Just returned from 6 weeks in france!
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Just returned from 6 weeks in france!
I just got back from six weeks of backpacking in france. I went to many of the different regions and cities. If you have specific questions I'd be glad to let you know how I found things. It was a great trip and a beautiful and varied country. <BR> <BR>Happy travels, <BR>Kim
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
I started in Strasbourg and went to the Loire valley, Mont St. Michel, Cap Feret(near Bordeaux), the Pyrenees, Pau, Toulouse, Carcassone, Nimes, Marseille, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, the Cote d'Azur, the French Alps(Chamonix) and to Paris. I was impressed by the variety of the regions I saw. I stayed in hostels and really had no problems whatsoever. The most fun was in Nimes. <BR> <BR> <BR>My favourite stop was Chamonix in the Alps. It was beautiful and the hiking was great. A great gite is the Vagabond, only 70 FF a night. Not bad. <BR> <BR> <BR>Between the Loire valley and provence is a tricky choice. I loved both. They come a close second to Chamonix. In the Loire valley the chateaux were great and the town of Blois was a great place to stay, it was right in the middle of it all. I would rent a car or a bike and see as many as you can. The bus tours are good but only take you to about 2-3 in one tour. Chambord is great but Chenonceaux looked amazing and my tour didn't go there. <BR> <BR> <BR>If you choose Provence, Arles, Nimes Aix, and Orange are great, and nearby is Carcassone(about 2 hours by train). It is a necessary side trip. It is a city within a medieval city. Amazing to see but packed with tourists. One half day is good. Stay in one of these towns(maybe Arles) and do daytrips to nearby cities. <BR> <BR>The beach towns, Nice, Cannes, Monaco and Antibes are something to see but highly overated in my opinion. I liked Monaco the best and several cute little towns along the train route like Cap d'Ail, Villeneuve(I think that was the one). <BR> <BR>I hope this helps. For anything else please jot another note. <BR>Kim
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kim, What a terrific trip!! You must have had a blast. I was also in France earlier this year as part of a five week five country tour, and the highlight of my trip was also Chamonix. I loved the town, the view of the Alps, and the ultimate trip up to Aguile du Midi and then onto Hellbronner Point. I hope you got a chance to do it. I also loved the Loire Valley and also stayed in Blois. Chenonceau is easily the prettiest chateau in the valley, make sure and see it on your next trip to France.
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kim: What a wonderful time you must have had. I'll be visiting Provence soon. You mentioned Nimes and Orange, both of which appear to have impressive and well-preserved Roman remains. It may be a tough choice, but if I only have time to visit one, which would you recommend? I'd be interested in hearing about the "fun" aspect of Nimes. A quote from Fodor's is that it has a "relatively charmless urban ambiance" but contains terrific Roman treasures. Thanks for your comments.
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kim,<BR><BR>I'm studying abroad in Pau from Sep-April ... any comments would be great! I am living with a family and have made some other contacts with a french family who are expecting me .. any particular faux pas you learned? What's the style of dress like? Any 411 would be helpful.<BR><BR>
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kim,<BR><BR>I'm studying abroad in Pau from Sep-April ... any comments would be great! I am living with a family and have made some other contacts with a french family who are expecting me .. any particular faux pas you learned? What's the style of dress like? Any 411 would be helpful.<BR><BR>