Hi OP, have a look at the feedback given in this thread: Help with two weeks in France - Nice, Aix-en-Provence, and Paris

It covers some of the regions you are considering and length of trip as well. Might give you an idea what is feasible if you do Paris and South of France

Hi. We are now looking at a revised trip and welcome feedback and any recommendations of where to stay.

Now looking at:

Flying into Paris from Boston. Staying 4 nights with hopes of visiting several of the main attractions but emphasizing long scenic walks and enjoying the cafe's and other restaurants. Have looked at several hotels and trying to keep it under $500/night. Based on my review, prefer the Saint Germain or Le Marais neighborhoods as our base. Fr

From there, taking a train to Bayeux (Normandy) and renting a car.

Stay 3 nights in Normandy.
Stay 3 nights in Brittany
Stany 3 nights in Provence.

With a car we would have more flexibility.

Will plan further southern France at a later trip.

Then drop off car in Avignon TGV Station in Provence and then take the train to Paris for 1 night near airport before direct flight home. I have reserved a comact SUV for approx. $600.

Would love your comments on this plan including recommendations of hotels to stay.

Thanks, W

Hmm how do you plan on getting from
Brittany to Avignon? It’s over a 10 hour drive. Four nights for 3 full days for Paris works as long as you skip Versailles. Normandy and Brittany ok too but no to Provence for 3 nights. Could consider Loire Valley instead

I agree with mjs -- still too much. And Provence is the outlier. I wouldn't add the Loire -- I'd give Paris more than 3 days and I'd give Normandy and Brittany at least 3 days (4 nights) each.

I'm going to have to agree. Have you taken some of our feedback and checked distances? Your current plan has you doing more traveling to get there rather than being there.

check out:

viamichelin.com (car distance)
rome2rio.com (general travel)
https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/en/tr...t-reservation/ (SCNF website)

Remember the size of the area you are planning to travel. France is larger than you may think.

The landscapes of France are just so much more dramatic south of the Loire. And also the food is better. Normandy and Brittany can be compared to England and Ireland. Especially if you will be in the UK in the Spring. With the time you have, pick a region south of the Loire. Provence is wonderful, and there are many others. The Dordogne and southwest of France is filled with fantastic villages. Auvergne has ancient volcanoes. Pays Basque, le Pays Catalan, Limousin, even an overnight stop on the way south in places like the Marais Poitevin or Le Puy, you have the time to have a magnificent trip.

Go ahead and search for places like St Cirq Lapopie, La Roque Gageac, Roussillon, Les Baux de Provence, Sisteron, Chateau de Peyrepertuse, Gorge de Galamus, I mean it's a vast array of choices. but I advise to stick to one region (or even micro-region) and not bounce around. You even have time to rent a gite for a week and simply explore from there. You could spend your entire trip in the departement of Lot and not run out of magnificent things to see.

I had excellent meals in both Normandy and Brittany and am exceedingly glad that I spent time in those parts of France.

Clearly shelemm has never really experienced either Normandy or Brittany,both of which have very varied landscape and coasts, and imo excellent food.
Anyway either concentrate on Paris and Provence or Paris and Normandy Brittany. You can't do it all in 14 days.

First, I very much enjoyed my time in both Normandy and Brittany. I did experience the landscapes there, and I didn't say there was no variety (or beauty) in them, just that they are similar to what you will find in the UK. There is even a Mt St Michel in Cornwall! If the OP is going to the UK in the Spring anyway, then they will get more 'bang for their buck' by going south of the Loire. Also, I do think the food is much better, I didn't say you can't have good meals north of the Loire.

This thread has morphed form the original intent, which was to include the Netherlands and Belgium, which I commented on upthread. Now the OP is proposing going to Provence and the North of France. Instead, I am saying just stick to the south. The OP has the time and inclination.

Bayuex is considered a foodie kind of place which definitely adds to an already charming and outstanding destination. Can't recall if you had decided to drive or not but if so and you do decide to make a stop in Rouen which is of course quite historic, it is also a foodie hot spot.

I agree with several above posts. Start with a map of France. Then identify the cities/regions you're talking about. For comparison, Brittany to Provence, as the crow flies is like from Chicago to central Pennsylvania. I doubt you'd consider a trip to Chicago for three days, then off to Pennsylvania, for three days and then three more in the Washington DC area. Once you see where the areas are in France, then Use the map to visualize the areas to see that aren't a 10 or 12 hour drive apart.

A trip to Paris, Normandy and Brittany could be possible in the time allotted. Rushed, but doable. Or you could look at Paris, Lyon and Provence. Again, likely rushed but doable.

So much hand-wringing!

FWIW, I believe Brittany's Cote de Granit Rose is unique and I, personally, found it absolutely stunning. If there is a similar coast in the UK, or elsewhere, I'd be interested in knowing about it.

