Hello - For the past 3 years during May I've been able to travel with my boyfriend and have had some wonderful trips in Europe. He cannot go with me this year but my vacation time is piling up. This will be my first time in France, a solo female traveler (36), will not be renting a car - so just public transportation and I would like to stay away from the huge cities in France. I want this to be a bit slower, more of a vacation for me. I'm looking at about 10 nights (incl flight over), including travel April 1 - 11 OR April 8 - 18 but no later. Day 1-3: Arrival into Zurich late morning from Boston, 3hr train to Colmar, sleep 3 nights (day trip to Strasbourg, ride a bike on the route de vin, relax) Day 4-5: Early morning train to Beaune, sleep 2 nights (or 3 nights, visit nearby villages, wine tastings) Day 6-8: Early train to Arles or Avignon, sleep 3 nights (or 2 nights, see roman ruins, utilize tour group to see Les Baux, Orange, etc) Day 9: Early TGV to Paris, sleep 1 night Day 10: Train to airport, flight to Boston Other option was Chamonix for the last leg but I get the feeling it's too early?
I have the 2008 France book...need to get the new one which has been helpful trying to figure out how to enjoy France just on trains and see areas that interest me (I will be back at some point of course). Thoughts on timing, will I freeze my tail off, not enough time in one location or another, etc. Thank you - I don't think I'd have been able to do the travel I have so far without the use of this forum. :)
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Ali, this sounds like a lot of fun. Be prepared for variable weather. April in Alsace and Burgundy is a lot like April in Newton. However, if the weather cooperates a bicycle is a great option for the Beaune area too. It sounds as though you have purchased your air tickets, but if you haven't you might find that its quicker to get to Colmar from Paris than from Zurich. Provence in the off season may not have the tour-group options you hope to use. You can always rent a car or make other arrangements, but it's something to think about before you go. Have fun!
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Thanks Adam! It's okay if the weather is similar - I'd like to just get away from the 8" high snow bank melt and pot holes if possible. I have not purchased flights yet and did see (and should have noted) that Paris in/out is a good option as well but for some reason the flight times have been more favorable into Zurich.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Adam is right about the tour group option for this time of the year. Having said that, check anyways with the smaller wine tours out of Avignon - who knows, they may be able to accommodate you. Overall, IMO, Avignon is a better bus transpo hub for the region, so you may want to favor it instead of Arles. I think what you have outlined is very logical, doable and interesting. I'd keep Chamonix out of the mix, as you have a nice balance as it is.
Posted by
Niagara Falls, New York, United States
31 posts
I have just recently completed travel arrangements for 4 days in Provence in April. We will do 2 tours with Cecile to the Camargue - 1/2 day and 1 day Nimes, Pont du Gard and Avignon (staying in Arles). We are doing a wine tour with Francois. Reviews on travel advisor were good -hope this helps.
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Thanks for responses so far. I'm firming up the schedule and I'd like to book the flight this week. Day1 (Sat): Arrival Paris, TGV to Colmar, sleep 3 nights Day 2: Colmar Day 3: Colmar Day 4: Early train to Beaune, Sleep 3 nights Day 5: Beaune Day 6: Beaune Day 7: Early train to Avignon, Sleep 3 or 4 nights Day 8: Avignon Day 9: Avignon
Day 10 (Mon): Early TGV Avignon to Paris arrives 10am, flight to Boston 1:30 Should I do 3 or 4 nights in Avignon? I'm worried by the time I get there on Day 7, most of the day will be gone and I still want time to take day trips (not renting car) to Arles, Orange, sights etc. Also, does anyone see issue with my making my flight on the last day instead of trying to stay in Paris the night before?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Four nights in Provence. And the TGV-to-deGaulle saves you a good half day.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
"Also, does anyone see issue with my making my flight on the last day instead of trying to stay in Paris the night before?" As long as you're on a TGV that's going all the way to the airport, you'll be fine. The TGV's run on time. Just don't be late for that early morning departure from Avignon.