This is the first Rick Steves tour I’ll take and I find myself being indecisive. What date would you recommend and why?
Aug 30 - Sept 11
Sept 27 - Oct 9
I appreciate any advice you can share!
Posted by
Bend, OR
1709 posts
We took this tour in mid to late October several years ago and the flowers in the castle gardens were ready to be torn out which was very disappointing. I think either of your dates would be nice but the later you go the cooler the temperatures which can be good but the less vibrant the gardens at the chateaus. It’s a wonderful tour, enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
26 posts
Thank you for that insight. I never thought of the gardens as a factor..
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2375 posts
My tour 2023 was close to the 2nd set of dates and I loved it. We had great weather. I don't remember any rain and it got warmer as we went south. I think it was in the 80s by the time we got to Nice. We had at least one hotel with no a/c, but it had a large fan that kept me comfortable.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1398 posts
I've been to France several times in September and October, specifically in the Loire Valley in late September and the gardens were lovely.
With the last few years of high temperatures in France in August and September I would choose the September 27 tour.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
26 posts
Thank you for the advice! I really appreciate it.
Posted by
46 posts
I took this tour a couple of years ago August 30-Sept 15. It was very hot and several of the hotels did not have A/C. I would opt for the later date.
Posted by
46 posts
I took this tour a couple of years ago Sept 3-15. It was very hot and several of the hotels did not have A/C. If I were you I would opt for the later date.