I have narrowed down my itinerary on a trip south of Paris for mid-June. After a week in Paris I will take train to Dijon and rent a car there. Then I was thinking: Dijon..2 nights Lyon..1 night Avignon..3 nights Aix en Provence..2 nights (drive to Cassis one day)
Antibes or Nice ..3 nights I will drop car in Nice and take the train back to Paris as I am meeting up with a friend to fly home from there. Any thoughts or suggestions? I am a 55 year old woman...have traveled fairly extensively alone, but never by car in France. Thank you!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Lori.. my only comment would be that each of the places you have listed are relatively good sized cities. None of them are the quintessential villages in the provencal area. I have been to all the places you listed, and while I enjoyed them, they are definitely not what makes me love the area of Provence. I have returned many times. With a car, you have the opportunity to visit all the small places that would take more time trying to do by train. Perhaps you plan to do so, but right now it looks like lots of cities. There are a few small places along the Mediterranean as well...not just the big city of Nice. So, if you want lots of cities, your itinerary will work, but if you want a quieter looks at Provence you might want to add some other locations. Driving in this area is pretty easy... however you will find heavy traffic at certain times along the coast. It is beautiful, no matter what you choose.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
I agree with Terry Kathryn...these are all nice places but a bit large . Hope you will get time to see the countryside, also. With only one night in Lyon that is hectic driving..in and out.Lyon is quite large. If you are interested in some interesting lovely villages to see along the way send me a PM. My husband is a photographer as is Terry Kathryn I believe and we have also driven this route for years. have a lovely time. Jane
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
The others are spot on. Hook a left at Avignon and drive to the Luberon--Gordes, Bonnieux, etc.--for some of the real charm of Provence.
Posted by
OP
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
98 posts
Thank you all! I am going to re-think my itinerary and attempt to experience the beautiful country side of France.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Lori... I don't think you will be sorry. You live in such a lovely place I would think you would want to visit places that are equally as amazing. Many of the towns in Provence and Luberon are so different you will have an endless list from which to choose. Vancluse, St. Remy, Gordes, Roussillion, Isle sur la Sourge, La Baux (touristy, but pretty ) ...and if you want to drive to the 'Grand Canyon' of France that is very beautiful. Also, near Nice there is Eze, Grasse, and on the Sea, my favorite is Ste. Maxime (smaller and less crowded than Canne or Ste. Tropez.
Posted by
Beaverton, Oregon
26 posts
You might consider taking the TGV to Avignon, renting a car there and then finding a base in Provence for a week before moving on to Nice. That will cut down on the driving and moving from hotel to hotel so you can maximize your time in the area. There is so much to see and do you will not be sorry. And if your plans allow it you can get some pretty good weekly rates with a Saturday through Saturday stay. Have a great trip!