Needing help for France trip? Small town inspiration?
 

Hi there,

We are flying into CDG early July and flying out near the end. I am still in a twirl on where to focus research energy, been reading and reading- I asked my people - The boys (10 & 13) comments boiled down that for longer times they really like the towns/villages that are small enough for them to run around by themselves for short blips of time - and I think we let them do that with towns that were 10,000 population or less - They love running to the bakeries in the morning for breakfast and bringing the treats back to the apartment/cottage, etc. - running to the market when we run out of an ingredient, etc. The DH said anywhere is fine...

For a longer stays, the towns over 100,000 were too big for them (or us) to feel comfortable (unless maybe the bakery was in the bottom of the building).

Pretty, quaint, athletic, fun, free, near a bigger town for a bike shop (and momma needs something pretty to look at)... helllllp!

I strongly recommend that you get a copy of the Michelin Green Guide to France and start narrowing down your options ASAP. July is high tourist season in many parts of France, as many Europeans are on vacation then; you'll need to book lodgings right away.

Once you have settled, at least, on a region, return with more specific questions and we'll be glad to help.

If you can still find a place, try the Ile de Ré.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622845839973

The Dordogne would be absolutely perfect for your crew.. SO much to to do keep two active boys enthralled and you too. Have them get some guidebooks and start scouting for what they want to do - caves, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, biking...whatever...a million wonderful things for kids of that age to do and enjoy (and you too!)

Uzes -- gorgeous little town, near the Pont du Gard (you can walk over it, or canoe under it). Nearby Nimes has all the shopping you'll need. Plenty more daytrips, horseback riding, bull runnings in the streets. Population 8200 in 2008.

thanks! Will get the guide and drill down Dordogne and look around Uzes and others more. You are right Underhill, I have been sending off inquiries for places to rent and that is probably part of the problem.

The local library just replaced all their Michelins - as of April 2013. Very handy and great information.

It looks like you have at least three weeks in France and your list of wants pretty much covers anywhere in the country. Maybe consider a couple of regions to get some variety.

I agree with StCirq - Dordogne would be ideal, as it abounds with so much variety. Our kids loved Gouffre d Padirac, canoeing, caves, castles and visiting patisseries. The French shopkeepers were very patient as they asked for their goodies in less-than-perfect French.

Thank you, I am still reading and researching. The DH wants to go to basically one spot other than Paris. He doesn't mind day trips, but doesn't want to move. The last trip we were all over Italy - and I guess it's his turn to pick the pace. :)