Tomboy--we watched Calanques boat rides on youtube on our big tv and I nearly got seasick lol. I've seen enough :toj:

Natylou--I'm going to check out Nice. Appreciate your opinion on it being boring for the girls. One is an artistic nature lover, the other is more typical

Neecy, we did a 15 day trip in France and had a nice balance of city and small town. We started 3 days in Brittany/Normandy, then 5 days Paris, 7 days in La Ciotot/Bandol. Loved every minute.
I think you can do your itinerary, but as others have said, be mindful of travel days, they can take up the majority of the day. As for your itinerary, I think it depends on whether you want to start off with a bang, and end with relaxing, or the other way around. Personally I think starting in London 4 days, travel to Paris on 5th, 5 nights Paris, then travel to Provence for the last 5 nights. You could rail to Arles, 1 night, visit St Remy, then carry on to either Bandol or Hyeres for some beach time before heading home via Marseilles. Others will say it is too little time in one place, but when we were in the north, there were specific things we wanted to see in each of 3 spots.

We did a few (3) single nights in hotels in Brittany/Normany, and it was do-able, as long as the drive times are under 2 hours. Wake up, pack/breakfast and on to your next place before noon. The drive is part of the enjoyment of the trip.
Try not to be overwhelmed with too much advice, and remember planning is fun in itself!

Are either of the girls into theater, music, art, history, languages, sports, hiking, swimming, boating, cooking, fashion? Do they love shopping? Special foods? What have they studied in HS? What do they hope to pursue in college or after HS? What does your husband enjoy? More than just how to get places most efficiently or for the best scenery, many here have traveled with kids and family for years and several live in Europe and have raised families there, so the more you can share about the specific interests of your family members, the better suggestions people can give you. It may affect only bits of your trip, but may have a big impact. Seeing and experiencing new things are always good too, but a mix of both is nice.

Be sure to involve the kids, and spouse, in the planning and researching for the trip. That will increase the "buy-in" of the teens.

this response belongs in the same class as "how much do I tip the pilot".

Please realize that, if upon your return from the trip you mention that you went to the McDonalds in Paris, your closest friend will say "that's nice", but you won't hear the eyes rolling of the 6 acquaintances behind your back, nor the snickers about your plebian tastes for weeks thereafter. But if that's "the good life" for you, God bless. But do have a "Croque Monsieur", even from a Parisian street vendor, and do have a "Croissant Chocolate aux Amandes" from a Parisian bakery.

There's a lot for teens of any kind to love about Provence. Villages, ruins, castles, rocky coastal walks make for great exploration. The ochre quarry in Roussillon is like walking into a paint factory. I also think teens would like the Fondation Vasarely in Aix.

I think seeing the port of Marseilles, with it's fortifications and taking a boat ride out to Chateau d'If or Port Friou is a fantastic experience.

Oh, and Neecy, about the Eiffel Tower. Being a midwesterner myself, I realize there's a temptation to go UP in the Tower.
But just as with going up in the Sears Tower in Chicago, or the Arch in St. Louis, when you look down at the buildings below, they look very similar (undifferetiated) to the sight from any other tall building.
We didn't go up in it, but were at the Arc de Triumphe, so decided to go the top of the arch. Same, undifferentiated vista. I think if one took a photo of that, and one from Sears Tower, and St. Louis Arch, and Empire State Bldg, one would be hard pressed to tell one city from the other. So why go up?

On the other hand, we took a river boat ride on the Seine that landed at the base of Eiffel Tower at 9:00 PM, just as its lights lit up (just for us!!!). Now, that was a sight to see!!! Also, on another trip, we walked thru the park at its base about 10:00 PM....really got a feel for how tall and massive it was. I'd pick that any time, as opposed to going up in the tower.

Another good place to view the Tower is from the Trocadero, a stone esplanade high on an embankment of the Seine right across from the tower. An excellent view of the tower, if you are in that part of Paris.

I think you might be starting to realize why many of us would recommend 2 places not three for two weeks. There is just a lot to do and see in each of your destinations. You will only be able to see a small part of Provence with the time you have so you will have to prioritize what you want to see in a manner that makes the traveling easy. . If you did Paris and Provence it would be more efficient and allow you to see much of Provence including the Cote. Although I like the countryside, London and Paris with a day trip or two would also keep you just as busy. My daughter loved London so much she went back for her College time abroad to study at University College London.

I suspect that's exactly why Neecy would like to do the THREE areas.
.....to get a TASTE of what everyone talks about....a sampling....to see if it's worth planting a seed for future trips .....as well as a BROAD experience, not just an URBAN experience, however famed.

