We're a middle-aged couple who will be spending the last few days of the Italy portion of our trip in the Cinque Terre and we have 4 nights to spend in France before the last week of the vacation to be spent in Paris. I'm looking for opinions & ideas of pleasant and interesting ways to spend these 4 nights. This will be our first trip to France. We are interested in having a relaxing time enjoying good food, wine, markets, gardens, ambiance and easing ourselves into France before spending the last week in Paris. Since we only have 3 full days we want to choose a spot that tics as many boxes as possible.

One idea was to travel via train for what looks like about 6hrs from Genoa along the Cote d'Azur and then base in Antibes, then take the fast train up to Paris on the 5th day. Another option would be take a longer train ride to Aix and base around there. We both enjoy riding the trains. Another thought is to take easyjet from Pisa to Paris and find a small town or village closer to Paris--although outside of Paris I know even less about interesting places to stay/do up there.

Any thoughts?

Elizabeth

hi Elizabeth,

what time of year?

regards, ann

April 22-April 26

Nice is nice - we have stayed there twice and visited Antibes from there. Antibes is more charming, at least the old city but Nice was very pleasant too and the bus connections from there along the coast and up into the hills make it a great base. Of course Antibes is also connected to the bus system - but perhaps less so. End of April should be lovely spring weather. Enjoy!

The Antibes option would be my choice. I would not want to make that train ride any longer than it already is (we've taken that tain). I might choose Nice instead, but Antibes might be a little more relaxing. Good market in Antibes. Visit the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild for your garden experience.

Stu Dudley

Sounds like Antibes will be the way we will go. Thanks for the garden tip Stu.

Elizabeth