I have read quite a few posts, that say go to Paris before visiting Prague. What is the vote on going to Provence before Prague? Or is it such a different area that it doesn't even matter?

It seems like there is so much in France to see that you should start there before going to say Italy, Czech, Spain. Am I right for thinking this?

you are right and wrong...how's that for an answer...it depends on what you think you like?/ city/country/ a mix...

france is fabulous and offers a real mixture...there is normandy, then paris, then burgandy, the south, and of course the west....each is unique on its own and its all FRENCH.....be that good or bad...good in my opinion...

the other places you mention are all very different in their own way...each is unique...

some would say that you should take a grand tour to see what interests you the most and return in subsequent years...that is what i did in 1965 and i return as often as i can since then...going back to old favorites and mixing in new place...for instance in november i went to cesky krumlov in the southern czech rep and found it enchanting---can't wait to go back...on the same trip i spent several days in prague...i had only been there once before and was dying to go back....i was somewhat disappointed in how it has changed, but i would go back again, but not in a hurry...
one never tires of paris...i also love the south...nice is magnificent....the loire valley is lovely...but so is bruges in belgium and berlin and vienna and so on...

go once and you will be consummed...

i now like to concentrate on one area and stay for several days and get to know it...

as i go often i look for bargains in accomodations as well, but also expect some comfort....

B&B's are great especially in the uk and germany

how about getting some travel videos from your local library...they may help you to decide...

enjoy

They are different countries and areas, so I don't think you can make that kind of comparison. I don't think the sequence matters, but I'm not sure I understand your question. I would do my itinerary based on some other things, air fares, maybe dates of special events, weather or something.

Are you saying you shouldn't see Prague until you've seen all of France first? I don't agree with that at all.

No, you're not right. Who said France is first. Maybe Spain or Italy or England or Czech Republic should be first - and France later. It's different for everyone depending on what their interests are - and for many people one of the first things they are interested in is the the land of their ancestors. That means that for Americans Germany should be first - snce there are more Americans of German descent than any other.

See how silly it is. I could probaly come up with a reason for every country to be first. Therefore, none is "first" for everyone or all are first for someone.

Hi toile,

You are comparing apples and bananas. There is no "right" answer.

"Quite a few posts that say go to Paris before visiting Prague" - really? Where did you read these posts?

This is so silly I don't even know how to begin analyzing it to offer an answer.

Just be sure to go to Chicago before visiting Hong Kong.

Thank you all. I put in the search engine Prague and after going through there were posts from people that said in their opinion a traveler should see Prague after Paris. I wasn't asking a question just to ask one.

Luckily in doing so, I found posts that said July is a hard month to visit Prague because so many people go to their summer homes and close up shop. I'm sure that does not mean that the city is closed. At least it helped me cross Prague ideas off my list for that month.

I find this to be an intriguing question. I am about to take my third trip to Europe, and my husband and I hope to go annually from now on. I understand that there are no set "rules" as to what you should see first, but is there some consensus as how to best appreciate these glorious destinations if you see them in a certain progression? For example, may I not "get" Prague unless I see Paris first? Or, if I see Prague first, may Paris not be as inspiring for whatever reason? I remember that Rick Steves suggests starting in the UK and progressing to the more exotic locations...agree?

I think people put way too much stock in the theory that you shouldn't go to "Prague in July" or "Paris in August" or "Europe in July or August". Of course tourist sites are more crowded (in general) in July and August than they are in the winter. It's the same in the US. More people travel in the summer because of school schedules and better weather. But I've seen some pretty long lines at places like the Louvre and the Tower of London in March as well as in July or August. And I've seen some perfectly uncrowded places in the summer as well. Sure all things being equal late spring and early fall will give slightly less crowded tourist sites and still good weather. But for someone to not go someplace just because they could only go in July or August is crazy.

The same thing goes for the theory that "everything is closed" in July or August because the locals all go on vacation. Sure, there may be some restaurants or small shops that will be closed becasue they are family run and the family is on vacation. But I have been to England, France, Italy, Germany and Austria during July (various years) and Ireland and England in August and have never been significantly inconvienced by (or even really noticed) places being closed.

Europe is wonderful whenever you go, (and in any order).