'Can't see it all' is the silliest reason I've ever heard not to go somewhere. Of course four nights on Provence would be worth it!

When I based myself In Aix, I spent three glorious days:

One day going down to Marseilles, marveled at the fort and harbor, took a boat ride to Chateu d'If and went hiking at Les Calanques. I also saw Cassis, but that's not a particular highlight.

One day in Aix.

One day to Roussillon to roam around the village and go to the ochre quarry. Also visited Fontaine de Vaucluse, Grotte de Calès (7th Century BC Ligurian grotto),and Vieux Vernegues (hilltop ruins). One of the most thrilling days I have ever spent in Europe.

I have friends who had never been to Provence - - and with their work schedule from Berlin they had three nights, two full days. Landed in Montpellier, picked up a car then went straight for a swim at Le Grau de Roi, stopped at Aigues-Mortes for a lunch, then headed to our Airbnb gite just north of Arles, then went into Arles to enjoy the late afternoon/evening. Next day drive northeast for the buzzing market in Lourmarin, a drive north to see the ochre cliffs in Rousillion, west to charming little Gordes, then Van Gogh's asylum at St. Remy. Last day up to the market in Uzes, then a swim beneath the Pont du Gard, then a stop at a small olive oil producer for some tastes and some product to take home, then back to Arles for the evening. Flew out the next day, and it was a rich, vivid, wonderful, and, yes easy-going experience. It's not as much what you do, as how you do it. If you miss anything in particular, you then have a reason to go back.

I don't think we'll attempt Nice. It looks like too much distance from London and Paris. It's on the list for next time. After your concerns that the ruins and Luberon towns might not interest the girls, we took a lot more time yesterday watching youtube, and they really seem interested. Quote from one of them was "but a dusty old town sounds amazing!" lol. On the other hand, multiple days of hill towns might get repetitive. Do they all look alike after a couple?
And there's the trade off of less time for the cities. I'm still not sure about Provence. But I'm sold on London and Paris. I really am trying to make this a sampler with a variety of experience with just 2 weeks.

Please give me your input for fun activites for any of our locations. In particular what you think would be fun for teens. Their interests are music (rock and roll, some classical), theater, nature, people watching, shopping (does bargain or outlet shopping exist there?), hiking, food to some extent (none of us are foodies or really interested in long high end dinners. Definitely want to try local specialties and treats.) History and architecture to an extent. We homeschooled for several years, so we were able to pick out really great curriculum that gave them a decent appreciation for history. I'm hoping to have time to brush up on some history before we go (but you know how that goes)

So far on the list of interests--tower of london, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, British Library, bus tour of the city, parks and gardens, markets, definitely theater.

Paris--it all looks good--1 or 2 art museums, les invalides, catacombs, opera house, st chapelle.

Provence--Arles, pont du gard, Luberon. Is there any action in the evening in Provence or is it pretty quiet after dinner? Anything particularly fun for young people?

tomboy--thanks, that is exactly what I was wondering about going up the tower. And yes, exactly a sample.

And those Provence trips sound amazing:love: do you think all ages could appreciate that? My girls have loved nature travel (national parks, camping, etc)

If you’re not shy about changing behind a towel, it’s possible to swim in the river right under the Pont du Gard. Or, if there has not been a drought, you can rent kayaks a bit upstream and paddle down to the bridge. The museum at Pont du Gard is excellent.

The old bauxite quarry in Baux-de-Provence, Carrière des Lumières, has huge art projections on its walls. IIRC there was music piped in as well. It is a wee hike up to the village and even further up to its ruined castle, but there are terrific views and who knows, you might even enjoy the trebuchet and knightly combat demonstrations.

Yes, the kayak tour goes downriver, under the bridge, and then you get picked up by a van to take you back upriver. The swimming is pleasant except you walk into the river over a long patch of stones which are tricky, if not painful underfoot. Market days are always buzzing, and it's also worth checking schedules of events for local festivals https://www.marvellous-provence.com/arts-and-traditions - - every small town has them and the calendar is extensive - - this can include things like folk costume festivals, or the many traditional runnings of the bulls through the town center. Or you can ride white horses in the Camargue: https://coeurdepetitecamargue.fr/en/bouger/a-cheval

Kayaking there sounds super fun! And I'm checking out the local stuff. Thanks again!!

Suggestion!!!

