Help with itinerary! Paris - Provence - Burgundy
Aug 2nd, 2006, 09:34 AM
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Help with itinerary! Paris - Provence - Burgundy
Hi all. I'm planning a solo trip next June to celebrate the completion of my Ph.D. I would like your thoughts/comments on my itenerary, which I'm assembling now in the hopes of getting the b&b's that I want to stay in. Here's my initial thoughts:
Arrive Paris. Train same day to Dordogne. Rent car. 5 nights in Dordogne with day trips around the area.
Drive to Provence. 5 nights with day trips around the area.
Drive to Burgundy. 5 nights with day trips around the area.
Drop car. Train to Paris. Two nights in Paris. Fly home.
I've been to Paris several times and the Normandy area once so two days in Paris is fine for this trip. Also, I've travelled many places solo so that won't be a problem, and I've driven in Europe solo as well. My questions to the forum are more about my route and length of stay. Any input would be great!
Arrive Paris. Train same day to Dordogne. Rent car. 5 nights in Dordogne with day trips around the area.
Drive to Provence. 5 nights with day trips around the area.
Drive to Burgundy. 5 nights with day trips around the area.
Drop car. Train to Paris. Two nights in Paris. Fly home.
I've been to Paris several times and the Normandy area once so two days in Paris is fine for this trip. Also, I've travelled many places solo so that won't be a problem, and I've driven in Europe solo as well. My questions to the forum are more about my route and length of stay. Any input would be great!
Aug 2nd, 2006, 10:25 AM
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It really depends on what you're interested in, but for me, who likes to drink fine wine but doesn't have much interest in wine tasting, 5 days in Burgundy would be maybe 2 days too much. Depending on what parts of Provence you're thinking of, maybe add those two days to Provence.
Also, the drive from the Dordogne to Provence can take a while, I think. I've never done it, but other Fodorites can give you info re that.
Also, the drive from the Dordogne to Provence can take a while, I think. I've never done it, but other Fodorites can give you info re that.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 10:25 AM
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Hi C,
Good luck on your orals.
You might want to train from CDG to Libourne and pick up your car there.
You could overnight near St. Emilion and see the town before going on to the Dordogne.
Enjoy your visit.
Good luck on your orals.
You might want to train from CDG to Libourne and pick up your car there.
You could overnight near St. Emilion and see the town before going on to the Dordogne.
Enjoy your visit.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 10:30 AM
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Mentioning what I like to do might have been helpful! I wanted to mainly see castles/chateaux, nature (maybe horseback ride), quaint towns, a few wine tours--not too many, shop, and of course eat! Thanks for the help thus far.
...and thanks for the wish on the defense. First, I need to finish writing the darn thing!
...and thanks for the wish on the defense. First, I need to finish writing the darn thing!
Aug 2nd, 2006, 10:48 AM
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Have you been to The Loire Valley?
I love Burgundy, but I think I'd drop Burgundy and train to the town whose name escapes me but it is a train strop right before Tours, get a car, "do" the Loire; drive to Dordogne; drop the car, fly over to what, Avignon? Get another car... day trip.
Drop the car, TVG back to Paris and et' voila!
I love Burgundy, but I think I'd drop Burgundy and train to the town whose name escapes me but it is a train strop right before Tours, get a car, "do" the Loire; drive to Dordogne; drop the car, fly over to what, Avignon? Get another car... day trip.
Drop the car, TVG back to Paris and et' voila!
Aug 2nd, 2006, 11:05 AM
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SuzieC - Thanks for the suggestions. I've not been to the Loire Valley. Preferred over Burgundy? I've heard and read such nice things about Dijon in Burgundy. Overall, you're thinking Loire Valley might be better? Also, what might I expect to pay for a flight from Dordogne to Avignon?
Aug 2nd, 2006, 11:29 AM
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Interesting suggestion from Ira. There is an early afternoon train from CDG to Libourne that would be ideal.
However if, because of one reason or another, it is not deemed practical to take a train direct from CDG, then I would suggest doing the itinerary in reverse.
That is, driving out of CDG with an overnight stop--distance depending on what kind of shape you are in after your flight--and then down into Burgundy.
However if, because of one reason or another, it is not deemed practical to take a train direct from CDG, then I would suggest doing the itinerary in reverse.
That is, driving out of CDG with an overnight stop--distance depending on what kind of shape you are in after your flight--and then down into Burgundy.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 01:21 PM
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Thanks Ron Z. Nice to have info on the train schedules! I generally fare pretty well on flights to Europe and arrive ready to go so I expect to have the same energy. Am I right in thinking I'd be on the train for close to two hours?
