Enjoying rural areas - does it take a knack?
Jul 14th, 2005, 11:38 PM
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Enjoying rural areas - does it take a knack?
Practically everywhere I have visited in Europe has been at least a medium-sized city. Now I'm wondering whether I should consider small towns or rural areas for future trips. I know many such places are highly recommended here.
My concern is that when I have visited rural locations in the US or Canada, I tend to get bored. I'm fine for a few hours hiking, and certainly like seeing stunning scenery, but very quickly I want city attractions and amenities.
Obviously in Europe, rural areas are generally not going to be so far from cities as they are in North America. But still I don't get terribly excited at the prospect.
If you're a city girl or boy, have you come to love rural or small-town Europe?
My concern is that when I have visited rural locations in the US or Canada, I tend to get bored. I'm fine for a few hours hiking, and certainly like seeing stunning scenery, but very quickly I want city attractions and amenities.
Obviously in Europe, rural areas are generally not going to be so far from cities as they are in North America. But still I don't get terribly excited at the prospect.
If you're a city girl or boy, have you come to love rural or small-town Europe?
Jul 15th, 2005, 12:49 AM
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I generally concentrate on the little villages. Cities are just cities - pretty much the same wherever you are in the world. I find European villages quaint and interesting, and the surrounding countryside scenic, even though I don't get so excited about smaller towns and countryside at home.
Jul 15th, 2005, 02:39 AM
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I live in Richmond, North Yorkshire - in the north of England. It's a small town of 8,000 people, on the river Swale. The famous Coast to Coast route goes through the town. As well as walks from the town, and up Swaledale, and swimming in the river, there is a castle (1070), medieval parish church, ruined Abbey, ruined Friary, three museums, a Georgian (18thc) theatre with a continuous programme of productions, and a very lively music scene - weekend of rock music on the riverside meadow 5/6 August 05. Lots of hotels and B&Bs, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, plenty of information in the Tourist Information Centre. There's a walking festival 23 Sep - 2 October 05, see www.richmondwalking.com
Go to Kings Cross station in London, get a fast train to Darlington, bus outside the train station to Richmond, get off the bus in the Market Place, and start to enjoy yourself. Tell your friends, but don't tell too many people - Richmond is a well-kept secret
Go to Kings Cross station in London, get a fast train to Darlington, bus outside the train station to Richmond, get off the bus in the Market Place, and start to enjoy yourself. Tell your friends, but don't tell too many people - Richmond is a well-kept secret
Jul 15th, 2005, 03:03 AM
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You can't possibly generalise.
Renting a house in rural Umbria or Tuscany gives you reasonably fast access to all the area's wonderful villages, which you simply can't get to very easily if you're based in Florence: rural Wales gives you access to some very pretty scenery, but very little else. Some areas, like the Dordogne, are really best suited to people who want to unwind in one house with little more than a lot of reading, walking and wine-sampling.
Getting in and out of most European towns might look a short distance. But there are relatively few rural idylls with good public transport into the middle of nearby towns - especially at night - and if you don't know the towns concerned, driving in, finding somewhere to park and getting out again will eat up most of the day.
You certainly need a strategy for evenings in almost any rural location, and drink driving laws make boozy evenings in restaurants very tricky indeed, since very few villages, even in Burgundy, have more than one interesting restaurant within comfortable walking distance. We find cooking and catching up on books the best strategy: but this obviously means you're driving, and renting a house.
You need to be very clear about what you're looking for: the Cotswolds, for example, actually has a pretty good public transport system, for all that Britons love the fantasy it's better elsewhere, so you can live a car-free life with comfortable access to lots of interesting things. But it's a bit of a glorified outer suburb, and absolutely not for people who are really seeking wilderness.
I'd drop questions about "rural" and ask about "lots of interesting gardens" or "places with decent public transport"
Renting a house in rural Umbria or Tuscany gives you reasonably fast access to all the area's wonderful villages, which you simply can't get to very easily if you're based in Florence: rural Wales gives you access to some very pretty scenery, but very little else. Some areas, like the Dordogne, are really best suited to people who want to unwind in one house with little more than a lot of reading, walking and wine-sampling.
Getting in and out of most European towns might look a short distance. But there are relatively few rural idylls with good public transport into the middle of nearby towns - especially at night - and if you don't know the towns concerned, driving in, finding somewhere to park and getting out again will eat up most of the day.
