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Is it more scenic to drive to Provence from Madrid or Paris?

Is it more scenic to drive to Provence from Madrid or Paris?

Old Aug 31st, 2011, 02:45 PM
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Is it more scenic to drive to Provence from Madrid or Paris?

My husband and I can fly into either Paris or Madrid,then drive to southern France. We have a couple of days to get there. Does anyone have thoughts on which might be more interesting?
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 03:54 PM
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How long will you be in Paris or Madrid to recover from jet lag (if you are flying more than 8 hrs to get there), before you head out on this long & tough drive??

Is in 1 night & 1 1/2 days, or 2 nights & 2 1/2 - 3 days??

Stu Dudley
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 03:59 PM
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It's an easy drive from CDG to Provence, and quite a long drive from MAD ...
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 05:01 PM
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Thanks for your comments... We will have at least one night for jet log catch up, then using some of your help, stu dudley's blog help in provence. Our flight plans seem to favor Madrid, but maybe we can change them to Paris if the drive from Madrid is too long or uninteresting...
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 05:03 PM
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Well, it will cost you an arm and a leg to drive from Madrid to Provence if you're planning to leave the car in France. And neither drive is particularly inspiring. I'd fly into Paris and take the TGV. Cheap PREM fares, no tolls, no aggravated autoroute boring drives, just a nice 3-hour train trip.

I wouldn't call it an "easy drive" from CDG to Provence at all. Long, expensive, and boring.
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 08:59 PM
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>>I wouldn't call it an "easy drive" from CDG to Provence at all. Long, expensive, and boring.
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 10:26 PM
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I'd go for Madrid - there's much to see along the way and then you have to pass Pyrenees which is a wonderful experience indeed. The journey takes longer, though.
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Old Aug 31st, 2011, 11:37 PM
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I agree with hanabi. The Spanish roads are excellent and less expensive, the Pyrenees are fabulous and it is a beautiful drive. Plus, fewer tolls...which is always a good thing.
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Old Sep 1st, 2011, 07:09 AM
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Thanks everybody. We will stay an extra day in Paris and then take a train!
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