For my particular interests, I can't imagine having time for Paris AND Provence in a single 2-week trip ...adding the Dordogne? No way!!! But that's just me. I hope the OP will do the research necessary to choose a plan that works in light of the OP's interests and I hope the comments on this thread prove more useful than not.

Hi,

Apparently my entry from yesterday did not post so I am trying again.

Yes, things did change from the beginning. We will just concentrate on Northern France on this trip. Would love your comments on Burgundy vs Brittany even though the driving (car rental) will be more. We don't mind driving especially if scenic.

Yesterday's entry:Agree. I did goof with the Provence thought. I was relying too much on AI to help me out.

We are settled in visiting Paris and Normandy. Based on distances, I am thinking of adding the Loire Valley as the final stop before train back to Paris.

Agree with all, as mentioned, that spending more time in fewer places allows us to enjoy the areas more thoroughly but we prefer to see a little of more if you know what I mean.

I'm happy with the 4 nights in Paris, 3 in Normandy, 3 in either Brittany or Burgundy, and 3 in Loire Valley and 1 night back at the Paris at the airport.

We are fine with starting in Paris and renting a car in Normandy for the remainder of the trip returning the car at our final destination and taking the train back to Paris. Possibly consider passing up on the Loire Valley and spreading those nights over the other areas.

Brittany is very appealing and makes sense to us from a flow perspective. However, part of me wants to visit Burgundy instead. I realize Brittany makes sense in terms of a loop, i.e., Paris, to Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley and back to Paris. But what are your thoughts on replacing Brittany with Burgundy for a change of scenery even though now the driving will be longer?

Thanks for bearing with me, W

Burgundy and Paris yes, Burgundy, Normandy and Paris no. Completely different directions, and you waste a lot of your precious 14 days just moving from one area to another.

Also I suggest taking a train on arrival to wherever you decide to start the tour, spend a night there, pick up the car and put all of Paris at the end of the trip.

What are you hoping to see in Normandy/Brittany/Burgundy?
I assume Normandy beaches is the aim of the Normandy section rather than inland? No doubt along with Mont St Michel. Normandy has much to offer inland as well as the interesting, but over-touristed coast.
Brittany is also a big area, with very different coasts and inland areas, steeped in prehistory, myths legends, scenery.
Likewise where in Burgundy? What do you want to see there?

It seems AI has a lot to learn about travel. And IMO, the OP does, too.

Agree with Hetis above. My only reservation is renting a car outside of Paris. Auto shift cars used to be less common in the past and I do not know whether this is still the case. Also can OP drive a stick?

Also would return car to CDG if your last stop is Loire valley

Rent an electric/plug-in hybrid/hybrid and they are automatic. Plenty of recharging stations in France nowadays.

HI. I will say, we have some tough passionate people on this forum. I just appreciate all the feedback, both toned and untoned.

You all have offered opinions that have made me go tot he library, research more on line, talk to people from France, yes, use AI (this was actually recommended from a lovely family from France now living in the US), etc.

I am retired and found a wonderful part time retirement job which allows me to interact with many customers who are preparing for travel. I have spoken to them on many occasions on their experiences.

And for those that think that the "OP" has alot to learn, well always. However, if I had listened to everybody on their first preferences I would never had seen and enjoyed all the places we have.

Driving 5,6, or more hours is nothing from us. I'm assuming many of you are not used to long road trips.

Regardless, you have all helped me more than you think and agree with the comment about passion.

We want to explore Paris mostly by foot and metro not spending days in museums. I'm guessing that offends the art lovers. Sorry no ill intent meant but it's just not us. As mentioned, we will spend a 1/2 day at most at the Louvre. I have booked a very nice hotel in the Saint Germain neighborhood which provides airport transportation.

I am now looking for possibly a nice B&B in Bayeux.

From there, yes, the plan is to visit Burgundy based on recommendations of people who have been there regarding the wine and places for nice scenic long walks.

The Loire Valley, I'll admit is still up in the air but because I am choosing Burgundy it may be a logical choice before heading back to CDG airport for 1 night.

I've booked the car rental for Caen Train Station and plan to drive to wherever we book in Bayeux. Bayeux was highly recommended based on the atmosphere we like, towns with French charm, cobblestone streets, scenic, etc.

At present we will drive from Loire Valley back to CDG airport as opposed to taking the train but that is still open.

I'm going to book the round trip to/from CDG next. From there, everything in between is always subject to change.

Love the feedback and honestly feel free to critique at will.

Thanks all, W

My #1 tip for the Louvre, the second floor cafe has a balcony with an amazing view, one of the best in Paris. You do not have to eat there.

Next tip, if there is a line at entry, hardly anyone seems to use the entrance at Porte des Lions. We sailed in on a free Sunday (first of every month).