seeing south of france without driving.

I would leave Paris early and take the train to Montbard. I'd either take a cab to the Fontenay Abbey or walk (it's four miles, so I probably would not walk both ways), spending several hours there including a picnic lunch I would have bought in Paris. I would then return to the train station and take the train to Beaune, changing in Dijon. If I had more time I might stop in Dijon, but I (or you) don't. I'd spend two nights in Beaune, enjoying the town but would also rent a bicycle and visit some of the countryside and small towns nearby. There are two very nice loop rides out of Beaune that would be appropriate for this itinerary, 16 miles to the north that you could do in a few hours, and 23 miles to the south that includes a visit to the Chateau La Rochepot. That ride could take most of a day if you stop at the Chateau and wine caves in Pommard and (maybe) Meursault. Then I'd take the train to Provence, more follows

In Provence, I'd base myself in Arles or Nimes. Bicycles are also an option but since, unlike Beaune, there are good bus and train choices, I'll focus on those. Nimes, Arles, and Avignon form a triangle linked by short train trips. There are worthwhile sites in all three cities. You don't say what you like, but the Roman Theater in Orange, north of Avignon, is arguably worth a visit. Buses are seasonal, but in season there are buses from Nimes and from Avignon to the Pont du Garde, a justly popular Roman aqueduct. I believe there are buses from Arles to Sts. Marie de la Mere in the Camargue. If this area interests you you can take a boat ride from there or rent a bicycle and even dip your toes in the Med (though it's not really a beach). Another popular site is Les Beaux, near Arles. Sometimes there are buses or bus tours that go there, or you can take a cab. If you can, you might combine this with a visit to St. Remy, a charming town with the asylum where Van Gough spent his last days; there is also a partially excavated Roman town. There are buses between St. Remy and Avignon, and perhaps Arles, in season. Other places within reach by rail include Marseilles, Aix, Cassis, and Isle sur la Sorge. I haven't been to the last two, but the Sorge valley is very pretty and characteristically Provincal. This isn't exhaustive, and with ingenuity and carfare I am sure you could get yourself just about anywhere. But as you know wheels of some sort, car or bicycle, would greatly extend your reach out of the cities and into the countryside

the coast line with train is very easy to visit without a car. but province you want a car - there are so mnay little places you want to see but bus is just not reliable.

Hello, looking for suggestions in Provence/ Burgundy. I am going to be in Paris for 2 weeks in July taking photographs, eating, and drinking a lot of wine, so I should be fairly relaxed by the time I leave Paris. As I have been many times to Paris, no rushing around to see all the touristy spots. Then look to go on to the South of France. I will be traveling alone as a woman, with a decent sized suitcase and camera equipment so I'm not going to be as light and portable as I'd like, but it is what it is. I would LOVE not to rent a car as I really don't want to be drinking and driving or stressed over navigating. I have about 7 days from the time I leave Paris to when I have plans to be in Beaune for 2 nights. Any suggestions on where to go in Provence or elsewhere in Burgundy? I prefer less touristy places and more authentic locales. My main goal is wine and food and scenery. I don't plan to spend any part of this trip visiting the inside of museums or churches. I would love to tour many wineries, and I do cycle, but because I will have my camera and maybe another lens on me, I don't forsee cycling more than 10-15miles a day. Any moderately priced full day wine tours? thanks!