My husband I plan a nice long (30 days) trip to Italy/France next spring.We'll spend the 1st 2 weeks or so in Italy, last week in Paris, would like to spend 4-5 days in a smaller town in France rent car and/or bikes and explore the countryside. Perhaps take train from Milan to Dijon or Nice--given the time of year, length of trip, does anyone have any suggestions of which area might be better Burgundy vs Provence (or any other area) for 1st time travelers to France?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I can give you some pretty specific ideas about biking in Burgundy, as I've done it (in mid April) but not about whether you'd prefer Provence (which is about three hours west of Nice, btw).
I think that biking around Nice would entail some serious hills--you should check a good topo map--and I think you'd probably have generally better weather in the South than in Burgundy, though that is not predictable.
I also think there is generally more to see and do in Burgundy or Provence than in Nice. I wouldn't call Nice and Dijon "smaller" towns, though they are smaller than Paris.
If you do pick Burgundy, I think Beaune makes a brilliant base: it's driving distance to most of the sights of the region, and you can rent good bikes right there for day trips (which Florent at the rental place will help you plan if you like).
Only you and yours can decide which destination is best for you. I hope this helps.
Posted by
OP
Homer, AK
19 posts
Adam-
Thanks for your input--I think we are leaning towards Beaune area as a base as you suggested. From your experience is it fairly easy to find a place to stay last minute or better to reserve ahead at that time of year?
I realize that Dijon & Nice aren't small towns--I just mentioned them because, although I may be mistaken, from what I could tell those are the closest cities in the regions we are considering visiting that have train connections from Milan.
Bronwyn
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Bronwyn, my experience in mid April was that there were vacancies everywhere. We reserved our first night--why not, if you know when you will be there--but other than that, we either called ahead the day before or day of. Sometimes we just walked in and got rooms, though I don't recommend this.
I think if you are reasonably flexible you will have no problem finding a room to your taste in Beaune. If there is someplace in particular you know you want to stay, call ahead. You might shoot an email to Florent at Bourgogne Randonees to make sure they are not closed for some reason.
I hope you have good weather!
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
I was in France in late April/early May. Visited Provence and Burgundy, and both were awesome. Provence is more quaint and loaded with tiny villages that are the sight in themselves. While biking there, the hills will get you breathing, and you'll dodge a car or two along the way.
Burgundy however, is more wine country (GOOD wine country). My day biking out of beaune may have been my best day in EUROPE, not just france. Low key biking along incredibly signed bike/wine cart paths with virtually no traffic (an occasional vinter driving slowly by while working the vines) leading you to many little wine villages.
Florent at Bourgogne Randonees will set you up and even tell you where the free tastings are (he also recommended a GREAT picnic spot in the little hamlet of Blagney (sp?) ). Great day over all.