I have a few weeks open in late Aug. of 2008 and have always wanted to go to France!! My ideal trip would be Paris, Normandy, Provence/Riviera in about 2 weeks. From other posts, I'm aware that this is when many Europeans vacation, and kind of have a feel for the Paris/Riviera situation. However, in the smaller towns in the country, how much are tourists affected? Are a lot of the restaurants and hotels closed? I guess what I'm really asking, for those who have traveled in August, how much did it affect your trip? Thanks for any advice! :)
Posted by
OP
St. Paul, MN
3 posts
One more part to the question: If you've been to France in August, would you do it again or not?
Posted by
NYC, USA
219 posts
Bergen, Have you looked at the Atlantic coast? I spent some time in Biarritz in July some time ago. If I remember correctly it was a fishing town w/tourists. The beaches were nice. Restaurants were good. What I liked about this town was the short distance by train to cross the border to Spain if I wanted a little change of country. Also check out Menton, a small town in the Riviera near the Italian border. At the time I went it wasn't terribly touristy. I actually stayed at a hotel near the train station and it was nice. Some of the restaurants may have websites and post their close dates. Whatever town you decide to stay in let the hotel desk find a restaurant for your budget. Let us know what you decide so we can dream also.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Bergen: You don't have the option of sliding the trip back even a couple of weeks until after Aug 31/Labor Day weekend? If you did, you would probably be glad you waited the extra week or two.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Things won't be closed in August--they will be crowded (except for Paris). And it will be hot in the south.
If that is when you have time, go!
Here is a sample itinerary to cover those bases: 5 days Paris, train to Caen or Bayeux, rent car and explore (4 days) leaving car in Rouen. Then train to Provence changing in Paris (your longest travel day) 4 days Provence; fly home from Marseilles.
Or rent a car at the airport when you arrive and drive to Normandy, returning by train to Paris, where you spend time before heading to Provence.
You can substitute Cote d'Azure for Provence, but it is farther.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
St. Paul, MN
3 posts
Thank to each of you for the Atlantic Coast and itinerary suggestions! I will definitely take these ideas into account when searching for air fare these next few months!