First time to France, traveling with a buddy, and we've made a few commitments as far as starting point and ending point and "maybe" a few stops. It starts with a car in Lyon on Oct. 3 (most of that day available) and ends with a flight out of Paris on Oct. 15 (that day will be a travel day), so basically 12 days. Note that the car will be dropped off in Paris midday on the 13th. We want to see the Riviera, Carcassone, Lourdes, Bordeaux, Mont St. Michelle, Normandy, and Paris/Chartes, but we're more or less flexible. We think it's doable without being totally overwhelmed. What say you? Any advice on best way to plan this further? Any places/sights not to miss or places to stay/eat? We're even open for a full itinerary as long as Lourdes is in there. Departing for Europe in three days!
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Yes, it's quite doable and having a car makes it very flexible when you change your mind about things. The Riviera is still warm enough in October to enjoy the beach, and you will be in Normandy when the leaves are changing color and the apple orchards are being harvested. You may want to make lodging reservations for Paris, as rooms are sometimes scarce during the auto & fashion shows in October. You might consider dropping off the car in Chartres to avoid driving in Paris. Also, be prepared to have enough cash to cover the toll roads you decide to use. I like your plan.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Hi Todd.... Having driven all over France , I must tell you that I disagree with the first poster. I think you are underestimating the driving times. However , since you are about to go here is my suggestion... if you get to a place and love it stay for a few days and enjoy where you are , then move on.You do not have to go all over France on one visit. It will still be there for another trip.I am sorry you will miss Burgundy because the grape vines are lovely this time of year and the wine is great. Have fun and don't drive too much.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Well, don't hold it against me, but I don't think this is a feasible plan.
You've got eight widely spaced destinations (not including Lyon) to "see" in 12 days--including Paris, where you will not regret spending a nice chunk of time. (Except that I see you are only spending a day and a half.)
Driving between all these destinations would not be trivial. And your starting point is not exactly optimal either. (Is that negotiable?)
If you weren't stuck with the car, I would say, pick two regions plus Paris, and start in (or leave from) one of them. If you could start in Lourdes it would save you a lot of time.
Otherwise, since Lourdes is a must-see, choose between Normandy and the Riviera. Drive either Lyon-Nice-Carcassone-Lourdes-Bordeaux, or Carcassone-Lourdes-Bordeaux-Normandy (maybe with an overnight stop), and then to Chartres. If you can ditch the car the equation changes for the better. Good luck, and don't be afraid to change your plans midway.
Posted by
OP
Biloxi, MS, USA
2 posts
The starting point of Lyon cannot be changed due to other plans that end there midday on the 3rd. However, we are willing to choose between the Riviera and Normandy.
If there's general agreement about visiting either the Riviera or Normandy, but not both, then we're looking for opinions about which is best to see--considering this time of year and other factors which we look to experienced persons to point out.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
If it were me, I would choose Normandy over the Riviera in a heartbeat. And I agree, your original itinerary is way too much for 12 days.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Since you'll have a car, I agree with Susan, only Normandie!
Posted by
York, PA
300 posts
In May 2009 we spent 12 days in France - 7 days in Paris and the rest in Normandy. I'm just sayin'...
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Peter, I totally agree with what you're "sayin..." I travel the same way. 9 places in 12 days reminds me of the movie... "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium".
We went to 6 countries in 7 wks last year and I thought that was a fast pace!
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
17 posts
I agree - perhaps you can re-think your itinerary. Choose a region and plan accordingly. Driving around France takes more time than you think!!