Paris, Ile de France...and WHERE? 1st trip to France in June! Oh la la!
Oct 6th, 2014, 04:31 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris, Ile de France...and WHERE? 1st trip to France in June! Oh la la!
WHERE is the best of France in June? Please cast your vote here! Do share where and why? Can't wait for you to inspire me!
I just finished reading about Paris in the Rick Steves guidebook. We'll have 14-17 nights in France in June, and will visit Paris, the Ile de France...and WHERE else in France? I've considered Provence, but not sure if I'm fond of Le Mistral...sounds long-winded! French Riviera? Normandy?
We like to spend at least 4 nights in each accommodation, so will only include 3 areas in this trip...Paris, Ile de France, and 1 other "base".... We like trains, but can also rent a car if needed.
I like food, wine, people, culture, music, language... My husband likes all of these things, plus since he's a biologist, he also enjoys gardens and any natural areas which may be nearby. Farms are his least favorite kind of area to visit. This trip is my choice. He got to choose South Africa last year!
I'm learning French for free by using the Duolingo app which I downloaded on my Iphone. I'm learning French just to enrich the trip. Nobody will understand a word of my French, but I know it will help me understand the country! Je suis une femme et tu es un homme. Je mange du frommage. Sorry, I don't know too much French yet, I can't say anything more exciting than that! Oh la la! My desk doesn't have an international keyboard for accents.
No budget questions, please. We like to mix it up when it comes to accommodations. We'll choose something from various different categories. But my husband would faint if I spent $800 USD for 1 night, so we'll skip the extravagant category. We especially like family-run guesthouses or b&bs where the owner interacts with the guests, or smaller boutique hotels. Tend to avoid the large hotel chains, unless we have points or free nights...which sometimes happens.
Merci!
I just finished reading about Paris in the Rick Steves guidebook. We'll have 14-17 nights in France in June, and will visit Paris, the Ile de France...and WHERE else in France? I've considered Provence, but not sure if I'm fond of Le Mistral...sounds long-winded! French Riviera? Normandy?
We like to spend at least 4 nights in each accommodation, so will only include 3 areas in this trip...Paris, Ile de France, and 1 other "base".... We like trains, but can also rent a car if needed.
I like food, wine, people, culture, music, language... My husband likes all of these things, plus since he's a biologist, he also enjoys gardens and any natural areas which may be nearby. Farms are his least favorite kind of area to visit. This trip is my choice. He got to choose South Africa last year!
I'm learning French for free by using the Duolingo app which I downloaded on my Iphone. I'm learning French just to enrich the trip. Nobody will understand a word of my French, but I know it will help me understand the country! Je suis une femme et tu es un homme. Je mange du frommage. Sorry, I don't know too much French yet, I can't say anything more exciting than that! Oh la la! My desk doesn't have an international keyboard for accents.
No budget questions, please. We like to mix it up when it comes to accommodations. We'll choose something from various different categories. But my husband would faint if I spent $800 USD for 1 night, so we'll skip the extravagant category. We especially like family-run guesthouses or b&bs where the owner interacts with the guests, or smaller boutique hotels. Tend to avoid the large hotel chains, unless we have points or free nights...which sometimes happens.
Merci!
Oct 6th, 2014, 04:40 PM
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you need to do some more reading.
Le Mistral is NOT in June.
We would choose among"
Loire valley (and do stay at one of the private chateaux - prices are often modest/moderate)
Normandy beaches and Bayeaux
Alsace and Strasbourg/Colmar wine route
Burgundy - including several smaller towns -esp Vezelay
Cote d'Azur
Based on your timing you can do at the most two of the above. Suggest you do some reading to see which have what interests you most.
Le Mistral is NOT in June.
We would choose among"
Loire valley (and do stay at one of the private chateaux - prices are often modest/moderate)
Normandy beaches and Bayeaux
Alsace and Strasbourg/Colmar wine route
Burgundy - including several smaller towns -esp Vezelay
Cote d'Azur
Based on your timing you can do at the most two of the above. Suggest you do some reading to see which have what interests you most.
