We are traveling next May with a family of 10 (18-75 years)and are spending a week (?) in Paris and week in Provence. While in Provence, we want to explore Languedouc-Rous., Luberon and Cote d'Azur. Any suggestions on places to stay, visit and travel about with 10? Or are we nuts!! Thanks in advance.

I would think you could go anywhere, I don't know what difference the number of people makes. I think you might be spreading yourself a bit thin to plan to explore all of those areas in one week in Provence. Sounds like a lot of fun if you get along.

I'd suggest that it is a bit ambitious to try and cover the 3 regions in a week. I sugest you leave the Côte d'Azur off this itinerary and base yourself around Avignon, Arles, Aix etc and see some of Languedoc and Luberon from there - more than enough to keep you busy for a week!

I've organized a trip for ten women, and it's difficult to move that many people around, so definitely cut back on the itinerary.<BR><BR>Stick with Provence and the Cote d'Azur or Provence and the Luberon...even just Provence. Rent a house in Provence (there are a lot of rentals that accommodate 10 or more, and are a lot cheaper than hotel rooms), and get TWO cars (at least) - don't try to do a van for all.<BR><BR>If you want some specific ideas about handling a group this big (bullwhips work particularly well), please email me.

The dynamics of your group will probably be more important to what kind of trip you have than the number of places you choose to try to visit, although I'd agree with other posters that keeping it simple is the best idea. Has the group traveled together before? Will it form itself into two or more smaller groups periodically/regularly or expect to stay together for all sightseeing--for your sake, I hope the answer is the former. In fact, If I were you I'd specifically plan to suggest separate outings on most days so that those with like interests can go off separately. Just coordinating bathroom breaks for a group of 10 can be a challenge. With the age spread you're taking, you'll probably have teens wanting to sleep in until 10 or later and granparents up at the crack of dawn raring to go. That will be a whole lot easier to accommodate in Paris than in smaller towns. I agree with whomever said to base the second part of your trip out of Avignon, Aix, etc. You'll be able to do day trips and still have places for people to go with different interests and different time clocks. Good luck.

Languedoc is Languedoc--it isn't Provence. You can't possibly do a corner of it justice in a week, let alone Provence and C&ocirc;te d'Azur. Pick one.

I agree that you would be wise to stick to just one place in the south, and an apartment or house is really a good idea. However, I would certainly want that place to be in a city, so that those who want to go out at night and stroll, or get up earlier in the morning, or go out on their own, have more of an option than waiting for one of the drivers and a whole group to get organized to do something. I think Aix would be the best bet for this. Second choice Avignon.

Agree with most of what has been said already--I would go to just Paris and Avignon. Easy TGV ride to Avignon, rent car(s) there and day trip. I would prefer Avignon to Aix if it has to be a "big" city, which I think is also a good piece of advice. My experience in Aix is that it just too congested. Many have recommended the town of St. Remy which might be a more Provencal experience. Folks can walk to the cafe, etc. and enjoy the town.

Thanks for all the feedback. I think Paris and Avignon are the way to go. We'll definitely rent 2 cars in Provence and do day trips. Any ideas on rental houses or bed and breakfasts in Avignon? By the way, I think you all are doing a great job. I've been doing alot of research and have gotten the most from all of you. Thanks.

I have put together trips - - with and without my wife - - for groups ranging from 4 to 16, including predominantly family and various variations on family plus acquaintances. I certainly agree that everything takes a little longer with groups, and you should strongly consider a week in one place, especially near Avignon. I can cite positive experiences with www.francevillas.com though our villa was a good deal further west than the Rhone valley (it was near Grasse).<BR><BR>One myth (in MY own head) that I have found I had to overcome is that it will work to "sell" people on the idea on splitting into two groups to do two things with smaller numbers of people in each group. Even with my wife as "co-leader", this idea never seems to actually happen.<BR><BR>I am intrigued to do a "three-generations" trip, as you seem to be doing, as I have never done that - - and perhaps THAT might lead to some splitting up - - but then again maybe not.<BR><BR>I have, conversely, felt comfortable with the (younger, more energetic) half goes off and does something separately than the older half, especially after supper. You may find that after two-three days in Paris, both "halves" of your family will benefit from trying this.<BR><BR>Like Elvira, I'd be glad to answer other more specific questions if you wish.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>