France Itinerary 8 Nights 9 Days
 

Hi. Planning France trip from 23 may for 8 nights 9 days.

Thought of 4 days Paris, 2 days Provence and 3 days Nice.

Hope above itinerary ok.

1. Do I need a Eurail Pass to cover internal journeys or how I book train tickets? Are reservations must?

2. What to see and do in Paris ?

3. Where to stay in Provence and what to do?

4. From Nice, would like to cover cannes, monaco and st tropez. How to do that?

5. Also need help in arranging Eiffel Tower tickets which are already sold out online.

6. Can you help finding good accommodation in these places?

Any suggestion welcome. Any place a must visit in France ? Can it be covered on the way?

Thanks and regards,

Rajesh Motwani

Usually 8 nights is less than 8 full days. Do you arrive in France earlier than 7am and leave France after 9PM?

>>Any place a must visit in France ?<<

Yes - years worth of "must sees"

>>Can it be covered on the way?<<

No

With only 8 days, you'll barely scratch the surface of the three areas you plan on visiting.

No Eurail pass needed. Book tickets here
https://www.capitainetrain.com/search/

Can't do all that stuff around Nice in only 2 1/2 days - specially St Tropez.

My 35 page Provence/Cote d'Azur itinerary will help you. I've sent tit to over 3,000 people on Fodors. If you would like a copy, e-mail me at [email protected] & I'll attach one to the reply e-mail.

Stu Dudley

Rajesh--

Stu's right. You don't have time to see much, and the more travelling you do, the less time you'll have to see anything.

2 and 3: If I were you, I'd get a good guidebook for France (or ask Stu for his) and figure out what you want to do. Why go to Provence, for example, if you don't know what you want to do in Provence? There is, however, lots to do but without knowing what you want to do, we can't help you.

5. Don't get tickets for the Eiffel Tower. It's best seen from the ground, at various spots while walking around Paris. Go to the roof of Galeries Lafayette where you can get a view over Paris for free.

6. Try Tripadvisor.com for hotels. We stayed at Hotel Welcome in Villefranche-sur-mer (east of Nice)and liked it a lot. It's right on the train, so you could train to Nice and to Monaco.

For Paris, we stayed on the Left Bank right around Saint Michel Metro stop on our first trip, and found that was a good location--within easy walking distance of many things you'll want to see (Notre Dame, Ste. Chapelle, Louvre Museum) and easy access to the Metro for the more distant.

rajesh - at best, you have time to stay in 2 places and travelling from Paris to the south will eat up the best part of one day, even on the TGV. If you are flying into and out of CDG, consider getting the TGV straight from there to the south, and then coming back up to Paris to finish your trip, which puts you in the right place for your return flight.

i would suggest picking either Provence [? Avignon?] or Nice, and staying there 4 nights. then get an early train back to Paris, and finish your trip there.

Guys. Thanks for your replies.I certainly have 9 full nights out of which I was considering 8 full days.

Will mail Stududley. Thanks for the info.

How about Lyon on the way to Nice for 2 nights? Need to choose between Provence, Avignon and Lyon.

Dear DWD, what was the hotel name in Paris on the left bank.

Thanks once again.

How far St. Tropez from Nice. Cant it be covered in one full day?

One day for Cannes, Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo

One half day for hop on tour.

One day for Cannes, Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo...

You must be fit to do all this in daylight hours :-)

>>How about Lyon on the way to Nice for 2 nights? Need to choose between Provence, Avignon and Lyon.<<

Avignon is in Provence.

You have 8 days. Four in Nice & four in Paris would be perfect. Don't try to add anything else - unless you are an 8:30 am to 7:00 PM traveler. You'll need a car to explore all the stuff that keeps us returning to Provence. If you can/don't want to rent a car - visit the Nice area instead of Provence. Don't "big city" hop - ie Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Nice. Visit some countryside & small hill villages - see my itinerary for details.

>>How far St. Tropez from Nice. Cant it be covered in one full day?<<

St Tropez is not a good choice for a day trip from Nice. Public transportation is not good for getting there. Plus if you go in the summer months, St Tropez will be mobbed with day trippers mid-day. It's best to do 1 or 2 nights there (with car). We've spent about 6 weeks vacationing in St Tropez.

Stu Dudley

I agree with Stu 100%. 4 days in Nice, 4 days in Paris. The TGV from one to the other is only 5 1/2 hours. You're trying to go to too many places in too short a time. The first time I went to Nice, I expected to stop for the night. I stayed 3 days and never left Nice itself. I've also spent 11 or 12 days in Paris so far, and still haven't seen everything I want to see.

If you decide to see Provence instead of Nice (and you really can't do both comfortably in 4 or 5 days) I would recommend renting a car and - instead of Provence proper - seeing places like Arles and Les Baux.