Aug 2nd, 2006, 03:11 PM
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Train schedules here. For CDG use Roissy.
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/...geUK&WB=HP
Mappy or via michelin are handy for route planning. They both display the road signs to look for.
I have had good luck with AutoEurope for car rental, using their toll free number rather than the web site.
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/...geUK&WB=HP
Mappy or via michelin are handy for route planning. They both display the road signs to look for.
I have had good luck with AutoEurope for car rental, using their toll free number rather than the web site.
Aug 3rd, 2006, 06:43 AM
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Hi carolat,
I do think it would be a pity to skip Burgundy. Your initial plan seemed all right and you should stick to it.
"5 days in Burgundy would be maybe 2 days too much" With a car, even a week wouldn't be enough! if you can read French, have a look at www.cotedor-tourisme.com and get even more ideas for day trips around Dijon. On your way back to Paris, Dijon is only 1h40 by TGV.
Happy travels
coco
I do think it would be a pity to skip Burgundy. Your initial plan seemed all right and you should stick to it.
"5 days in Burgundy would be maybe 2 days too much" With a car, even a week wouldn't be enough! if you can read French, have a look at www.cotedor-tourisme.com and get even more ideas for day trips around Dijon. On your way back to Paris, Dijon is only 1h40 by TGV.
Happy travels
coco
Aug 3rd, 2006, 06:51 AM
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Coco - I've looked at your pics of Dijon which is actually what inspired me to want to add Burgundy to my trip! Sadly, I do not read French, and I speak very little. I'm hoping to fit in a conversational French class between now and my trip next June. How much difficulty do you think I will have not speaking French? I've been to Paris and have gotten by just fine with the little that I know, but out in the countryside...
RonZ - thanks for the train info!
RonZ - thanks for the train info!
Aug 3rd, 2006, 07:12 AM
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It seems that some of my guests didn't speak a word of French (except maybe bonjour and merci) and they got on very well in Dijon. Even if a lot of Dijonnais don't speak English (in non touristic shops for ex) you can show them what you need. If you need help or more info about Dijon, let me know
Aug 3rd, 2006, 07:55 AM
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You have several wonderful areas of France to decide between, and now have added the Loire Valley, which is another wonderful area.
In my defense, the correct quote of mine that cocofromdijon, was "for me...5 days in Burgundy..." For you, of course, it could easily be very different. I was just telling you why the 3 days in Burgundy that we spent was enough for me. (To lay my cards on the table, in order of which of the places mentioned I've enjoyed the most, I'd say: Dordogne, Provence, Loire, Burgundy. But I loved them all, have visited Provence and Loire several times, and would, and will probably, visit them all again.)
In making your decisions, check out all the books that you can from the library, preferably those with many pictures, and to get an idea of specifics to see and do in each location!
Think about what eras of history interest you, and what kinds of castles/chateaux and other places to visit. For example, chateaux in the Loire Valley are mainly from the 1700s, and were more of the pleasure palace type. Those in the Dordogne are from the middle ages, and are more likely to be in pieces or reconstructed, and more the defensive type. If you're more interested in Roman history, then you'll find more of that in Provence. Provence, by the way, includes (in most people's minds) the Arles/Avignon area, but also includes the Luberon to the east, some mountainous areas, and then all the way down to Nice. So after more investigation, you may decide to expand the area in Provence that you want to see, or to restrict it, for example, to the area around Avignon, depending on how much time to spend there vs. elsewhere. Oh, and of course, if you're interested in prehistoric times, the cave paintings in the Dordogne are unique (probably in the top 5 of special sites I've seen in my lifetime).
You said you like quaint towns. For me, the size of the towns I'm visited in or staying in is a factor. Do you want to stay in a village, where there are only one or two restaurants, or a ciy (such as Dijon), or a larger town? Each has its advantages, but they kind of boil down to, smaller is easier to get around in and in and out of, for day trips, but fewer choices and less going on, and larger has more excitement, more going on (and more restaurants), but could be more difficult to get in and out of, depending on where you're staying. I, personally, much prefer staying IN towns rather than quaint little inns in the countryside, as I really like to walk around towns in the early mornings and late evenings. But that kind of place can be less relaxing and/or quiet than a place out in the countryside.
