm constantly in a car or on a train.
Everyone here is always so helpful- thanks!
Posted by
OP
New Brunswick, NJ, USA
59 posts
Adam, thanks for your response.
I was thinking of flying out Thursday night, arriving in Paris Friday morning and then taking the train right to Provence. This way, I'm already in Paris to fly out the following Saturday morning.
Is Arles a good base to explore Provence? I think you're right about renting a car, and I've changed my mind. Would you suggest staying in Arles, renting a car there and exploring the Provence region Saturday through Wednesday before I head to Paris? Would you recommend staying in more than one town? I've done trips like this both ways... sometimes it just depends on how the region is set-up.
Thanks!
Posted by
Sachse, Texas, USA
53 posts
Amanda - With the TGV right out of CDG your idea to go to Provence first is a good one. You can rent a car at the TGV station in Avignon and the driving in that area is fine, nothing like Paris.
Avignon would actually make a good base to explore Provence or Arles would also work. There is so much to see in this area. I would pick maybe four or five towns/villages and concentrate on those and also maybe try to visit a couple of wineries. (There are hundreds since Provence is a very large area.)
If you want to experience a market the one in Vaison-la-Romaine on Tuesday morning is a very good one and Vaison also has a number of very interesting sights.
If you base in Avignon you would want to spend at least a good part of one day exploring it.
You will have ample opportunity to do a lot of walking! And the food is great also.
Posted by
OP
New Brunswick, NJ, USA
59 posts
Susan,
Thanks so much. I am very interested in visiting a winery and doing a few tastings. Are there any in the area that you particuarly recommend?
Thanks!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
This is not a lot of time, so I would keep things simple: Paris and one Provencal base, such as Arles or St. Remy.
Plan to fly open jaw or for an afternoon flight home from deGalle, enough time to catch one of the trains that goes directly to deGaulle from Avignon.
To get the most out of such a short time, plan like mad and consider renting a car in Provence--you'll be able to cover more ground. (But you can see a lot by rail.) There are some great walks in Provence, too.
September is a wonderful time for a trip like this--have fun!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
I can recommend the Domaine des Girasols in Rasteau, near Vaison. It's family owned and they speak English.
Posted by
Sachse, Texas, USA
53 posts
Amanda - The wineries around Vacqueyras and Gigondas have some excellent reds. Big flavor.
We always make a point to visit the co-op in Beaumes de Venise. They are famous for their Muscat which is a dessert wine but really delicious.
Last year we discovered Chateau Pesquie. They have a web site which says their location is Mormoiron. I am not quite sure where that is. We have a tendency to just explore the back roads and when we see a sign for "degustation" we pull in!
Of course Chateauneuf-du-Pape is also in this area but we think some of the other Cotes du Rhone wines are just as good and a little more reasonable YMMV.
Posted by
Sacramento, California, United States
253 posts
The suggestion of making Arles your base is a good one. The train station is right outside the walls and for some reason I have never quite figured out, the restaurants in Arles are some of the best in France. When we go to Provence, we always stay in Arles and either drive around or take the train to see Avignon, for instance. Good base to do a drive around the Luberon and to go up as far as Orange.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
It's not that big a deal, but here's why I would start in Paris and use the TGV connection to deGaulle at the end of the trip rather than the start.
It's just that I think it would be more pleasant to do all that travel once you have rested and recovered from your jet lag. Consider this.
You land at, say, 7 AM and get your bags. You can either go to Paris and start your trip (local trains leave all the time), or wait for the TGV to Avignon. There's at least one transfer involved, and the total trip runs between four and five hours.
Notice I am not saying it can't be done. I just don't think it's the best way to start your trip.