Oct 6th, 2014, 04:45 PM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Provence!!!! No mistral in June, but lots of Lavender fields in late June. You can take the 3 hr TGV there (Avignon TGV station) from CDG airport, Paris, or Marne le Vallee (Disneyland). BTW, I'm not a big fan of Rick Steves's France guides. Also, post your rough itinerary before you purchase any tickets. You wouldn't believe how many people waste days in travel due to an awkward itinerary. What/where do you plan to visit in the Ile de France? We were just there (Fountainbleu) this past June after 2 weeks in Nice & 2 weeks in Provence (total of 40 weeks vacationing in these southern regions)
Stu Dudley
Stu Dudley
Oct 6th, 2014, 10:47 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
nytraveler: Thanks for your list of favorites. (-; Internet resources, which I've consulted through Google, insist that <b>Le Mistral</b> can and does occur at any time of year, including June. However, I am delighted to believe your and StuDudley's much happier tale that there is no Mistral in June!
StuDudley: PLEASE may I pick your brain?! Love that you've spent 2 months vacationing in France very year since '99! Please, do tell what draws you back to <b>Provence</b> and the <b>Dordogne</b> over and over? What is your favorite guidebook for France? I always use more than one guidebook for international trips. For France, I have Rick Steves and Fodors guidebooks. But for international trips, I often consult 4 or 5 guidebooks, if necessary. You asked where we plan to go in the <b>Ile of France</b>? so far, <b>Versaille</b> is a high priority, and I'd love to know whether it's best to stay in Paris and day-trip to Versailles, or spend a couple nights near Versailles? Also, if we go to Provence in early June, instead of late June, would that not be as beautiful? (Haven't booked anything yet for June, so we are still flexible on dates...)
Michael: Thanks, I'll read about the Dordogne. I enjoy castles and picturesque villages. I'm reading that the Dordogne has one of the best regional cuisines in the country. What? I'm in for that!
StuDudley: PLEASE may I pick your brain?! Love that you've spent 2 months vacationing in France very year since '99! Please, do tell what draws you back to <b>Provence</b> and the <b>Dordogne</b> over and over? What is your favorite guidebook for France? I always use more than one guidebook for international trips. For France, I have Rick Steves and Fodors guidebooks. But for international trips, I often consult 4 or 5 guidebooks, if necessary. You asked where we plan to go in the <b>Ile of France</b>? so far, <b>Versaille</b> is a high priority, and I'd love to know whether it's best to stay in Paris and day-trip to Versailles, or spend a couple nights near Versailles? Also, if we go to Provence in early June, instead of late June, would that not be as beautiful? (Haven't booked anything yet for June, so we are still flexible on dates...)
Michael: Thanks, I'll read about the Dordogne. I enjoy castles and picturesque villages. I'm reading that the Dordogne has one of the best regional cuisines in the country. What? I'm in for that!
Oct 7th, 2014, 03:24 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had the mistral on a trip--it made it interesting. I certainly wouldn't NOT go to Provence on the off chance.
What is your idea of "ile de France" for 4 days. I would suggest 6-8days in Paris with day trips to Giverney and Versailles, and train to Provence. Return to CDG for your departure directly.
What is your idea of "ile de France" for 4 days. I would suggest 6-8days in Paris with day trips to Giverney and Versailles, and train to Provence. Return to CDG for your departure directly.
Oct 7th, 2014, 04:58 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just spent two weeks in Paris and took a number of day trips in the Ile de France (Fountainbleau, Giverny, Chartres, etc.). It is not at all necessary to relocate for most of the locations in the Ile de France. This was my 9th trip to Paris, otherwise, we would not have spent so much time on day trips.
I would spend a week or so in Paris and then go to Provence. I certainly wouldn't worry about the Mistral in June in the unlikely event you should experience it. We once experienced it in May and it was not at all a problem
I would spend a week or so in Paris and then go to Provence. I certainly wouldn't worry about the Mistral in June in the unlikely event you should experience it. We once experienced it in May and it was not at all a problem
Oct 7th, 2014, 06:51 AM
#10
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We've been in Provence almost the entire month of June about 7-8 times and have never experience the mistral. We had it once in Les Baux - but that was about 25 years ago - maybe in May or Sept.
I have a 33 itinerary for Provence/Cote d'Azur and a 20 pager for the Dordogne. They describe the "why" we love these areas. I've sent them to over 4,000 people on Fodors. If you would like a copy, e-mail me at [email protected] & I'll attach one to the reply e-mail. Identify the itineraries you want to receive. I get about 3-6 requests each day and often people don't specify the ones they want (I have others too).
Stu Dudley
I have a 33 itinerary for Provence/Cote d'Azur and a 20 pager for the Dordogne. They describe the "why" we love these areas. I've sent them to over 4,000 people on Fodors. If you would like a copy, e-mail me at [email protected] & I'll attach one to the reply e-mail. Identify the itineraries you want to receive. I get about 3-6 requests each day and often people don't specify the ones they want (I have others too).
