You are heading mainly to heavily touristed places as most naturally do - forget living like a local and consider taking the train in Italy (you can mix with locals on trains but cars are isolating) - though you may want to rent a car for Tuscany -but for cities cars are a big liability-not even allowed in many city centers.

You could even take an overnight train Venice to Paris- www.thello.com.

For lots of info on Italian trains and night trains check www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

Better to take EasyJet from Paris to Venice, rather than waste time in an uncomfortable sleeper cabin.

I've not had opportunities for socialising on Italian trains lately. It happened sometimes 20 years ago, but now everybody's on their phones or tablets.

I've taken the overnight train between Paris and Milan. The sleeping cars were not uncomfortable, although rather spartan. On the way to Paris, there was nothing to eat or drink on the train, not even water, even though there was supposed to be. I had already had dinner, and had breakfast in Paris, so it wasn't a big deal. On the way back, I brought my own food and beverages.

The best that can be said is that you get your traveling done during the night, while flying usually eats up at least half a day. Just don't expect the Orient Express.

I've not had opportunities for socialising on Italian trains lately. It happened sometimes 20 years ago, but now everybody's on their phones or tablets.>

Yes now that wi-fi is accessible on trains the meet the locals should be watch the locals!

Wifi service is available only on Frecciarossa trains, and is usually not adequate. But everyone hasdata service.

<i> Help me live 2 weeks like a local
Posted by: bahmipp on Jan 3, 17 at 12:49am</i>

Maybe a better subject line would have saved you from being stoned to death on Fodors.

It sounds like you want a relaxing drive from Rome to Paris. For the France side I suggest that you drive the national and regional routes. Stay off the tollways. Look for auberges for lunch and dinner. The food is great, and reasonably priced. You'll see small hotels in all the villages, or pick a modern motel out on the road. Drive through Savoie and Burgundy at an easy pace.

Yes but a relaxing drive between Rome, Tuscany, CT, maybe Venice thru France to Paris would be about two week's driving alone, especially on secondary roads.

Cars are great for rambling thru rural areas -maybe do a short car rental in Tuscany and then stick to train.

The "free wifi" service offered on Frecciarossa trains last week between Milano and Venice and back consisted of 10 minutes total, out of 5 hours total on trains, ability to connect to anything - useless IME. Not a big deal for us at all, but just so you know.

Yes, as I said, the free wifi on Frecciarossa trains is inadequate.

Prioritize what you want to do in Italy and in Paris, starting at both ends and working to the middle, and then look for a low-cost flight to get you to Paris from wherever you end up in Italy. Skyscanner is a good website. Forget driving the whole way because it's too far and the one-way drop-off fee will be exorbitant.
Yeah people are harsh, but who cares? They are doing it to help, and we'll all survive.