What's missing in our month in France?

So... three actual days IN Paris,, actually just over two,, since you are planning two daytrips out ( Riems and Versailles) and 5 days in Luberon?

No, we've already been to Versailles, and I mispoke when I said the trip to Reims was planned. It is being considered-just to let folks know our preliminary plan. the 5 days in Luberon is due to my second reading of "A Year in Provence" and wanting to not do anything while having glasses of wine, and a trip to Gorges du Verdon.

This is a very thoughtful, exciting itinerary, and you should be pleased. It is especially well paced, with the 5 whole days in Provence halfway through. Collioure is a very good suggestion, with a stop on the way there at the ruins at Peyrepertuse or Querebus. But you'd also be justified in just proceeding to Provence and adding a day to some of your other great destinations. You would not regret another day in the Dordogne or Puycelci seeing some of the Lot, for example. And there is always Paris. I would hate to see Carcassonne as a drive-by; I think the overnight plan is good. Arrive and leave after and before the crowds, respectively. Also, if you have more time in Burgundy (not a bad idea), many better places to spend it than in Dijon imho. (Vezeley, Semur, Serien valley, etc.) Have a really great time!

I am probably being unrealistic, but I woould try and squeeze in Mont St Michel and St Malo. Most of your other choices i am envious. Sounds like a nice trip

You never mentioned how you would be traveling. Considering travel days I'd add a day to the Dordogne since there is so much to do and see. Just an incredible place.

We were at MSM on previous trip (see above), but didn't get to St. Malo; that would have been a good stop. Won't be able to put that into this trip. Thanks for that suggestion.

Thanks. Yes, we were there on our previous trip-he's my favorite.

Mike - How about adding Arcachon or Ile de Re?

With 3 nights in Beaune you have plenty of time to give Dijon a visit, our Burgundy capital! If you choose a Tuesday Friday or Saturday enjoy the market in the food hall designed by Gustave Eiffel (who was born in Dijon and built the market 40years before the famous Tower) . Follow the owl's trail to see all Dijon main sites at your own pace. In June the botanical garden near the train station will be gorgeous and if you go any day except on a Tuesday where all the museums are closed, don't miss the Fine Arts museum (2nd after the Louvre). Check all the nice things you can do here http://tinyurl.com/2uv3hrj
Have a great trip!

Hi Mike..I have three suggestions for after Carcassone. The first is Collioure which is very close to Carcassone, but a change or scenery and close enough to the Pyrenees and Spain that you could take some neat drives. the second is a little north , but still doable to get to the Luberon. This suggestion is Belcastel in the Aveyron. the hotel du Vieux Pont is one of the true gems in a region most Americans never see. The third suggestion is one we are going to in about a month and have never been, but sounds sooooo neat. The town is Igurande close to Roanne, not to be confused with Rouen north.Every year we try to find something different to do and here is the story on this place. Michel Trogrois, the famous french chef has a restaurant and hotel in Roanne. we cannot afford either, but he has this country place that looks sooooo neat in Igurande about 10 miles from Roanne. Take a look on the web. We are staying for 2nights in the cadolles in a package off season deal with 2breakfasts and one dinner.We like to photograph the French country side and the views fro the cadolles are spectacular as well as the incredible architecture. The third option is a little pricey, but if the rest of your trip has more inexpensive places you might give it a try.

For that extra day, how about Arles or Avignon? Also, Pont du Gard is not to be missed. We loaded a picnic at the market in Arles the drove to PDG on our way to the Luberon. Picnicked riverside under the aquaduct.

I would make Carcassone a two hour stop. I found it to be the most "touristy" place I visited. It felt like a big Renaissance Fair. The Old Cite is the attraction, the rest of the town was fairly dismal. I'd add that night to Cote du Rhone (St. Remy maybe) and don't miss the Pont du Gard.

Carcassone is worth a look but we regretted spending a night there. Beaune is worth two nights but adding the third may allow you to visit Dijon. After leaving Carcassone you may want to visit Albi. Would also try to work in a trip to Mont St Michel. Enjoy!

Another vote for Dijon. Looks like a great trip.

@Richard-Except for Paris, we're leasing a car. @Susan-really thinking of another, less touristy option in lieu of Carcasson. @many-We have several places in Provence that we're planning to visit but didn't want to list them all. @Jane-Belcastel has the inside track among your suggestions-can't seem to find the place in Collioure that looks great. Thanks to everyone for their input. Most of my focus is now on improving my French.