You certainly need a strategy for evenings in almost any rural location, and drink driving laws make boozy evenings in restaurants very tricky indeed, since very few villages, even in Burgundy, have more than one interesting restaurant within comfortable walking distance. We find cooking and catching up on books the best strategy: but this obviously means you're driving, and renting a house.
You need to be very clear about what you're looking for: the Cotswolds, for example, actually has a pretty good public transport system, for all that Britons love the fantasy it's better elsewhere, so you can live a car-free life with comfortable access to lots of interesting things. But it's a bit of a glorified outer suburb, and absolutely not for people who are really seeking wilderness.
I'd drop questions about "rural" and ask about "lots of interesting gardens" or "places with decent public transport"
Jul 15th, 2005, 03:14 AM
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How rural is rural? Middle of nowhere rural or a small town/village surrounded by country side? Maybe you can try Switzerland, where you can stay in a decent-sized city and take train rides out to the country for hiking and scenery.
My suggestion if you do try to go rural is to have a quick emergency exit to go back to the city!
I have the opposite problem
I love rural areas...now if they would move the great museums, theatre shows and specialty shops out there, it would just be perfect.
My suggestion if you do try to go rural is to have a quick emergency exit to go back to the city!
I have the opposite problem
I love rural areas...now if they would move the great museums, theatre shows and specialty shops out there, it would just be perfect.
Jul 15th, 2005, 04:25 AM
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I'm not sure there is really a "knack" to enjoying either kind of place; I appreciate your own interests..a mixture of rural atmosphere but with some entertainment/diversion options. Those two things can be hard to find in a lot of countries (which may be why some people call the "rural" places "out in the sticks."
I think the suggestion of Switzerland is a good one for the simple reason that the transportation system is so dense and it is easy to get from a city and into the midst of fabulous scenery rather quickly.
I think the suggestion of Switzerland is a good one for the simple reason that the transportation system is so dense and it is easy to get from a city and into the midst of fabulous scenery rather quickly.
Jul 15th, 2005, 04:32 AM
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My city born and raised parents moved us to the country in Ohio when I was 11 months old. Growing up, I always resented not living in the city -- somehow I guess I never appreciated the country and small town atmosphere (although looking back now, I'm somewhat grateful for the experience). When I travel today, there is no denying big cities get my adrenalin going. I LOVE New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, well -- almost any big city. I would strongly argue the statement above that all big cities are alike!! I have enjoyed balancing trips with stays in smaller towns as well, although admittedly I'm usually ready to get back to the city.
What I don't like is the idea of staying in the remote countryside. So many people talk about their ideal of a villa on a lonely hill in Tuscany. Oh, I shudder at the thought of it. I become bored within an hour of arrival. And I hate the idea of having to drive somewhere for dinner and wine and then drive back to listen to the crickets or the frogs. No thank you!
What I don't like is the idea of staying in the remote countryside. So many people talk about their ideal of a villa on a lonely hill in Tuscany. Oh, I shudder at the thought of it. I become bored within an hour of arrival. And I hate the idea of having to drive somewhere for dinner and wine and then drive back to listen to the crickets or the frogs. No thank you!
Jul 15th, 2005, 05:50 AM
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Patrick - I'm with you. Countryside and tiny towns are fine for looking at during the day - but you need to stay in a city at night. We like to walk everywhere from the hotel in the evening, don;t want to have to eat dinner at 7pm and hate it when the town shuts down at 11.
(And I grew up in a suburb and couldn;t wait to escape it for the city - being able to see a museum or theater without trekking an hour and a half each way, some excitement at last, everything nearby - all the time, and the kind of diversity you rarely find in small places.)
(And I grew up in a suburb and couldn;t wait to escape it for the city - being able to see a museum or theater without trekking an hour and a half each way, some excitement at last, everything nearby - all the time, and the kind of diversity you rarely find in small places.)
Jul 15th, 2005, 06:16 AM
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<<Some areas, like the Dordogne, are really best suited to people who want to unwind in one house with little more than a lot of reading, walking and wine-sampling>>
Well, someone's pretty well pegged me! Yes, that's my idea of a vacation, but I also love the thrill of the city - for about three days, then I want to get back to the countryside.
I don't know that there's a "knack" to it - you probably either enjoy one better than the other. If you've been bored with rural locations in the USA, I think it's safe to say you'll be bored in such places in Europe.
Well, someone's pretty well pegged me! Yes, that's my idea of a vacation, but I also love the thrill of the city - for about three days, then I want to get back to the countryside.
I don't know that there's a "knack" to it - you probably either enjoy one better than the other. If you've been bored with rural locations in the USA, I think it's safe to say you'll be bored in such places in Europe.
