We're celebrating our 20th anniversary in France, but only have 5 full days on the ground b/c of (beloved) kids and (requisite) work. We've been to Paris several times, so this time, we'd like to spend a few days elsewhere, and last 2 days in Paris. What about Avignon, via TGV? I figure its warmer than Brittany, maybe, and more to do indoors if the mistral is blowing. We're thinking of renting a car. We love being outdoors as much as poking around museums, cathedrals, and bookstores. We're not insane foodies, but love to try local fare. We both speak French, and love off-the-beaten-path adventure. Not at all into shopping. Ideas, anyone??

It would be helpful if you had outlined the time frame of your visit. If is it during the winter, as you talk about the mistral, you might want to look at Lyon. For me, the cities make better destinations during the colder months unless you are interested in winter sports.

The OP says the trip is in mid-February.

Thanks gm, I kept reading the text as I had scrolled down and the title was no longer visible. However, my answer is unchanged. I might add, consider the TGV to Strasbourg which is an interesting city and a good contrast to Paris.

Drsh99 -

Given what you have said, Avignon is not a bad idea at all. While it can certainly be cold (it is right now) it's highly likely to be less wet than any place north of the Loire. As you said yourself, when the mistral is blowing (which fortunately it is not at the moment) you really want to be indoors. Avignon gets it worse than just about anywhere else. So the fact that there are some great museums to visit would be a big plus for you in Avignon.

And if you get some warmer, sunnier weather, you'll be in heaven. I had lunch outdoors a week ago and went for a nice long walk in a light sweater. When you can do that in mid-winter in France, you can't really complain.

You might also think about Aix as an alternative. The fact that it's more of a university town means it's more lively in the winter-time than Avignon. But either would be good for a short trip down from Paris (and convenient).

-Kevin

p.s.: Strasbourg and Lyon are both fantastic cities. But you have a much higher chance of freezing your backside off (or getting rained/snowed on) in either than in Avignon.

Avignon is a nice combination of provincial French town (lots of shopping) and tourist sites (Palais, museums, city walls). When we were there off season, finding somewhere interesting to eat on a Sunday night was a challenge we failed, but it was never a problem during the week.

Thank you for all the quick replies! We started with a plan for Strasbourg, but I lived and worked there for a year and remember freezing, wet February all too well. Wonderful the rest of the year, though.
Kevin, your image of lunch outdoors and a long walk in a light sweater sounds like heaven to a Chicagoan. Do you have some specific recommendations if we rent a car for Saturday or Sunday?

Drsh -

Do you mean recommendations for where to drive to from Avignon ? Or recommendations on where to go for a walk ?

- Kevin

Kevin-
I meant where to drive, since there are so many options!

Depends on what you're interested in seeing. Although you say you don't enjoy shopping, are you interested in the markets. If so, and assuming good weather, head on Saturday to Apt or Sunday to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Both will have plenty of vendors even in mid-winter (though not as many as during the season). What's nice is that a lot of the tourist oriented stuff is packed away (or on vacation somewhere warm). So what you'll see is more of the food and products that local people are wanting to buy. And no crowds - a major plus ! Like I said, though, not much fun if the weather isn't good.

From either spot you can then spend the afternoon driving around the Luberon. Take a little tour and walk around some of the usual suspects. Things will be very quiet indeed. You'll have places like Gordes and Roussillon more or less to yourself.

You could also head to Fontaine du Vaucluse, which I usually don't recommend during the summer because a) it's a tourist zoo and b) the fountain is more like a deep puddle. But in February (again if it's sunny) a nice walk up to see the water cascading over the rocks is really pleasant.

Alternatively, you could scrap all of the above and head to Les Baux. Once again it is glorious to have this place all to yourself.

Enjoy -

-Kevin

Go to the Pont du Gard and Uze for a nice day trip. Then Gordes and Roussilon for another. We were there in March one year and enjoyed it.

it's a wonderful time to visit all the perche villages like Gordes and Les Baux.

Thanks Kevin, Gretchen and cigale for some great suggestions. We're trying to narrow down a hotel for three nights in Avignon, so if you have suggestions, please let me know. We'll do two days with a car and see several of the towns you've all mentioned, plus we can't miss the Pont du Gard. We flirting with the idea of going to see a St. Etienne soccer game since Carlos Bocanegra (US team captain) plays for them, but that might be more driving around than we want.