Stu Dudley
Oct 7th, 2014, 09:47 AM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm pretty well acquainted with Île-de-France and there are loads of places very close to Paris that can easily be explored as day trips from Paris itself. Check the link below to see a list:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#55885554
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#55885554
Oct 7th, 2014, 09:57 AM
#12
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We were just in Provence the end of June for a week. I had to google le mistral as I've never heard of it. And we certainly did not experience it. Weather was lovely!
The B&B we stayed in fits your requirements. So fun! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Provence.html
The B&B we stayed in fits your requirements. So fun! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Provence.html
Oct 7th, 2014, 03:11 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, thanks for all the great ideas and links! I'm really getting excited!
StuDudley, thanks, I'll write to get your itineraries for Dordogne and Provence/Cote D'Azur.
From what everybody is saying...sounds like Le Mistral can blow in June, but many tourists don't experience problems in June...otherwise StuDudley wouldn't have so many trips to Provence!
My idea of a rough June itinerary, subject to change, is this:
--Paris: 7 days
--Versailles: 1 or 2 days (stay in Paris or near Versailles?)
--Provence or Dordogne: 5 nights
Take train to Provence or Dordogne, then rent a car in Provence. Return rental car in Provence, and take train back to Paris.
--Paris: 2 nights (flying home from Paris)
Do trains go to Dordogne or is it better to drive? I need to explore this. I've read about Provence, but haven't read much about Dordogne yet.
I should mention I HATE flying, and love trains. We rent cars only when necessary. I prefer nonstop flights, since airports and flights are nerve-wrecking for me. So...will probably fly LAX to and from Paris, nonstop. We could also fly out of San Diego, but it wouldn't be nonstop.
StuDudley, thanks, I'll write to get your itineraries for Dordogne and Provence/Cote D'Azur.
From what everybody is saying...sounds like Le Mistral can blow in June, but many tourists don't experience problems in June...otherwise StuDudley wouldn't have so many trips to Provence!
My idea of a rough June itinerary, subject to change, is this:
--Paris: 7 days
--Versailles: 1 or 2 days (stay in Paris or near Versailles?)
--Provence or Dordogne: 5 nights
Take train to Provence or Dordogne, then rent a car in Provence. Return rental car in Provence, and take train back to Paris.
--Paris: 2 nights (flying home from Paris)
Do trains go to Dordogne or is it better to drive? I need to explore this. I've read about Provence, but haven't read much about Dordogne yet.
I should mention I HATE flying, and love trains. We rent cars only when necessary. I prefer nonstop flights, since airports and flights are nerve-wrecking for me. So...will probably fly LAX to and from Paris, nonstop. We could also fly out of San Diego, but it wouldn't be nonstop.
Oct 7th, 2014, 03:19 PM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 23,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>
Do trains go to Dordogne or is it better to drive?</i>
Order tickets 3 months ahead of time from Paris to Brive-la-Gaillarde and the price should be about 20€ per person. Pick up the car in Brive.
Do trains go to Dordogne or is it better to drive?</i>
Order tickets 3 months ahead of time from Paris to Brive-la-Gaillarde and the price should be about 20€ per person. Pick up the car in Brive.
Oct 7th, 2014, 03:38 PM
#15
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A more efficient itinerary would be:
- Land at CDG and immediately take the TGV (train) to the Avignon TGV station in Provence.
OR
- Land at CDG and immediately take the TGV to Bordeaux and drive to the Dordogne. Dordogne involves longer train rides to & from, and more driving to/from the Dordogne to the stations.
I find the train to be very relaxing - which is great for arrival day.
- Get back to Paris on the TGV from Avignon, or the train from Brive (Dordogne).
- Spend your remaining time in Paris with easy day trips to Versailles and perhaps Fountainbleu (from Paris).
- Take a taxi to CDG for your flight home.
This involves one less pack & unpack day, and probably saves you most of one entire transit day. Only 2 hotel stays instead of your three.
Stu Dudley
- Land at CDG and immediately take the TGV (train) to the Avignon TGV station in Provence.
OR
- Land at CDG and immediately take the TGV to Bordeaux and drive to the Dordogne. Dordogne involves longer train rides to & from, and more driving to/from the Dordogne to the stations.
I find the train to be very relaxing - which is great for arrival day.
- Get back to Paris on the TGV from Avignon, or the train from Brive (Dordogne).