Also think about whether you prefer, or want to see, one kind of landscape over another. I found the Dordogne wooded, scenic, and some towns (the bastides) had vantage points over wide, fertile valleys, punctuated with rocky cliffs (the cliff-like places are where the cave paintings are). Provence is drier, with wider panoramic views, rocky plateaus, punctuated with Roman ruins and vineyards. The Loire, in comparison, I find scenic, but not gorgeous, but the castles are great. Burgundy I don't know so well, as we only spent 3 days in Beaune, and spent our time in Beaune (very cute town) and driving amongst the vineyards. So my recollection is rolling hills with lots of grapevines (and VERY expensive land).
Last, then I'll stop writing and get back to work, think about what kind of food you like; each area (except less so for the Loire) is known for its own cuisine and specialties, and you may feel you prefer some foods over others. If you like foie gras, you could eat it every lunch and dinner in the Dordogne!
Yes, by the way, congrats in advance. I spent a fantastic month (long ago, now) in France and Switzerland after finishing my law degree, and it was a great way to celebrate!
In my defense, the correct quote of mine that cocofromdijon, was "for me...5 days in Burgundy..." For you, of course, it could easily be very different. I was just telling you why the 3 days in Burgundy that we spent was enough for me. (To lay my cards on the table, in order of which of the places mentioned I've enjoyed the most, I'd say: Dordogne, Provence, Loire, Burgundy. But I loved them all, have visited Provence and Loire several times, and would, and will probably, visit them all again.)
In making your decisions, check out all the books that you can from the library, preferably those with many pictures, and to get an idea of specifics to see and do in each location!
Think about what eras of history interest you, and what kinds of castles/chateaux and other places to visit. For example, chateaux in the Loire Valley are mainly from the 1700s, and were more of the pleasure palace type. Those in the Dordogne are from the middle ages, and are more likely to be in pieces or reconstructed, and more the defensive type. If you're more interested in Roman history, then you'll find more of that in Provence. Provence, by the way, includes (in most people's minds) the Arles/Avignon area, but also includes the Luberon to the east, some mountainous areas, and then all the way down to Nice. So after more investigation, you may decide to expand the area in Provence that you want to see, or to restrict it, for example, to the area around Avignon, depending on how much time to spend there vs. elsewhere. Oh, and of course, if you're interested in prehistoric times, the cave paintings in the Dordogne are unique (probably in the top 5 of special sites I've seen in my lifetime).
You said you like quaint towns. For me, the size of the towns I'm visited in or staying in is a factor. Do you want to stay in a village, where there are only one or two restaurants, or a ciy (such as Dijon), or a larger town? Each has its advantages, but they kind of boil down to, smaller is easier to get around in and in and out of, for day trips, but fewer choices and less going on, and larger has more excitement, more going on (and more restaurants), but could be more difficult to get in and out of, depending on where you're staying. I, personally, much prefer staying IN towns rather than quaint little inns in the countryside, as I really like to walk around towns in the early mornings and late evenings. But that kind of place can be less relaxing and/or quiet than a place out in the countryside.
Also think about whether you prefer, or want to see, one kind of landscape over another. I found the Dordogne wooded, scenic, and some towns (the bastides) had vantage points over wide, fertile valleys, punctuated with rocky cliffs (the cliff-like places are where the cave paintings are). Provence is drier, with wider panoramic views, rocky plateaus, punctuated with Roman ruins and vineyards. The Loire, in comparison, I find scenic, but not gorgeous, but the castles are great. Burgundy I don't know so well, as we only spent 3 days in Beaune, and spent our time in Beaune (very cute town) and driving amongst the vineyards. So my recollection is rolling hills with lots of grapevines (and VERY expensive land).
Last, then I'll stop writing and get back to work, think about what kind of food you like; each area (except less so for the Loire) is known for its own cuisine and specialties, and you may feel you prefer some foods over others. If you like foie gras, you could eat it every lunch and dinner in the Dordogne!
Yes, by the way, congrats in advance. I spent a fantastic month (long ago, now) in France and Switzerland after finishing my law degree, and it was a great way to celebrate!
Aug 3rd, 2006, 08:16 AM
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Five days in Burgundy would just allow you to skim the surface of this large, interesting region: two days in the north, two days in the central area, one day in the southern section. Wines aside, there is lots of good sightseeing: churches, Gothic cathedrals, ancient abbeys, châteaux, scenic small villages, the towns of Dijon, Vézelay, Beaune, Macon, Pérouges, Bourg-en-Bresse, and Tournus.
If you'd like my articles on Burgundy, with suggested itineraries for upper Burgundy, send me a message at
[email protected]
If you'd like my articles on Burgundy, with suggested itineraries for upper Burgundy, send me a message at
[email protected]
