I am going to France for the first time, due to arrive in less than 19 days in Paris for a 10 day trip. I am still trying to secure an apartment in Paris but I may have something set up right out side of Marais. Spending 4 or 5 days or so, then off to the south of France for the remaining time until I return to a place the airport for a night before my departure. I do not have a car, and will try the bullet train to get down from Paris, and any other local travel. I know 4 or 5 days is tight. I want to chill out, be in a SAFE area, explore the beach, nice and reasonably priced B/Bs/hotels, enjoy fantastic food and wine, have some culture, explore historical sites with out being drained. I am an active person and so not shy to explore hikes etc... Recommendations please!!!!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I think of "the South of France" as 3 distinct regions: Languedoc (best beaches, worst rail connections), Provence (fabulous Roman antiquities, best Paris connection, poor-to-no beaches), and the Cote d'Azure (beaches, glitz, rugged coastline). Crack a guidebook and decide which speaks to you most compellingly. "Bullet" trains from Paris lose their bullet speeds after Provence, when not on bullet-train tracks. If you chose Provence, you can catch an early train to Charles deGaulle airport and thus avoid the whole night at the airport thing.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
I agree with Adam, study several guidebooks and see what YOU like. For me, it's Nice and surrounding area.
Posted by
OP
CANADA
2 posts
RE: advice for finding what I like. I like ALOT of things! Paris is planned and apartment is booked in Marais, now my focus is on a 'base' for 4 days that allows for flexibility and limits the exhaustion factor. Yes, I have cracked open a travel guide more than once and am still researching but I am hoping for useful, practical advice on 4 days in the south of France from folks. I do not need glitz. I do not have a car. I do know I cannot cover a lot of area in 4 days. I do not want to be exhausted, I really need this vacation to relax and recharge. I would like to be in an area that gives me safety, flexibility to do different things, and have a true experience. I would like to experience a bit of quiet, a bit of historical areas/sights, and a bit of beach and was thinking about Nice but was not sure it would serve as a base to rent an apt for 4 days then then do out for day trips. No matter what, I intend to travel back to Paris near CDG to have a restful night before my flight the next day. Thanks again!