World850

My wife and I have finally carved out enough time to spend two weeks in Europe, unfortunately we don't have time to plan as much as we would like. Right now our flight is into Milan on December 26th and our plan was to spend one to two nights in Milan and then take a train to Chambery, France where we would rent a car and begin a road trip to Paris. However, we have been told by travel agents that this is a terrible time of year to travel through the countryside and that we don't have nearly enough time to make the proper arrangements. We have always dreamed of a drive through the small towns and backroads, stopping in the late afternoon and checking into a bed and breakfast and getting on the road after lunch the next day for a few more hours on the road. Picking a few spots to spend multiple nights and then ending the trip with 3 or 4 nights in Paris. Are we crazy? Should we just take a train from Milan to Paris and split our time between the two cities?
Thank you in advance for ANY advice...

StCirq

I suppose if you go on a googling blitz and gather loads of information you might be ok, but frankly, most small towns are shut down pretty tight in winter, a fair number of establishments are closed (including B&Bs, especially between Christmas and New Years, and restaurants), much of the landscape is bleak, there aren't any or many festivals and markets and outdoor activities, and the backroads may be difficult. I've been at my rather remote house in winter in the SW of France and there is very little going on, even in the bigger towns for the most part, and it's just not that pretty, either. So, no, I don't think you're crazy, but I don't think it's a good idea, either.

annhig

well, it could be affected by the weather - this time is the middle of winter, and there could be big snow-falls, especially in the Chambery area. or it could be delightful - who knows?

many people drive to the alps for skiing and have no problems at all, and if you were not going to book your accommodation [apart from in Milan and Paris] if you got stuck for a day or two it would not be a disaster.

on balance, I think I'd chance it. but you might want to book some snow chains to go with the car!

World850

StCirq, thank you for your quick reply. Suppose we went to plan B, which would entail a few nights in Milan and then a direct train to Paris. Could we get our fix of a road trip in the countryside around Paris for a few days, perhaps in Normandy or should we stick to major metro areas altogether?

Michael

Consider the joys of train travel. Some places of interest for a day's outing: Chartres, Troyes, Angers (via TGV), Rouen, Fontainebleau.

StCirq

I don't think you have to stick to major metro areas; I just don't think your vision of ambling around the countryside through charming villages and cozy nights by the fire at a B&B is all that realistic (unless, as I say, you start doing some in-depth research right now). There are plenty of mid-size towns that will be up and running in mid-winter - towns you can reach by train. I'd go for the train option and plan a route with a couple of stops between Milan and Paris, then do daytrips once you get to Paris if you like, including maybe a couple of nights in Normandy (for that you might want a car). If your focus in Normandy isn't the DDay sights, you might want to go to Rouen for a couple of days. Plenty to do and see there (and great food!).

World850

If we decided to be reckless and not heed all of the warnings being thrown our way, sticking to our idyllic visions of countryside ambling, what would be the best resource for planning such a trip and determining the destinations to see, how many, how far to go, and so forth? Could the amount of research and planning necessary to make it successful be accomplished in 1.5 hours a day for the next few weeks? Or would it require a bigger commitment given that there are only 40 days until our departure? Thanks again, I am going to look into Rouen as Plan B seems more responsible.

Michael

the Michelin Green Guide would let you know what is to see, and would also include some restaurants and hotels, at least in the regional guides.

Nottingham

Why not amble about thru Provence & Cote d'Azur....we did that in early January..delightful.
Nice-Eze-St.Tropez-Arles-Avignon etc etc.....then get a train up to Paris. Finding small B&B's open is another story....many closed during the month--owners on vacation!

StCirq

Sure. I think 1.5 hours a day would go a long way to informing you as to what's open and what's not, which is your biggest problem if you're planning on staying in B&Bs and small hotels. Restaurants you'll almost always be able to find in France.

That said, I wouldn't plan a trip around roaming through the countryside, but rather taking the train from one mid-size town to another, where you can count on commerce still operating in mid-winter.