Obsessional behavior
 

The old issue of whether to go to Provence or Tuscany has come to my doorstep. I had a good price nailed for tickets to Rome, and thought my decision was made, but the local travel agent has found a consolidator with slightly better prices to Paris. I have no ff miles to cash in with the Paris ticket but enough to buy two to Rome. However, the prices are good enough, I don't mind saving the miles. The connections are better with Rome, but I have a reasonable command of French and non of Italian. I have been to Rome and to Paris but not the the northern Italy nor any place outside of Paris in France. Since we will be in the countryside mostly, shall I go for France since I will be more comfortable with that language? Both places are phenomenal, right? (And I will eventually go to both.) We will leave toward the end of May and stay about two weeks. Is weather much different one place versus the other.

I can only speak as someone who's been to Tuscany, so can't argue which is better. From what you've outlined (and putting myself in your shoes), answer is easy --- go to Provence.<BR>Reasons? If airfare to Paris is good, save those FF miles to use on another occassion. You've never been to Provence AND you're more comfortable with the French language. Easy ! Any more life issues I can straighten out for you?<BR><BR>

I think I'd suggest Provence, just because it means you have longer to build up ff miles for a future trip (hopefully you'll earn some on the Paris trip?). Of course, I've never been to Provence (but will some day) and am also marginally more comfortable with French, but I have to note we had NO PROBLEMs whatsoever with language when we drove ourselves all over Italy over 3 weeks last year. We listened to language tapes/CDs for about 3 months before we left, and could get by with simple "polite" Italian phrases pretty easily.

Hello Pat,<BR><BR>You could fly into Nice and do both if you have enough time, i.e. 2 weeks or more. Otherwise I guess I would just say do you want to spend your time in Italy or France. Provence is a good mix of both since it was settle by the Roman Empire before the turn of the first millenium. The food, wine, archictecture, and atmosephere and even the accent are inspired by Italy but have a French flare much as the Alsatian region have a definite German flavor with the French flare. <BR><BR>Basically you won't go wrong no matter what your decission is because both areas are magnificent.<BR><BR>Bons Vacances,<BR><BR>RJS<BR><BR>

Pat, I think that I would have the same dilemma if I thought I was all set and ready for one spot and suddenly had a new option thrown my way. Misery! I would try, if possible to think back to what would have been my likely choice prior to the point where I thought my decision was made. Difficult, but not impossible. I have been to Provence and loved it. I am dying to go to Tuscany. My choice would still be to grab the Paris fare and save the miles, but it seems that your original decision was to pick Italy-you might want to stick with that choice.<BR><BR>Difficult, difficult!<BR><BR>linda

I have been to both Provence and Italy and two years ago did what RJS suggested - we flew into Nice, drove into Provence and stayed there for a week (in one place, doing day trips) and then drove to Tuscany and stayed there for a week (rented an apt. for a week and did day trips). And you are right Pat, both places are phenomenal. And the weather was similar when we were there in June. Honestly, it's a toss-up for me - if I was choosing today I'd return to Provence but only because I went back to Tuscany last year. Not much help am I?! <BR>:)

Pat, just curious, what fare is your travel agent quoting from the consolidator for Paris? I'm planning to go to Paris end of May but prices I've seen $750- $850 range from EAst Coast are too high.

What a delicious - though vexing - decision you have to make. Both places are, as you say, phenomenal, though there are some differences.<BR><BR>Tuscany (and neighboring Umbria, as you'll be there long enough to venture there, too, if you want) I feel are more gorgeous, with areas of rolling (and higher!) hills. Many of the towns are located at the top of hills, so have a commanding view of the countryside. In terms of art & culture in the countryside, lots of minor churches and the like, but nothing extremely memorable. Not much "gourmet" food, but then, we didn't seek it out - we prefer "regular" Italian food, not haute cuisine.<BR><BR>Provence, IMO, is scenic, but less gorgeous than Tuscany. However, especially when you include the areas like the Cote d'Azur or near there, there is more variety to the topography than in Tuscany. More art & culture, particularly all the Roman antiquities. In terms of the food, Provencal cuisine shares some similarities with Italian, and there's the seafood near the coast. There are more "haute cuisine" restaurants in Provence, Michelin-starred and all that, if you're interested in that kind of experience you'll have some fabulous dining.

to Canuck: Can you tell us more about the Tuscany apartment you rented? Maybe even a website? We would love to do just that. Thanks.<BR>Sal