My husband and I are traveling to France. Will spend three days in Paris. We will then travel by train to the Riviera. My problem is I can't figure out where to stop and spend a few days before we reach the riviera. We have a total of 11 days to fit this all in. Please help. Thank you.
Diane
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
On your way from Paris to the Riviera are two areas that many travelers like to explore:the Burgundy wine south of Paristhe region of ProvenceTo explore the wine region you would need a car or connect with a day tourTo explore the Provence countryside you would also need a car. You can explore the bigger cities/towns in Provence by rail: Avignon, Orange, Arles, Nimes, and Aix-en-Provence.Rick's book, France 2009, is a good investment for people spending 11 days in France. It gives lots of detail on your many, many choices. He also has books on Paris and Provence & French Riviera. If you don't want to buy all three, the France book covers Paris, Burgundy wine region, Provence, and the Riviera, not in as much detail as the individual books but it might be sufficient for your purposes.Let us know if you have follow up questions, or sent me a Private Message using the button provided, if you prefer.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
To elicit more detail in concert with Kent's advice - will you rent a car or do you want to stick to the trains?
By train, I suggest either Beaune in Burgundy or Avignon in Provence. There are local buses from both to get you out into the country.
Posted by
OP
LAGUNA NIGUEL, california, USA
5 posts
Someone told me you needed a car to explore Provence. Do you think we could go by train?
Thank you for your help.Diane
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Answering your question immediately above: You can easily and efficiently reach the bigger cities/towns in Provence by rail, these are: Avignon, Orange, Arles, Nimes, and Aix-en-Provence. Doug's suggestion of Avignon is a popular choice. To explore the Provence countryside in the most efficient, flexible manner, you would need a car. If you prefer not to drive in France (and many travelers prefer not to drive), stick with the towns mentioned above; or consider connecting with a van or other day tour out of Avignon to reach places like Pont du Gard.