Jul 15th, 2005, 06:16 AM
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We have enjoyed mixing the two...
Last year, we visited Paris, Amboise and Chinon for overnights (those may not be as 'rural' as you mean, but they were pretty calm at night to me) and Azay-le-Rideau, Fontevraud, and Montresor in the daytime...
http://www.cometofrance.com/MONTRESOR.html
In 2003, we visited Amsterdam, Cologne, Basel, Lucerne and Zurich, but also St Goar(2 nights).. a mix of large and medium-size, and one 'rural' area...
Last year, we visited Paris, Amboise and Chinon for overnights (those may not be as 'rural' as you mean, but they were pretty calm at night to me) and Azay-le-Rideau, Fontevraud, and Montresor in the daytime...
http://www.cometofrance.com/MONTRESOR.html
In 2003, we visited Amsterdam, Cologne, Basel, Lucerne and Zurich, but also St Goar(2 nights).. a mix of large and medium-size, and one 'rural' area...
Jul 15th, 2005, 06:47 AM
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We too try to mix both country and city. We stayed in a vacation apartment in Schonau, Germany this past may for 6 nights. While I loved the region, the town and all towns around it basically shut down by 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and most nights I found myself incredibly bored, aching for something to to besides read. Luckily we were only about 20 minutes from Salzburg. I prefer to stay in a rural area that has decent access to larger cities so I can get a nice mix of relaxation and excitement.
For me, though, the countryside gives great insight into the country we are visiting and how everyday people live and work. I would hate for someone from Europe to travel to the United States and only stay in NYC and think they experienced all of what the US has to offer. Not that I don't think NYC is great, but I don't think its really a great interpretation of how most of us live either. (Just my personal opinion, of course).
Tracy
For me, though, the countryside gives great insight into the country we are visiting and how everyday people live and work. I would hate for someone from Europe to travel to the United States and only stay in NYC and think they experienced all of what the US has to offer. Not that I don't think NYC is great, but I don't think its really a great interpretation of how most of us live either. (Just my personal opinion, of course).
Tracy
Jul 15th, 2005, 07:09 AM
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I do not see it as big city verus cricket chirping in the country. I love to stay in authentic small villages that have good ristorantes in walking distance and nice shops to peruse. Examples include:
Montalcino, Portovenere, Ortisei, Spello, Evora, Segovia, St. Gilgen.
You get the idea !
Montalcino, Portovenere, Ortisei, Spello, Evora, Segovia, St. Gilgen.
You get the idea !
Jul 15th, 2005, 07:17 AM
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I don't think it's as much a "knack" as a matter of personal preference. I'm a city person, even though I live now outside a medium-sized city, with plentiful access to the mountains and the rest of the great outdoors. When we travel, Europe or the U.S., we tend to focus on cities, but include time in the countryside as well. I noticed that when we lived in larger cities (earlier in life), our vacations tended to be to more rural locations.
My idea of rural, though, is to stay in the middle of a town that's big enough (for my length of stay) to walk around in the evening, people-watch, and have a good selection of cafes and restaurants. That's what interests me. Some towns like this are San Gimignano, Italy (great when the day-visitors have left) and Amboise, France. While I have stayed at lodging in the middle of nowhere, I do so usually for a short time, and for a specific reason (I don't like driving after dinner either).
My perception of small towns in Europe -that is, the ones I have spent or would choose to spend time in - is that there's a lot going on in the evenings, even later, and it's easy to walk through the downtown area, stop at cafes or restaurants and do plenty of people-watching. There are not many small towns in the U.S. that fit that description (other than some of the resort towns that I live near, which is why I like them, though being resort towns, they're a bit unreal anyway).
Don't feel that you should visit rural areas just because others like them; you can certainly enjoy rural areas from the "safety" of a more urban area via a day trip.
My idea of rural, though, is to stay in the middle of a town that's big enough (for my length of stay) to walk around in the evening, people-watch, and have a good selection of cafes and restaurants. That's what interests me. Some towns like this are San Gimignano, Italy (great when the day-visitors have left) and Amboise, France. While I have stayed at lodging in the middle of nowhere, I do so usually for a short time, and for a specific reason (I don't like driving after dinner either).
My perception of small towns in Europe -that is, the ones I have spent or would choose to spend time in - is that there's a lot going on in the evenings, even later, and it's easy to walk through the downtown area, stop at cafes or restaurants and do plenty of people-watching. There are not many small towns in the U.S. that fit that description (other than some of the resort towns that I live near, which is why I like them, though being resort towns, they're a bit unreal anyway).
