My wife and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary in France (our first time there together). We have 9 days. We are trying to decide whether we should base ourselves in Paris for the entire trip (combined with a some day trips to the surrounding area e.g., Dijon) or split the trip into two parts-4 days in Provence (e.g.,Avignon) and 5 days in Paris. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks

I would stay in Paris with the possibility of a two- or three-day trip to Normandy -- possibly the WWII sites plus (definitely) Mont St. Michel. Also you have the Loire valley chateaus (sp?) plus the cathedral at Chartres. Added to all Paris has to offer, that will be more than enough for nine days. I wouldn't go south to Provence on this trip, if I were you.

I think it depends on a couple factors. What time of year are you going? If May-Sept, I would most definitely go to Provence... probably spending the 5 days there, and 4 in Paris - including the travel days!!! Secondly, do you love city vacations? If museums, concerts, chic shopping are your preferences, then Paris is fine for the whole time. If, however, you prefer to dally in scenic countrysides and explore &quot;farmer's markets,&quot; then Provence is for you! Personally, I can't sit still in one place for over a week. Especially after travelling so far, I need to take in as much as possible. Typical American, I guess!<BR><BR><BR>

ttt

Kelly,<BR><BR>We have visited Paris and Provence in one trip but had 15 days to do it.<BR><BR>We travel to Provence every year and sometimes add on Paris, or Italy, or somewhere else in France.<BR><BR>Me2 has it right. I would add that 9 days, considering jet lag, etc., a base in Paris with visits to Normandy (do not miss the American Cemetery) and/or the Loire Valley would be a good trip.<BR><BR>I would go to Provence in June/July to see the lavender, etc. It is well worth a separate trip that could be combined with visits to the Riviera and/or Languedoc.<BR><BR>Good luck.<BR><BR>Anthony

Agree with Me2.<BR>Avignon is only 2:38 min from Paris by TGV. I would do it. 5+4, or 6+3 days. Especially if you are going at a time when it is cold in Paris, so you can catch some sun in the Provence.<BR>If you're flying out of CDG, you can take the TGV straight from Avignon to CDG.<BR>Bon voyage!

I could offer you a nice place to stay in Marseille directly at the seaside! It is - after Paris- the most exciting city in France, and it is great because of the wonderful weather, the amazing blue sky, the intense colours...! And i'm sure you altready heard about the so-called &quot;Calanques&quot;: mountains that end up in the sea, it is really a wonderful landscape around marseille, lonely beaches, ... ! it's really worthit to visit! And the TGV from Paris to Marseille takes only four hours! I'm a student of cultural sciences at the university of Provence, and I can offer a double-room in a very nice, sunny and quiet appartement in the centre of Marseille! I can also give you a lot of advice where to go to, so that you won't meet only the touristplaces! if you are interested, contact me: [email protected]