Post Tour travel with kids

Kent,
Thanks - I already have the books and they are great..I guess what I'm looking for here are suggested itineraries (how many days each place and logical order), transportation hints, and "can't miss" sites that I might miss otherwise. Also, any "family friendly" hints would be welcomed.
Lisa

<<..suggested itineraries (how many days each place and logical order), transportation hints, and "can't miss" sites that I might miss otherwise. Also, any "family friendly" hints would be welcomed>>

Here are two sample Provence itineraries. This one is for "home-base" style traveling.

Based in Aix-en-Provence

Aix (2-4 days) -> Day trip to the Lubéron* (L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, Gordes, etc.)

Aix -> day trip to Arles (can be extended to 2 days)

Aix -> day trip to Les Baux de Provence*

Aix -> day trip to Marseille (port city) or Cassis (beach)

Aix -> day trip to Avignon (can be extended to 2-3 days)


Based in Avignon

Avignon (2-4 days) -> afternoon/day in Villeneuve-lèz-Avignon*

Avignon -> Day trip to Pont du Gard*

Avignon -> Day trip to Nîmes

Avignon -> day trip to Aix-en-Provence (can be extended to 2-3 days)

Avignon -> day trip to Lubéron*

*cannot be reached by train. cont'd

<<..suggested itineraries (how many days each place and logical order), transportation hints, and "can't miss" sites that I might miss otherwise. Also, any "family friendly" hints would be welcomed>>

Re transportation to *marked places - Inquire at the office of tourism of your base city. Both Aix and Avignon has excellent OTs that will give you free maps and advice. All the other destinations can be reached by train.

Aix and Avignon have both local and TGV train stations. To travel from Aix to Avignon: take the shuttle from the Gare Routière (bus station) to the Aix Gare TGV, then take the train to the Avignon Gare TGV. From there, shuttles take you inside the city walls.

To travel from Avignon to Aix, take the shuttle from the Post Office to Avignon Gare TGV, then take the train to Aix-en-Provence Gare TGV. From there, take the shuttle to the Aix Gare Routière (bus station).

cont'd

Don't Miss...

...The Saturday Artisan market in Aix

...The Papal Palace in Avignon - ask for the Tourist Pass. It works as such: pay full price for your first tourist attraction, get a discounted on any additional sites.

...The Sunday outdoor market in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

...The red ocre cliffs of Roussillon

...les Arènes in Arles and Nîmes

...The Cathédrale d'Images in Les Baux

...Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille - catch the little tourist "train" at the Vieux Port


Hope that helps.

Thanks Martine!
Do you recommend staying in Avignon or Aix with kids ages 11 & 16? We will probably take TGV from Paris and rent a car in Provence. Then, what is the best way to get to Geneva - train or EasyJet from Nice? We want to begin Switzerland there and work eastward through B.Oberland and Lucerne with a Swiss Pass. Then to Salzburg/Lake District and finish in Munich. Any hints will be appreciated!
LIsa

Aix or Avignon? I confess that I'm biased - I spent more time in Aix, so I like it more. It simply is not possible to run out of things to do. Delicious food, great people, nice parks, nearby mountain for climbing...There's fun to be had regardless of age. However, I'm sure you and your family could spend an equally pleasant time in Avignon. My advice? Research both towns and decide as a family.


Train or plane to Geneva? How would you be getting to Nice? Would you be driving there in your rental car or taking the train? That cost has to be added to the final price of the plane ticket.


Sample prices

Easyjet - Nice-Geneva = ca. 30E. Cheap and quick.

Train - Aix-en-Provence TGV-Genève Gare = 47E. More leg room, less hassle, no "check-in," no strictly enforced luggage limit. Again, I confess that I'm biased; I hate planes :-) The final choice rests with you.