France, Spain, or Italy
 

I'm planning my 1st trip to Europe in March for 2 weeks. I'm flying into Paris. I want to see and do as much as possible and am unsure how to best spend my time. I was thinking of spending the 1st week driving through the Loire, Dordogne, & Arles/Avignon. From there, I hoped to fly/rail to either Spain or Italy for a few days in search of good weather. Does this seem doable? Or is it too much? Would I be better off (in terms of time) sticking to France? Am overlooking anything? Thanks for your time! Sally

Hi anthem,

>I'm flying into Paris. .... I was thinking of spending the 1st week driving through the Loire, Dordogne, & Arles/Avignon. <

You already have a 2 week trip: 1 week in Paris and 1 week in the Loire and Dordogne.

((I))

I agree with Ira - except maybe only 5 good days (not arrival day) in Paris, 3 in Loire, & remainder(5?) in the Dordogne. Return home (via Paris) from Toulouse, staying the last night in Toulouse.

Don't base your trip on searching out good weather. Note that Tuscany and Provence are both north of Milwaukee Wis. When we were in Tuscany the last week of March last year, it snowed.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca

Yes, that's too much for two weeks. I'd suggest at least 5 days in Paris, then 3 in the Loire, then 5 in EITHER the Dordogne or Provence.

Weather isn't going to be measurably better in Italy or Spain in March, and you honestly don't have time for another country unless you want to completely revamp your trip and do something like a week in Paris and a week in Rome, with maybe a day trip or two in each.

One more recommendation for spending the entire time in France - first 5 days in Paris, then to the south Provence and Dordogne. It is unlikely that the south will be very warm but it is wonderful nonetheless. Alternatively, you could consider flying to Italy and seeing the "big 3". However, with two weeks I would pick one country or the other.

If you're looking for the best chance of good weather, go with Spain. It does seem like a lot for 2 weeks. Paris rates a week alone and your drive through the Loire, etc will take up your second week. Really Spain and Italy each deserve their own trips.