No to the France Eurailpass - you are not traveling nearly enough to make it pay off and France have pass-holder quotas for certain TGV lines like to Provence - even if seats remain pass holders may be denied the pass holder rate - 3 euros or so for the mandatory seat reservation and told they have to buy full fare tickets - this has actually happened to several I know.

But you just are not traveling enough to make it pay off - do like Stu dudley suggests and go to www.capitainetrain.com and nab discounted tickets if you book way ahead of time - those tickets are sold in limited numbers and can sell out way early - they are also I believe non-changeable nor refundable so be sure of your train dates and times and do not miss your train!

For lots of great info on French trains: www.seat61.com - great info on discounted tickets; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

rajesh--

Last time I looked,it had either closed or changed names. But it was on the corner from the San Michel RER entrance. Just looked at the map and it appears the hotel currently known as "Les Rives De Notre Dame" was probably it, but considerably updated since we stayed there. Looks like the rates are still pretty good.

http://www.rivesdenotredame.com/

3. Where to stay in Provence and what to do?>

I like the Avignon/Arles area and think for the average tourist that is the best bet - those two really sweet old towns reek of history and within a short radius of these places you have such gems as Les Beaux-de-Provence; St-Remy-de-Provence; the Pont du Gard (imposing Roman aqueduct), etc. Public transporation will take you to those places bugt having a car would be helpful.

Second PalenQ on Arles. We stayed about a week in Arles during our time in Provence and it was a very good base.

Hi. Thanks for your responses.

Planned somewhat like this.....

4 nights Paris, 2 nights Aix En Provence and 3 Nights Nice

Need your help in finding good hotels for above 3 cities minimum 3 star to 4 star in central locations like Champs Elysees, Paris. Please suggest. It will be of great help.

Thanks

Stars do really mean that much (they indicate specific amenities, not quality or room rates).

What is your nightly budget?

ps: I think you are cutting your time in Paris way too short

Budget in the range of 100-125 Euros per night

finding good hotels for above 3 cities minimum 3 star to 4 star in central locations like Champs Elysees

Ummm, need a dose of reality. And maybe our leg is getting pulled with the budget of 125E just revealed.

And by the way, the champs in Paris is one of the most uninteresting parts of an enchanting city.

Three days in Nice? Everyone likes their own trip, but with what the OP seems to "know" about France, I DO wonder what the draw is for that rather than more Paris/more Provence.

ps: I think you are cutting your time in Paris way too short>

4 nights too short - why - the average tourist I think has enough with three days - what would you recommend a week in Paris - at the expense of what other place. No IME 4 nights in Paris is abut right. You do not have to spend a week in everyplace to do it justice - you could spend weeks but 3 days in Paris for the average tourist will be enough IME.

Hi
From your replies champs elysees looks very expensive. You can suggest apartments in good paris locations near the metro.

Same for aix en provence and Nice.

Need some assistance badly regarding accommodation.

Thanks.

We always stay at the Hotel Windor (walkable from the train station) in Nice if we don't stay in apts. www.hotelwindsornice.com Ask for a room facing the garden.


We've stayed at le Pigonnet ( www.hotelpigonnet.com ) in Aix which is not in the middle of Aix, but a short walk away, quiet, and somewhat close to the train station.

We've stayed at the Terminus across the street from the Gare de Lyon (train to Aix) several times, but these stays were just for one-nighters before flying home. I would not call the area "centrally located". Try the Algleterre on Rue Jacob in St Germain des Pres. http://www.hotel-dangleterre.com/en/

Stu Dudley

Actually, the Aix TGV station you'll take from Paris & to Nice is way outside of Aix. You'll need a bus or taxi to get you into town.

Stu Dudley

>>Stars do really mean that much<<

Oops -- that meant to say >>Stars <red><B>don't</B></red> really mean that much.<<. But you gave us your budget so all's good.

Your budget is pretty low for ' 3 and 4 star' hotels.

You need to be careful renting apartments -- they are cracking down on holiday lets in Paris.

>>ps: I think you are cutting your time in Paris way too short<<

>>4 nights too short - why - the average tourist I think has enough with three days - what would you recommend a week in Paris - at the expense of what other place. No IME 4 nights in Paris is abut right. You do not have to spend a week in everyplace to do it justice - you could spend weeks but 3 days in Paris for the average tourist will be enough IME.<<

I think what I think - and you think what you think. Your opinion is simply different.

I simply stated I think the OP is not spending enough time in Paris. A So shoot me.

Thanks Stud.

Also looking for good apartments in prime Paris locations near the metro and in good location close to restaurants and essentials.

For Paris prime locations can increase the budget to Euro 150 per night.

Thanks

>>Also looking for good apartments in prime Paris locations near the metro and in good location close to restaurants and essentials.<<

As before >>You need to be careful renting apartments -- they are cracking down on holiday lets in Paris.<< Many are illegal.