Don't feel that you should visit rural areas just because others like them; you can certainly enjoy rural areas from the "safety" of a more urban area via a day trip.
Jul 15th, 2005, 07:38 AM
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I've wondered why people (here and on other travel sites) seem to say visit the big cities in the USA and small towns in Europe.
I'm guessing the small towns in Europe are probably larger than the small towns in the USA. Over on the US board, I've never seen posts for "Going to Graham, NC, what should I do?" and Graham has more going on that other small towns.
In the grand scheme, figure out what you want to do on your vacation and see what areas match up to your plans. If you want to see the vineyards in action, I doubt Berlin is the place to go, but if you want nightlife and museums all over the place, Berlin could be a good location.
But take what I say with a grain of salt because I'm a country mouse.
I'm guessing the small towns in Europe are probably larger than the small towns in the USA. Over on the US board, I've never seen posts for "Going to Graham, NC, what should I do?" and Graham has more going on that other small towns.
In the grand scheme, figure out what you want to do on your vacation and see what areas match up to your plans. If you want to see the vineyards in action, I doubt Berlin is the place to go, but if you want nightlife and museums all over the place, Berlin could be a good location.
But take what I say with a grain of salt because I'm a country mouse.
Jul 15th, 2005, 08:14 AM
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Villages in Europe have a stronger urban context (local central markets, squares, etc) than most US rural towns (which are very car dependent). While you won't have the same wide selection of choices in a rural town, there should be enough for two nights then move on to the next rural town. Also - pick rural areas that specialize in an agricultural product - toour farms, vineyards and cellars. Or better yet pick a time when a festival is going on.
Jul 15th, 2005, 09:18 AM
#18
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It's interesting to read the perspectives of others.
I think two factors make rural areas less attractive for me. 1) With the cost of getting to Europe, in both money and time, I want to feel like I am "doing" something as much as possible to get maximum value, 2) when traveling solo, renting a car is not an appealing proposition for me personally.
Still, I don't want to miss out on this part of European culture, so maybe I'll figure out a way to work small towns in at least in the future.
I think two factors make rural areas less attractive for me. 1) With the cost of getting to Europe, in both money and time, I want to feel like I am "doing" something as much as possible to get maximum value, 2) when traveling solo, renting a car is not an appealing proposition for me personally.
Still, I don't want to miss out on this part of European culture, so maybe I'll figure out a way to work small towns in at least in the future.
Jul 15th, 2005, 09:26 AM
#19
It's personal preference, I think. I live in a city at home and prefer to visit cities when I go to Europe.
Also traveling solo, renting a car and sitting out in the countryside by myself just isn't all that appealing of a proposition -LOL.
That said, if ever friends rent a villa and invite me along, I'm in.
Also traveling solo, renting a car and sitting out in the countryside by myself just isn't all that appealing of a proposition -LOL.
That said, if ever friends rent a villa and invite me along, I'm in.
Jul 15th, 2005, 09:44 AM
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WillTravel...there's no right or wrong answer -- there's a diversity of opinions and thoughts, which is a good thing, or else we'd all end up vacationing in the same places, and that would be truly boring.
I do enjoy the mix of large cities and small towns while I travel. On our last trip to Europe, we hit some majors -- London, Paris, Rome, Athens and Istanbul, and sprinkled in a little smaller town time and a Greek Island in there. There is something neat about arriving on a small island or small town, and feeling my gears switch to the slower pace.
I think it also depends on your age, as well as temperament. Some people just want to go to Spring Break Central...and we're more the types who enjoy a nice dinner and drinks with people watching, which can be done anywhere, small town or large.
I think smaller towns also give you the opportunity to meet local people who are more interested in meeting you than those in the larger cities who run into foreigners on a daily basis.
Happy travels.
Jules
I do enjoy the mix of large cities and small towns while I travel. On our last trip to Europe, we hit some majors -- London, Paris, Rome, Athens and Istanbul, and sprinkled in a little smaller town time and a Greek Island in there. There is something neat about arriving on a small island or small town, and feeling my gears switch to the slower pace.
I think it also depends on your age, as well as temperament. Some people just want to go to Spring Break Central...and we're more the types who enjoy a nice dinner and drinks with people watching, which can be done anywhere, small town or large.
I think smaller towns also give you the opportunity to meet local people who are more interested in meeting you than those in the larger cities who run into foreigners on a daily basis.
Happy travels.
Jules
