Hello! We will be heading to Paris for four nights the end of August prior to beginning the Best of Eastern France Tour. After that tour ends, we will have 8 nights before going on the Loire to South of France Tour. I am looking for any suggestions of where to visit for the week in between tours.
Thank you!
Posted by
Washington DC
27062 posts
Here are the towns and cities covered by Cynthia's tours:
Best of Eastern France:
Reims/Verdun
Colmar
Beaune
Chamonix/Annecy
Vaison-la-Romaine (3 nights)
Aix-en-Provence
Loire to South of France:
Chartres
Chinon/Chenonceau
Sarlat-la-Caneda (3 nights)
Carcassonne
Arles
Nice
Given the timing of this trip (September), I think Normandy, Brittany or a combination would be a very good idea. It could still be quite warm in southern France in mid-September, but a persistent heatwave in Normandy or Brittany would be highly unusual even in mid-summer. That area's usually very temperate. That does mean some overcast days and rain are to be expected.
Posted by
Hayden, Idaho, USA
7253 posts
Since most of your tour cities aren’t the bigger cities, I would consider going to London for 6 nights and spending the last night in Paris, ready for your next tour.
Posted by
Chicago, IL
13 posts
Lyon and/or Strasbourg!!!
Posted by
Irving
2943 posts
London for sure!
Posted by
Folsom
2701 posts
Since you are already in Provence why not spend the time there? Rent a car, find a rental for a base (we stayed in Lourmarin, charming village) and take day trips to the surrounding towns and villages at a slow pace. Visit the many markets, picnic, laze about. The tours take a lot of energy. Use your free time to enjoy France at a slower pace.
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, Ca
233 posts
The Brittany/Normandy idea is good. You could also fly from Marseille to Frankfurt or Belgium for all or part of the time, returning via Paris by train. We had 8 days between tours with the first ending in Paris. We stayed in Paris an additional couple days, then train to Bruges and Brussels, then flew on. The train to Belgium was fast and easy so I’m sure the reverse will be. We did book it early and got better rates—the Thalys.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
595 posts
Maybe stay a few extra days in Aix-en-Provence? You could visit Avignon and Pont du Gard. I'd also be tempted to go back to Paris. I spent seven days/eight nights on my first trip and still have a number of sights planned for my next visit.
Posted by
Bend, OR
732 posts
Lyon and just relax and eat wonderful food. I believe Virginie More (RS tour guide) has a B&B just north of Lyon.