kerouac

I love it when people bicker over which part of the south of France is the best. That leaves me all alone with my northern recommendations.

Franceideas

Thanks so much for your recommendations everyone!! I'm still completely undecided though. I think i should take a good look at the map again.

I'm inclined to save south of France for June 2017, and look at places like Amboise, Bordeaux, Provins and explore Paris a bit this trip (I've never been, and doubt i'd return in Summer).

Any suggestions on choosing between Amboise, Bordeaux, Provins? A historical town with lots of (rainy) walks? (And maybe a little bit of shopping for me).

Thanks everyone for recommending South of France ideas, i will use those recommendations next June.....unless i decide to change my mind again !

There are just so many beautiful places!

frencharmoire

It's funny but I was just reading the other day that most Parisians now say they would rather live in Bordeaux. Seriously! I am sorry I cannot remember where I read it. It was a new survey, just out. It talked about the new fast trains going there (I'm not sure they've started yet). I've never been but I've always wanted to go. I have very much enjoyed drinking the wine from there.

StCirq

Amboise is a town, as is Provins. They both have very nice attributes in and of themselves and are in areas where there is a lot to see. Amboise has become a tourist magnet in recent years and is not my favorite Loire Valley venue. Provins is lovely and not so touristy. Bordeaux is a major city, completely different from either Amboise or Provins. Apples and oranges.

I read the same article, frencharmoire. I think it was in The Local. It's the most popular city to live in in France right now, among French people, and yes, a whole slew of Parisians are considering moving there. It's undergone an amazing transformation in recent years.

Ackislander

Try to be in Paris on November 11 for the Armistice Day parade on the Champs Élysées. When the troops March back from the Arc de Triomphe, it is fascinating and even magical.

In the south, take him places you love. Remember how wonderful it was when being a couple was new and you wanted to share everything?

laverendrye

<<Try to be in Paris on November 11 for the Armistice Day parade on the Champs Élysées. When the troops March back from the Arc de Triomphe, it is fascinating and even magical.>>

I was there in 1998 for the 80th Anniversary of the Armistice. President Chirac and Queen Elizabeth presided and it was an amazing spectacle which included a parade of World War I vehicles and some of the anciens combatants from the war. I imagine that 2018 will be even more spectacular, although without the veterans of that war.

I've been in Paris in November a number of times and I recall the weather as being quite fine. My experience in Alsace at that time of year has been positive as well.

I agree with the comments about Rick Steves and Bordeaux. He is clearly uninformed about its present state.

Whathello

RS is a fool, but his forum has nice sides.
The Local is an absurdity : it is everything except a 'local', is full of 'idées reçues', approximations and downright errors.

Le Toulonnais, faudra qu'on se boive un ricard qq part, je suis souvent dans le Var !

(No I'm not insulting anybody, just inviting the Toulonnais for a Pastis).

kerouac

<i>Any suggestions on choosing between Amboise, Bordeaux, Provins?</i>

For Bordeaux and Provins, I can provide photos:

Bordeaux: http://tinyurl.com/z9z5qzd

Provins: http://tinyurl.com/jtb25nz

Toulonnais

@Whathello : Pourquoi pas ! Mais je ne bois pas d'alcool alors ce sera un Cacolac pour moi

Whathello

I'm in love with Bordeaux.
Amboise is great too. Never been to Provins.

Toulonnais - ok I'll have two pastis ;-)

Franceideas

Thanks so much everyone. Lots of Food for thought.

I have changed my mind again. I would very much like to take my husband to the towns I love, so will do 3 nights in Paris, 3 Nights in Gordes to chill and explore surround towns, then 3 nights in Avignon.

Is Uzes bigger than Gordes?

MmePerdu

I haven't been to Gordes so cannot say. But if a town is entertaining, which Uzes very much is, does size matter? Ah, the classic question.

kerouac

Uzès population 11,815 (metro area)
Gordes population 1,946

Franceideas

Thanks Kerouac.

Thanks MmePerdu, Gordes is small, but lovely.