Don't seek out time-consuming events like kayaking. You need to focus on time-efficient things to do & see during your very short visit. The view of the Pont from below and the museum are both very unique. Kayaking is not.

Walk over the Pont instead, and see how the Romans moved water from one side of the gorge to the other side. Do this after visiting the museum, to get the most enjoyment.

Stu Dudley.

I disagree with tomboy about going up the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower. The top of the "Arc" is not very high but the cars are whizzing around the monument which is fun (but I wouldn't say going up it is a must.) The view is not the same as the one from the Eiffel Tower.

We found the Eiffel Tower to be fun to go up at night. It was beautifully lit, less crowded and every hour on the hour the lights "twinkle" for about five minutes. My teen-aged daughter really enjoyed it.

Berthillon ice cream on the Ile Saint-Louis is definitely worth a stop. Musee de l'Orangerie is my "must see" museum. It doesn't take long to visit and Monet's water lilies are breathtaking.

The Eiffel Tower at night is like visiting a construction site in the dark, but with crowds. If you want to see the lights twinkle, you need to be away from the tower to appreciate them.

Stu--I've been working through guidebooks and your itinerary and settling in on this plan! Thanks a bunch!

The drive from Gordes to St Pantaleon (in the itinerary) is all in one day with stops where you want?

Can I see St Remy and Les Baux in a half day (assuming we stay there, haven't worked on hotel yet)? If so, we have another full day. Vaison la romaine and Dentilles, Lourmarin, Isle, sur la sorgue are all still on my wish list. Is there a logical choice?

Thanks again

The Luberon drive might take more than one day. Just go as far as you can. Make sure you visit Gordes (the "View"), Oppede le Vieux, Roussillon, and the Ochre quarries near Roussillon. Then take the D36 from near Goult to Bonnieux so that you might be able to see some lavendin (hybrid lavender) in bloom. Then drive through Bonnieux to Lourmarin for some nice shopping. Then back through Bonnieux to get some more great views. Do this on your last day to give you the best chance to see the lavendin field. Do not visit Lourmarin on a Friday morning. It's their market day and you won't be able to find parking. Start in Gordes & make sure you arrive at the lower parking lot (just past the "view") no later than 9am. 8:30 would be better.

St Remy, Les Baux, and some of the smaller attractions around St Remy will consume a 1/2 to 3/4 day if you stay in St Remy & are able to visit St Remy if you get back from one of your day trips a little early.

Vaison, Crestet, and the Dentelles is 1 hr from St Remy. The drive from St Remy past Avignon is a
"grind" & not very scenic until you get past Carpentras.

You did not mention visiting the Pont du Gard & Uzes. The Pont is about 1 hr from St Remy.

Stu Dudley

Yes, definitly pont du gard. It's what my hubby has been most excided to see, along with ruins.
I'm assuming staying at St Remy but can't get there till 2-3 from airport, so see what we can.
Day at Arles
Day at Pont du gard/Uzes/maybe something else if we don't stay long at Uzes
Day on that luberon route
Day for whatever! To get to places we missed or shop and chill, or pool, etc.

Would you say Isle of Sorgue or Vaison is worth the time at this point? Or is it more of the same? To be honest, it all looks gorgeous, but at this point it's all starting to run together lol.
Also, do any of these spots have a little nightlife (live music) after dinner and do you recall which?

Thank you again!!!

If you are like me interested in Roman ruins, then visit Glanum, the ruins of a Roman town between St Remy and Les Baux. It has all the parts of a Roman town in a small area. It is well signed for self-guided touring if my memory from 30 odd years ago serves me still.
I just looked at the website for Glanum https://www.site-glanum.fr/en which could give you an idea of the place.

Don't expect, or seek out any live music. Have a nice 2+ hr dinner, then stroll through town back to your hotel.

However, if you happen to be there on the longest day of the year, expect music, huge crowds, and traffic congestion everywhere. That happened to us in Provence this year, and also many times in the past 25 years.

Stu Dudley

Not to throw a wrench in your plans (since some of the places I loved have been whittled off your list, which I don't necessarily disagree with since you do have a lot to see!) but thought I could offer a teenage girl perspective; I did a homestay in Aix when I was in high school and traveled all over Provence. Here's what I loved and what I didn't:

LOVED les Calanques - one of the coolest beach spots I had ever seen at that point in my life (and I'm from California!)
LOVED Les Baux - such a neat place to wander and explore
I thought Marseille as a city was meh, but I LOVED taking the boat out to Chatau D'if and exploring the grounds. I had just read the Count of Monte Cristo, and visiting felt like seeing the book come to life - so I'd recommend you gift the book to your girls if you decide to do a visit there.
Not sure how far away it actually is from Provence, but I loved the island of Porquerolles which has amazing hiking, cycling, and beautiful beaches. May actually be closer to the French Riviera though, so take this one with a grain of salt.
Loved the city of Aix, which is somewhere you can find good shopping and nightlife.

