2 week winter France itinerary help
 

We're planning to be in France from Dec 28th to Jan 11th, with approximately the first week spent in Paris. Given that it's in the winter, any suggestions on what other cities would be good to visit for our second week? We love all things food-related and any cities/regions that are a "must" from a culinary perspective would be much appreciated!

Lyon

The Pays Basque (Bayonne, Biarritz, St-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye)

StCirq gave good choices.
At that time if the year we are on the French Riviera. Choose a big town or small city.
Ste Maxime or cannes or nice or ...
we have barbecues outside at noon and are doing some gardening in T-shirts from 10 am to 4 pm.
Before that I sleep and after I need a small pull over.
Evenings we have apéro outside and dinner inside.
Great time to do some walks.

Fly into Paris and perhaps take TGV bullet train to Lyon for a night or so - yes culinary repute - then maybe train to French Riviera as pariswat suggests - lots to see and do in a compact area and nicer weather than rest of France. In any case book trains in advance to nab discounted train tickets - www.voyages-sncf.com or easier to book on folks here say www.thetrainline.com - same fares for same trains - for lots on French trains check www.seat61.com - sage advice on booking your own tickets online; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

Basque Country St-Cirq suggests also warmer weather and lovely seaside towns - take TGVs there too from Paris via Bordeaux. Could easily do a day trip by train from that area to San Sebastian, Spain.

Agree with all that's been said above. We were in Lyon for New Year's Eve one year and loved the place. Best food in France IMO. And Mon Dieu, to be at the Bocuse Market on New Year's Eve Day! Those people really know how to stock up for a pull out all the stops party. Besides the Riviera and Basque country suggestions, I'd add in Marseille. If you follow any of these suggestions you should be in for a great trip with fabulous food. Enjoy!

Lyon.
I would not recommend Marseille, there's no fun sitting inside or outside on the terraces eating seafood.