Can anyone help with a dilemma? <BR> <BR>My husband and I are hoping to visit Europe in March, 2000, and we are torn between France (Provence and the Riviera) and Italy (Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Umbria). The only times we can get away are March or July/August, and we don't want to visit either place in the height of the summer season! We are experienced travellers but have never been to either of these destinations. We'll be travelling with our son (almost 2, by then), so we'll be renting a car for some or all of the time. <BR> <BR>The France trip would involve spending a week in each of Provence (maybe Arles) and the Riviera (Antibes? Nice?), exploring lots of modern art museums, hill towns, Roman sites, scenic drives, etc. <BR> <BR>The Italy trip would involve about 3 days in each of Rome and Florence, then getting a car and discovering Tuscany and Umbria (Siena, Assisi, Spoleto, Perugia, many others). <BR> <BR>Has anyone been to either of these places in March? What can we expect in terms of weather? crowds? costs? things being open/closed? attitude towards small kids? <BR> <BR>We enjoy museums and galleries, small-town ambience, scenic drives, cozy cafes, stolling though lovely villages... As parents of a toddler, gourmet dining and night life are not an issue for us. After extensive guidebook research, we're still undecided. <BR> <BR>Any and all suggestions would be graefully appreciated! Thank you!

well, you might keep in mind that the Catholic church is celebrating the Jubilee in the year 2000. They are expecting hordes of tourists in Italy all year. Many will be in Rome, but I think the other sites of religious significance (Assisi for sure!) will also be mobbed. If all else is equal, I might put off Italy and see France. I'm sure you have other factors to consider, but thats one thing to know.

My vote is for Italy. We've traveled with our kids extensively, and went from Paris to the Riviera to Florence, Orvieto and Rome in March. France was colder and rainy. Italy was warmer, although we got rain there as well. The weather didn't bother us at all. In fact, we were too hot all the time in nice tee-shirts with sports jackets. <BR> <BR>Italy is much "warmer" in terms of attitude toward children, much more family oriented, and easier to find good things for kids to eat. Our kids much preferred Italy to France. Either place is delightful, but there you have my opinion. <BR> <BR>With respect to crowds, we expected to be the only travelers - how wrong we were! There were vastly more people during this trip than when we traveled the same itinerary in May/June of 1995! However, I would expect that it would be much better than July. <BR> <BR>

Hi Tania. I can't help with France but we were in Italy a few years ago in March. They tell us that it was a fluke, but it was actually quite cold-the day we went to Pompeii; I had to wear mittens! We still spent lots of time outside wandering around so it didn't spoil our trip, and it was nice to be there when it wasn't too crowded, especially at places like the Sistene Chapel and the Uffuzi in Florence-I think those were the only places we had to wait in line (both of which I'd highly recommend). Everything we wanted to see was open, the hours might have been shorter but I don't recall having any problems. We had no trouble getting hotel rooms in either Rome or Florence.

Normally I would say Italy, especially with children, but I would heed the advice about the year 2000. Italy is planning on hordes of tourists, maybe it won't happen, but it sure seems likely. <BR> <BR>I visted Provence a few years ago in March. The weather was cool and sunny. <BR>(sweater weather) and there were few crowds. St. Tropez was lovely; a charming fishing village, not the crowded summer resort it would be in a few months. I am guessing the whole area would be less crowded than Italy. <BR>

THe French and the Italians are both excellent with small kids. If you do go to Rome, you'll find the weather variable. But if it's a nice day, head for Trastevere and the Piazza di Santa Maria di Trastevere. Lunch at Galeassi on that piazza is one of the great treats of a trip to Rome - and the owners seem to delight in small children. Even if it's a not so nice day weatherwise, and you have to eat indoors, you'll still be eating food so good you'll be convinced you've died and gone to Heaven!

Tania, <BR>don't come to Italy next year. Over 30 millions of tourists are expected because of the Jubilee. Everything must be booked in advance: trains, cars, hotels, museums etc. Many Italians are seriously thinking taking a year off their country...In my opinion my country is not ready to guest such a large amount of people without running in huge problems. Could you figure out the nice Piazza Duomo or Piazza Santa Croce in Florence in the year 2000? Huge crowds, pickpocketing, long queues... <BR>I would just put off the trip to another moment <BR>Fabrizio <BR>