how flooding will affect travel to southern France and Italian Riviera

Oriana, Could you be a bit more specific? Are you referring to the floods of October 2011 which affected two of the villages on the Italian Riviera? AFAIK, there were no significant problems in southern France. It would be easier if you could provide a few more details on your overall trip?

Sorry I wasn't very clear! Our trip will include 3 nights in Paris, 3 nights in Avignon, visiting the surrounding villages, 3 nights in Vernazza or one of the other villages in the Italian Riviera, and 3 nights in Venice. I thought that there was also flooding in Southern France at the same time? If there was, maybe it wasn't very bad...Which villages in the Riviera were affected and how might this alter my plans for exploring them? Will we still be able to get around as normal, are the towns in shambles? I know from a hotel manager who responded to my request re: room availability that some of the hotels might be closed or have limited openings because of the floods in Northern Italy. Thank you for your help!
Oriana

Have you checked out accomodations in Vernazza? It was hit EXTREMELY hard during the floods and last I saw a few weeks ago, not a lot is back up and running - a few restaurants/shops...maybe things have changed...but that being said - they would really APPRECIATE any visitors they can get, I imagine

Oriana, Regarding the Cinque Terre, you shouldn't have any problems at all getting around there at the end of April. The trains are all running normally, so access is not a problem. For current information on accommodations and other businesses in Vernazza, you may find it helpful to have a look at This Website. Which Hotel are you planning to stay in? If you're not able to get a booking in Verazza in April, you could also stay in one of the other four villages, and just visit Vernazza on a day trip. It's VERY easy to get around that area using the local trains. Happy travels!