Kathleen81

Hello everyone,

First off, thank you for reading my post and offering any advice. I love the Fodor's forums and reading about everyone's adventures.

My fiancé and I are planning a 10 or 11 day honeymoon to France at the end of June. We would like to spend time in Paris first, the smaller villages within the Alps second and then, what I am most looking forward to, Provence. I was thinking of taking the train from Paris to the Alps and then driving from there to Provence. I am really looking forward to exploring both the Alps and Provence via car. Hopefully, at the end of the trip, we can drop the car off in Provence and then take a train back to the airport near Paris.

We are not "city people," so we are fine with three nights in Paris. We operate a farm here in Delaware, so we are very much looking forward to exploring the smaller villages, farms, mountains and Southern parts of France.

Here are some questions that I would greatly appreciate feedback on:

1. If we have 3 nights in Paris, what are some must- sees?
2. Any recs for a moderately priced hotel in a good, central location in Paris?
3. The Alps- ideally, we would like to stay for 3-4 nights. I have no problem staying in two separate areas within the Alps, but probably would prefer to stay in one slightly smaller city or even better, a village, that has access to some of the area's highlights. Where shoud we stay? Any ideas of places to visit?
4. Provence. THIS is what i am looking forward to. We are looking for a b&b or smaller hotel or rental that is a great " home base" to explore some of the towns and villages within the Provence region. Any ides?

Thank you for all your help!

Kathleen

Gretchen

Too much for too little time. You'll have a better time at a special time in your life if you make it two places.
Five days in Paris including arrival day (which is pretty much a lost day) and train to Provence for 5 days, rent a car. Train back to CDG for your departure.
BUT you could do the reverse also, which would have you spending your last night in romantic Paris. Train from CDG to Avignon, rent a car, make St. Remy your home base. Train back to Paris. Take a cab to the airport for departure day.
You will have to define "moderate price hotel". What is your "moderate"?
You will also profit from looking at the myriad threads on "what to do in paris" and start deciding for yourself.
Ummm, you also had better be getting onto making these plans. It isn't much lead time.

Kathleen81

Hi Gretchen,

Thank you for the advice. I was wondering if we should cut the Alps out and just focus on Paris and the South of France. St. Remy is at the top of our list for Provence. And I know, we have to get busy!!!

Thank you!

StCirq

Something has to go. Most weddings are pretty hectic, and most people are pretty exhausted afterwards. Then, getting on a transatlantic flight takes some wind out of your sails, too. Moving around all over France in just 10 days would be a lot for most people, never mind honeymooners.

Skip the Alps this time around and split the time between Paris and Provence. Fly into Paris and out of Nice to avoid backtracking.

What's your definition of "moderate?"

Kathleen81

Hmm, " moderate" to me means about 200 euros a night. Of course, we'd be happier with less, or would be willing to go a little over that price. This is our honeymoon. Plus, we don't take many " big" vacations like this due to the nature of our business.

Thanks StCirq!

Judy

I agree with just two locations and I would go to Provence first. It is a slower, more relaxed pace after a hectic wedding and trip. Leaving Paris for the end of your trip when you have more energy makes sense.

mamcalice

Good decision to limit your destinations to two in 10 days. We always stay at the Hotel des Saints-Peres in the 6th Arrondisement. It is a very pleasant hotel with a delightful staff and is close to your price range. The hotel is very centrally located and an easy base for reaching all of the sites you will want to see in Paris.

Happy planning and Happy Honeymoon.

uhoh_busted

This is where we stayed in 2010 in Paris. http://www.saintlouisbastille.com/
This is our fav arr because of the Richard Lenoir Market, and there are some excellent restaurants in the area as well. The hotel has a lovely breakfast room. If you are staying 5 nights, they may give you a special offer, and certainly should include breakfast. Enquire directly and ask them. Our room looked over the Blvd Richard Lenoir and it was beautiful. You will be easy walking distance to Metro and bus stops.

I think your revised 5 day plan in Provence and 5 in Paris is a great idea. Just saw Anthony bourdain in provence and he was in St Remy. We've been there twice and loved it.