>>Thanks Stud.<<

Only my wife is allowed to call me that.

Stu Dudley

I simply stated I think the OP is not spending enough time in Paris. A So shoot me.>

Just presenting an opposing opinion that 4 days for most is enough - you recommend more and that's yes your call.

Just that with nine days and they wanting to see Provence and Nice I think 4 days would be enough or even one too many perhaps - how 3, 3 and 3 - actually I would decide on either Provence or Nice - there is one travel day to consider as well and do 4 in Paris and 4 in Nice and one day to travel.

Sorry Stu Dudley. My apologies

Dear Stu Dudley,

I happen to check Windsor Hotel Nice which is quite good but Hotel Pigonnet at Aix little expensive. Can you suggest something else in Aix? Thanks

Also, still not finalized Paris accommodation. If apartments are not advisable please suggest some good hotels near Eiffel or arc De Troimphe, etc

Thanks

Here's my 2 cents worth from the 5 days we just spent in Paris.

125 Euro won't buy you much in the way of accommodation . Spend another 50 and you'll have somewhere decent to stay.
All of the arrondissements are close enough - they are just a metro trip away from anything you want to see.

I was really surprised how many people advised us not to bother going up the Eiffel Tower. Yes, it's beautiful from the ground, especially from just near the Trocadero metro, but going to the top is pretty special. I hate heights and I'm really glad I went to the top. The online tickets were sold out when I tried too but I bought Viator tour tickets for a similar price and got to the front of the line and a very informative tour with them.

Please don't stick to your Champs/Arc area for a hotel. It isBORING--and probably expensive.

Hotels in Aix
www.viamichelin.com

Did you look at the Angleterre that I suggested for Paris? I think you will find staying in St Germain des Pres to be more interesting than near the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe.

Stu Dudley

In Paris, there is studio that we have used for the past 9 or 10 years. It is very reasonably priced.

Nadine Giblin
Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com

I simply stated I think the OP is not spending enough time in Paris>

4 days not enough when OP is doing a 9-day trip and wants to see some of the real France outside of Paris - where would you cut and slash?

And just why is 4 days not enough - I am steadfast that 3 full days for the average tourist is about right - Paris can be fatiguing - not everyone wants to see every museums and church, etc.

4 months would be great if possible but on a 9- or 8-day trip why more than 4 days in Paris - leaving very little to do justice for anything else.

SO informative post for me.I have also planned for Europe trip but don't have an idea about hotels,which best places to visit and food accomodations.Thanks to all who have given reply.

Concur with PalenQ on time in Paris--first time, we spent three full days there (out of a 17 day trip) and felt that was enough. This time, we're planning a week plus a couple of days at Chantilly. But three days the first time was sufficient to get a feel for the city.

Paris grows on you, but you have to give it time to grow on you. I would not take more than three days (with one more for a day-trip to Versailles or elsewhere) in the amount of time you have on this trip.

Thanks for all your your replies.

Presently I cannot book Eiffel Tour tickets online through official website for around 25 May. Other than Viator and Easy Pass, do you have any cheaper tour operators for Eiffel Tour.

Can we do Versailles tour on our own? How to commute and the costs involved?

Also, for Seine River Cruise, from where to buy tickets? Same for paris city tour to visit all historical and important landmarks.

Other than above, Moulin and Cabaret Shows look expensive and not worth it.

I heard Paris looks beautiful in night. What landmarks other than Eiffel Tower should we explore after sunset?

Will appreciate your assistance as usual.

Thanks

rajesh--

You can easily do Versailles on your own, but be sure to buy tickets on-line in advance at this website so you don't have to stand in line: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

The website will tell you how to get there easily from central Paris via RER (the train). I would say that Versailles is one attraction that you should not be concerned about the cost of entry, as it is truly "priceless." Get the full ticket for all three things: Chateau, Petite Trianon, and the Gardens. The cost of the train out and back is modest.


Seine River Cruise: there are several. The one we took (after just walking up to the ticket office), was near the Pont d'Alma, but when we go to Paris again, we'll take Vedettes de Pont Neuf, because it goes completely around the Isle de la Cite rather than just on one side of it. You can buy tickets in advance, but you'll probably do better by walking up.

I concur in not seeing the shows you mention. If you're into classical music, you might want to see about attending the opera or a concert, which would be much less touristy than Moulin Rouge, etc.

Thanks for your mail.

About to set off for France in a few days.

I have 2 days in Robion provence and would like your assistance in finalizing sight seeing spots in provence.

I am arriving in Avignon and renting a car there .

Can you please help in suggesting must do things in provence.

Thanks again!

Start with this if you haven't a guide book:

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/f...ovence/places/