- Spend your remaining time in Paris with easy day trips to Versailles and perhaps Fountainbleu (from Paris).
- Take a taxi to CDG for your flight home.
This involves one less pack & unpack day, and probably saves you most of one entire transit day. Only 2 hotel stays instead of your three.
Stu Dudley
Oct 7th, 2014, 04:59 PM
#16
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did a quick check on Travelocity and there are no non-stops from SD to CDG.
I'll amend my recommendation and suggest that you fly from SD to Marseille instead of CDG. There is a 2 1/2 hr layover in London - which is minimum time for a layover, IMO, at LHR. Then it is an easy/short drive to Provence. If you want to go to the Dordogne, fly to Toulouse. You could fly to Bordeaux instead - but Toulouse has better access to the Dordogne by car.
I purchased tickets for our June trip to France about 2 months ago. San Francisco (where we live) has 3 non-stops per day.
Stu Dudley
I'll amend my recommendation and suggest that you fly from SD to Marseille instead of CDG. There is a 2 1/2 hr layover in London - which is minimum time for a layover, IMO, at LHR. Then it is an easy/short drive to Provence. If you want to go to the Dordogne, fly to Toulouse. You could fly to Bordeaux instead - but Toulouse has better access to the Dordogne by car.
I purchased tickets for our June trip to France about 2 months ago. San Francisco (where we live) has 3 non-stops per day.
Stu Dudley
Oct 12th, 2014, 11:48 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, StuDudley and Michael.
CHANGE OF PLANS: Can't go in June! Will now have to consider Paris in late April or May. But I'm worried the weather won't be warm enough for my preference...
StuDudley, we can drive to LAX and fly LAX (Los Angeles) to Paris nonstop, I'm pretty sure...or we can fly out of San Diego as you say if we want to stop in London...
CHANGE OF PLANS: Can't go in June! Will now have to consider Paris in late April or May. But I'm worried the weather won't be warm enough for my preference...
StuDudley, we can drive to LAX and fly LAX (Los Angeles) to Paris nonstop, I'm pretty sure...or we can fly out of San Diego as you say if we want to stop in London...
Oct 13th, 2014, 01:42 AM
#18
Melissa, Wiki gives you climate figures by the month for many French towns and areas.
My own preference for French trips, being doing them annually since 1973, is to the lesser known places now. For instance I like La Loire but love Le Loir (river just to the north of its more famous sister. In Burgundy I like the area around Beaune and love that around Auxerre. Much as I like Avignon I prefer Cahors. etc
Why, well you get fewer foreign tourists and the locals still like to chat in their poor English to work with my poor French. In the busier places the locals speak great English (and a couple of other languages).
Given that you are looking at April, you need to go southish
My own preference for French trips, being doing them annually since 1973, is to the lesser known places now. For instance I like La Loire but love Le Loir (river just to the north of its more famous sister. In Burgundy I like the area around Beaune and love that around Auxerre. Much as I like Avignon I prefer Cahors. etc
Why, well you get fewer foreign tourists and the locals still like to chat in their poor English to work with my poor French. In the busier places the locals speak great English (and a couple of other languages).
Given that you are looking at April, you need to go southish
Oct 13th, 2014, 06:56 AM
#19
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris is farther north than any spot in the US (except Alaska). Provence is farther north than Milwaukee. Paris is fantastic anytime of year - but you'll get more rain/overcast/cold in late April and I know us Californians are use to very little rain/cold interfering with things. However, several years ago France had an unusual heat wave in April and it was rainy/cold in June.
I would do Paris & Provence and skip the Ile de France area.
Head South.
Bilboburger = we travel to "lesser" known places too. We visited the Loire last year - the department of the Loire near Roanne - not where the chateaux are. A restaurant chef couldn't believe that we were vacationing in the area for 2 weeks. This year in the countryside around Poitiers, a small museum owner asked if we were lost when we told we were from the US.
We also explored Le Loir this year. We were in Puy l'Eveque near Cahors for 2 weeks last year.
Stu Dudley
I would do Paris & Provence and skip the Ile de France area.
Head South.
Bilboburger = we travel to "lesser" known places too. We visited the Loire last year - the department of the Loire near Roanne - not where the chateaux are. A restaurant chef couldn't believe that we were vacationing in the area for 2 weeks. This year in the countryside around Poitiers, a small museum owner asked if we were lost when we told we were from the US.
We also explored Le Loir this year. We were in Puy l'Eveque near Cahors for 2 weeks last year.
Stu Dudley
