Itinerary for 10 day trip ending in Paris with teens
 

Son begins studies in Paris July 14, would like to travel before with family. Completely open on itinerary. We are an active family, enjoy good food, wine and culture, some beach time might be nice. Italy or Spain are options, we have been to Paris, a day or two is all we need with daughter, age 15.

That is very odd for someone to start studies on a major national holiday, that's hard to believe.

But as to your choice, I would not choose either Italy or Spain in July, too hot. At least not a lot of Spain, Barcelona would be okay.

You could go to Barcelona, and then head back along southern coast of France, there are beaches there that are not as crowded as east of Marseille. Then you could take the TGV to Paris from some point of stay -- Marseille or Montpellier or wherever. It will still be pretty hot there, of course, also, but not as bad as southern Spain, Madrid or a lot of Italy.

Not all of Italy is hot in the summer. It depends mostly on altitude, and Italy is a mountainous country. At our country house in southern Le Marche (which is really only in the foothills of the Apennines) we sleep under wool blankets in July and August.

Even Rome is no hotter than New York City, and not quite as humid. If you want to go to Italy, don't let concerns about the heat stop you.

Also, Barcelona is not the only place in Spain that has reasonable summer temperatures. Much of the central part of the country is on a high plain that's not hot in the summer. In Avila, we once experienced snow in May.

Here's my "classic" Best of France itinerary.

Land at CDG and immediately take the 3 1/4 hr TGV train to the Avignon TGV station, rent a car, and spend 5 nights in Provence. Stay in St Remy. It will be lavender season in Provence

Drive west to Carcassonne, spend 2 1/2 hrs there, then on to the Dordogne. Stay 5 nights in Sarlat, Roque Gageac, or Beynac. Canoe trips, cave, & castle visits for you & your kids.

Drive a little north to Collonges la Rouge, visit, then on to the Brive la Gaillarde train station. Return the car & take the train to Paris.

I would not visit another country. Keep your travel time to a minimum.

Stu Dudley

Stu- Wish I saw this before I booked my trip!
Have 6 nights in Vaison La Romaine, would love any suggestions on itinerary.
2 nights in Paris.
Starting in Italy. Tuscany (flying in to Pisa)for 3 nights, Rome and Positano.
Any feedback appreciated!