Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Needing help for France trip? Small town inspiration?

Needing help for France trip? Small town inspiration?

Old Apr 23rd, 2013, 08:21 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Needing help for France trip? Small town inspiration?

Hi there,

We are flying into CDG early July and flying out near the end. I am still in a twirl on where to focus research energy, been reading and reading- I asked my people - The boys (10 & 13) comments boiled down that for longer times they really like the towns/villages that are small enough for them to run around by themselves for short blips of time - and I think we let them do that with towns that were 10,000 population or less - They love running to the bakeries in the morning for breakfast and bringing the treats back to the apartment/cottage, etc. - running to the market when we run out of an ingredient, etc. The DH said anywhere is fine...

For a longer stays, the towns over 100,000 were too big for them (or us) to feel comfortable (unless maybe the bakery was in the bottom of the building).

Pretty, quaint, athletic, fun, free, near a bigger town for a bike shop (and momma needs something pretty to look at)... helllllp!
true2101 is offline  
Old Apr 23rd, 2013, 09:12 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I strongly recommend that you get a copy of the Michelin Green Guide to France and start narrowing down your options ASAP. July is high tourist season in many parts of France, as many Europeans are on vacation then; you'll need to book lodgings right away.

Once you have settled, at least, on a region, return with more specific questions and we'll be glad to help.
Underhill is offline  
Old Apr 23rd, 2013, 09:22 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,947
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you can still find a place, try the Ile de Ré.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622845839973
Michael is offline  
Old Apr 23rd, 2013, 09:25 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Dordogne would be absolutely perfect for your crew.. SO much to to do keep two active boys enthralled and you too. Have them get some guidebooks and start scouting for what they want to do - caves, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, biking...whatever...a million wonderful things for kids of that age to do and enjoy (and you too!)
StCirq is offline  
Old Apr 23rd, 2013, 09:25 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Uzes -- gorgeous little town, near the Pont du Gard (you can walk over it, or canoe under it). Nearby Nimes has all the shopping you'll need. Plenty more daytrips, horseback riding, bull runnings in the streets. Population 8200 in 2008.
dfourh is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2013, 07:37 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thanks! Will get the guide and drill down Dordogne and look around Uzes and others more. You are right Underhill, I have been sending off inquiries for places to rent and that is probably part of the problem.
true2101 is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2013, 06:24 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The local library just replaced all their Michelins - as of April 2013. Very handy and great information.
true2101 is offline  
Old Apr 25th, 2013, 12:11 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It looks like you have at least three weeks in France and your list of wants pretty much covers anywhere in the country. Maybe consider a couple of regions to get some variety.
FrenchMystiqueTours is offline  
Old Apr 25th, 2013, 03:02 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree with StCirq - Dordogne would be ideal, as it abounds with so much variety. Our kids loved Gouffre d Padirac, canoeing, caves, castles and visiting patisseries. The French shopkeepers were very patient as they asked for their goodies in less-than-perfect French.
SusannahT is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2013, 03:20 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you, I am still reading and researching. The DH wants to go to basically one spot other than Paris. He doesn't mind day trips, but doesn't want to move. The last trip we were all over Italy - and I guess it's his turn to pick the pace.
true2101 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tangwah
Europe
8
Sep 9th, 2011 07:13 PM
winchestered
Europe
4
Apr 6th, 2011 07:24 PM
loisco
Europe
22
Feb 1st, 2010 11:16 AM
amaryllis
Europe
11
Nov 22nd, 2004 11:01 AM
Mara
Europe
8
Oct 26th, 2002 11:39 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -