I want to visit Provence this year. My options for getting there are fly to Paris, take the TGV to Avignon or fly to Marseille, then travel to Avignon. Would it be wiser to fly to Nice, tour that area then make my way to Provence, then return to Nice to fly home. I am a solo woman traveller and my goal is relaxation, art, people, food and wine. I'd like to take some tours once I'm there. It seems alot of travelling if I fly to Paris or Marseille? I'm aiming for September.
Thanks for any advice/recommendations. Lois.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
What is the cheapest and easiest flight? I have done all 3 and it depends on where you really want to end up. Closest to Provence would be Marsailles. If you do not want to stay in Paris, then the expense of the train to Avignon would probably not be worth it, even if the flight was cheaper. In and out of Nice is okay, just backtracking. Will you be having a car? I love Provence and the Riviera and tend to stay in places that are a little smaller and more laid back. I have used St. Remy as a base a few times and it was perfect. Small beach town I like is St. Maxime's.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I wouldn't want to hop on a train for several hours the morning I arrive in Europe. It would upset my anti-jetlag routine, and also if my flight was delayed it could mean I miss my train. On the other hand, if it worked out I might consider taking a direct TGV to Charles DeGaulle on the way home, from Avignon. That's supposing there were some advantage in cost or convenience from flying home from Marseilles or Nice. An efficient itinerary would be to fly into Nice, see what you want of the area, then move on to Provence. But you could make other choices to save money, maybe. September a perfect time for a trip like this, have fun.
Posted by
OP
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2 posts
Thank you Terry and Adam, for your advice. The thought of missing a train and waiting at CDG airport is not appealing. Flying to Marseille involves a flight change for me, in Frankfurt, which is ok but I still have to get to Avignon after a very long flight! Then there is the return. I don't have the "exact" energy level I had 25 yrs. ago LOL, when I went to Europe for 3 months. I think Nice will be my airport, I'll tour around that area, make my way to Provence, make Avignon my base for that area, then take the train back to Nice. This plan seems more stress free. Rick Steves has an itinerary for a 2 week trip starting and ending in Nice. I will look it over. This is a great site.
Thanks again Lois