Recs for Paris - the places you have on your list looks good. You can check out the "Theatre in Paris" page to search for english-language or subtiteld productions taking place around the city if your girls want to see some theatre, and don't miss checking out the inside of Opera Garnier. You can also do a classical concert at St. Chapelle, but make sure you book through their official site, since there are third party people also putting on concerts there that I hear are not as good. You didn't say your girls were into fashion, but even if they're marginally interested, take them to the Dior museum which has tons of beautiful old Dior dresses and fashion history displays. There's good outlet shopping at La Vallee Village, which is a train ride away from the center - actually located right near Disneyland Paris.

Thanks! That is awesome information. And what an incredible experience for you! They would love a fashion museum!!!

For my future reference, how did you see the calanques, by boat or hiking?

Peabody--thanks, I'm hoping to see it
Stu--thanks again! You should publish that itinerary!!

""did you see the calanques, by boat or hiking?""

They are closed to hikers when you'll be there.

Stu Dudley

So glad the info was helpful! As far as les calanques, my memory is a little hazy about how we actually got there - I most vividly just recall swimming in crystal clear water and lazing about on the rocks. It wasn't really a "tour" of all the different areas, and more like we got to one spot and stayed there. I actually think we may have just taken a bus to get there, if that's possible?

You only have FOUR days. Don't even consider: #1. boat rides to islands...too slow, burns up time #2. hikes in calanques.....it's slower than boats #3. bus rides to X near Disneyland.....amount of train time seeing ordinary countryside. as a % of total, is too great....eats up your time for no gain

For the OP: the boat ride to Chateau d'If is 20 minutes. To go onto Port Frioul it's an additional 15 minutes, though you can stop only at Chateau d'If

I am very glad I did not listen to the above advice in my travels to Provence. The approach to Chateau d'If is the stuff dreams are made of. The view of any city or village from the water is often the best view there is. And the hike I did at Port Frioul was awesome.

Of course, it's up to the OP to decide how they should spend their time, but taking a half day trip like that makes for a varied and exciting vacation.

Here is a link for the Frioul archipelago:

https://www.calanques-parcnational.f...ul-archipelago

""taking a half day trip like that makes for a varied and exciting vacation.""

The OP is likely staying in St Remy - so there is a probably 3 hours worth of driving to get there & back. Where did you visit Ch. d'If from???. Did it really only take you a half day from the time you woke up till the time you were at the next site - perhaps 1 hr away?? And how many days were you in Provence when you took this trip?

Stu Dudley

When my husband and I started traveling in Europe in the 1990s ( besides several trips to Greece) , we went on a group tour of Italy. My husband was afraid to tackle the driving in a country where we didn’t know the language. We didn’t like the group travel experience; all the herding around, going to restaurants and gift shops that they picked and “ viewing “ sights that I wanted to actually to visit.

When we decided to try it on our own, Rick Steves was my travel “guru”! His books are concise and easily understood with lots of practical advice about traveling around in cities, info about restaurants, what to see in the museums, etc. I found his advice funny and enjoyed his interpretations of many things. In the years following, I have outgrown his books and can do my own tours. I think for new travelers his advice is good. And at the time I used the books, the internet was not as popular as now.

And now friends and family come to me for advice and planning! However, one thing I’ve learned is to prefix my advice with “This is what I enjoyed doing but you might not so maybe you should read up on it” so I don’t get blamed if they go to somewhere they didn’t enjoy! I do find that some people I have helped seem to be so lazy that they can’t even look up the basics to get an understanding of what they might like to see on their trip!

I visited the port of Marseilles, went on the boat to Chateau d'if, visited Cassis and went on a hike at Les Calanques all in the same day from Aix. I don't think the OP has decided on a location, plus if the OP decides on 4 nights, the stay can be split easily into two locations. I recommend Aix because it allows for that kind of variety. On a different day, I hit les Grottes de Calès, Vieux Vernegues, Roussillon, and Fontaine de Vaucluse. On a third day I roamed Aix and visited the Op Art at Fondation Vasarely. Vastly different experiences back-to-back-to-back. That's the kind of vacation I prefer.