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Rome-Southern France-Paris Itinerary...Help!

Rome-Southern France-Paris Itinerary...Help!

Old May 29th, 2012, 10:00 AM
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Rome-Southern France-Paris Itinerary...Help!

I am traveling with my son and brother from Rome to southern France, then driving to Paris. I am excited to see Rome, but traveling to France has been my lifelong dream. I would love to spend some time in Provence as well as the Loire Valley. We only have 10 days on the ground. What is the best way to get to Nice from Rome? Where are good places to stay in Provence? Where should we go in between Provence and the Loire Valley? How many days do I need in the Loire Valley and Provence? Where is a good place to stay in Paris? Help!!!
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Old May 29th, 2012, 10:57 AM
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Rome, Provence, Loire Valley, Paris. In 10 days.

IMO, Rome doesn't work in this trip, but if you're not willing to give it up then fly from Rome to Nice.
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Old May 29th, 2012, 11:10 AM
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Does that 10 days include Paris? That makes a big difference. Plus are you driving FROM Rome? It costs a ton to rent a car in one country and return it in another. You might want to drive from Rome to Genoa, drop off the car, take a train to Nice, pick up another car and drive to Vence or another town in Provence from which to base for at least 4 nights. There is a lot you can see and enjoy in Provence. You may also want to save the Loire Valley for another trip, and consider visiting Burgundy on your way to Paris instead of the Loire Valley. (We did that several years ago on our first visit to Provence. We drove up to Lyon, then Burgundy, then dropped the car in Paris and spent 4 nights there.) You could easily spend the entire 10 days in various parts of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon (also South of France). But again, it depends on whether you are talking about 10 days before Paris, or including Paris.

Do you ever look at Google Maps? You can get a basic idea of how long it will take from one place to another, and also what is possible in planning an itinerary. The Toll roads in France (and Italy for that matter) are fairly expensive, but do move along quickly. The downside is you could be driving through Indiana or Iowa because you won't see much from the highway.
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Old May 29th, 2012, 12:52 PM
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Why Rome---you seem to want France---do it!
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Old May 29th, 2012, 01:39 PM
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You have way too few dys and too many places.

If yuo have never been to these places before you need at lest 5 nights (4 days) in paris, 3 nights (2 days in the Loire) and 4 nights (3 days) in Provence or the Riviera or wherever you are going.

I would land in Nice, rent a car, tour Provence for a couple of days, spend a quick 2 days in the Loire and drop the car when you rech Paris.

You don;t have time to see Rome this trip. In fct, you're shortchanging the 3 places in France. And I hope your 10 days do;t include the day you land and the day you depart - if so - you only have 8 days.
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Old May 29th, 2012, 04:30 PM
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I have 10 days on the ground. I am flying into Rome to pick up my son, who is there studying abroad. I considered flying into France and having him take the train or a flight to join. I know I could spend a week in each place, but I don't think I can. How many days do I need in the Loire Valley?
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Old May 29th, 2012, 04:35 PM
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I wouldn't even GO to the Loire Valley, unless there is something inexplicable that draws you there. It's one of the least inspiring regions of France, in my opinion (and I used to be a tour guide there and know it well). Divide your time between Provence and Paris, and take the TGV from Avignon back to Paris, avoiding a horrendously boring drive and significant tolls.

The problem is you're flying in to Rome, and I can't imagine not wanting to spend some time there. Why don't you just spend 5 days in Rome and then fly to Paris and spend the rest of the time there. You're trying to cram way too much into an insignificant amount of vacation time. Or extend your trip.
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