10 days in France
 

My husband and I are heading to France the end of September. First time! We love eating and drinking, outdoor touring. Question. Should we fly in and out of Paris or fly into Paris and then head to Provence and out of Nice. We will be on the ground about 10 days.

I would fly to Nice (via Paris) and return from Paris. It's doubtful that you'll get a non-stop flight to or from Nice unless you're flying out of JFK. Being in Paris at the end of the trip will allow you to be near the airport and not have to come back to Paris the night before your return home.

You can fly Nice to Orly and be closer to the city (less expensive taxi ride into Paris) or take a night train Nice to Paris.

I like to get the longest part of the trip over with at the beginning. The first day after an overseas flight is a lost day for me.

Adrienne's advice for crossing the Atlantic is my approach too. It allows a much more civilized time to rise and shine before catching the westbound flight.

not sure if we should stay around Paris and do day trips from there and maybe a day or 2 in Provence or should we spend half of the time in paris area and then remaining time in Provence/coast?

I would do 6 days in Paris and 4 in Nice or surrounding area.

It's not worth going to Provence for a day or 2 as you'll spend almost as much time getting there and back as you will seeing the area.

If your 10 days are really 8 days, due to arrival and departure days, adding a travel day in the middle (Paris/Nice either direction) chews up at least another half day. Some also say the first full day should also be considered partially limited due to jet lag.

Under those conditions, you should be careful about multiple daytrips chewing up your Paris time. Also be careful about closure days for the sights you are planning. The mid-visit travel day should be a closure day. I like Sundays for travel days, myself. Or consider doing only Paris, with more daytrips.

For the 2 site plan, arrival day in Nice, 2 days Nice, one daytrip from Nice, a travel day to Paris, then the rest of the time in Paris with one daytrip and you'll do fine.

Of course, if your title 10 days do not include arrival and departure days, you'll do better than fine!