Help us with Plans for Souther France
 

We are planning to visit The South of France and then possibly on to Greece. We have three weeks beg. july. We need a good plan for 8-9 days in France. Maybe fly into Marseille or Nice? or take train from Paris? rent a car? Please help with narrowing it down to a good schedule. Should we book rooms now? <BR> <BR>Thank you all!

We flew into Nice last Oct., took Sun bus 23 into town FF 8.50 pp. We just toured this area, and we did not rent a car, took local buses (cheap). Ticket to Monaco FF 40 return. We only booked a hotel for first 2 nights, and then found another hotel. We stayed in Nice for 10 days, doing day trips. We then moved on to Cannes for four nights. Website at www.crt-riviera.fr <BR>

Just returned from 14 days in Provence. Flew into Nice, gorgeous city take time to visit it. We also went to Moustiers in the Var region, visited Canyon du Verdon, similar to Grand Canyon. Aix was a great city and the surrounding area. North of Aix are the medieval villages of Gordes,Rousillion, Bonnieux, Oppede de Vieu, all fantastic.

Dear Ann: The last few posters have given some good suggestions--but NOT for mid-summer. Best you go with the advice given by the first poster. You may not see all the well-known places; but you should at least have a place to lay your head at night. Any chance you can shift your trip to Septermber or October? Good luck! Joan

In March I went to Avignon by 1st class Europass. From there I was able to use my Pass and the bus system to see Nimes, Pont de gard, and St. Remy. I had to walk a lot but I found it the best way too see what I want <BR> The buses are plentiful in Avignon, they have a station next to the Rail Station. Bus travel is more "earthy" but gives you a look at the average French person. I enjoyed that. <BR> I loved the train so fast and efficient and always on time, at least for me. Renting a car would let you see more remote places but you only have 8 days. <BR> I think most important is to prepare ahead and know what you are going to see. Read as much as you can. <BR> In my 2 weeks in France I stayed in three principle centers, Avignon, Toulouse and Paris. From these places I was able to see more and fullfil all my dreams. I had a "goosebump" thrilling trip. <BR> I could have gone easily to Nice and Marseille by train and would have if time permitted. I hope I was able to help. <BR> Have a great trip. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Ann: 3 years ago my husband and I flew to Paris and connected to a flight to Nice. Our overseas flight to Paris was late arriving, and so we were put on a later,later, later flight to Nice . . . instead of arriving in Nice around 2 p.m., we were waiting in Paris CDG for 5 hours, and arrived at 8 p.m. in Nice (dark). Car rental was fine, prearranged, but finding the Moyenne Corniche and then Eze Village in the dark was not so easy. Stayed at the Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, which I highly recommend, and spend enough time to explore the village. <BR> <BR>So here is the plan for the next time we do this: Arrive Paris CDG and stay overnight at Pavillon de Bastille, a small charming hotel near the Bastille. Cab from airport. So if your flight is late, you are still staying in Paris one night. Then the next morning, take a taxi to Gare de Lyon, then the TGV to Nice, or to points in the south you want to visit. <BR> <BR>Just don't cramp up your travel arrangements to try to get everywhere. Think just a little bit more leisurely. <BR> <BR>Good Luck!

I know it seems we are hittest the most crowded time in South France (july), but don't have much of a choice except to go end June or any days in the month of July. Any places more crowded than others and should be avoided? thanks again to ALL!