A few days ago we were forced to cancel a trip we'd been planning for a year (family medical emergency still unresolved.) l have the option for a small enough penalty to change the date of the airline ticket from BWI to London. The latest we could use the ticket would be from March 14 (arrival at Heathrow) until departure on March 27. There's no way for us to do it before (daughter getting married this winter) and March 27 is the latest the airline will let us use it (one year from purchase). I was thinking three or four nights in London, three nights in Paris, and perhaps the TGV to Avignon and car for three nights to see Arles, etc. We have been to both cities 3X but never to Provencal. Everything I've read on the forum doesn't make it sound like March would be ideal, but we're very definitely not beach people and we do like museums -- and sitting in a square sipping wine has very definite attractions. Any advice -- include Provencal, don't? -- and the cheapest way to go roundtrip London-Paris? I'm trying to make lemonade. Thanks.

We usually travel in March (since that is when my husband has his spring school vacation)and found that Provence has been lovely then. I would skip Paris (I know sacriledge!!!) and fly from London to Marseille and spend 6 nights in Provence. What you suggest seems to be a lot of travelling for a short period of time.

We were in Paris and Provence this Feb/March. It was wonderful. Granted, in Provence, the lavendar and sunflowers are not blooming. A jacket was necessary a couple of days but it was still beautiful. No crowds, no lines. We based in Avignon and drove (all the places I list are easily within driving distance. I am not into packing and unpacking) to Arles, Les Baux, St. Remy, Pont du Gard, Uzes, Isle-sur-La-Sorgue, Roussillon, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis and did a day wine trip with a tour to Menerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Gordes, etc. Just be prepared that the weather may be cool - layer. We were also there during the Mistral. We were lucky, it was no big deal, just windy.

We only saw a little of what is there. Go for it and enjoy it.

I think the issue is less what other people's experiences have been with the weather in previous Marches than how much you might feel you wasted time and money if you can't sit in a square outdoors because it is pouring rain, or how cheerful you are touristing under an umbrella and hoping for tea instead of summery Provencal wine.

By the way, I don't think you have to commit yourself so far in advance to anything other than getting to Paris. If next year Europe is having an awful minute, you can change your mind at the last minute and head for Belgium -- not nice weather, but lots of warming chocolate, waffles, frites, etc. -- and you won't feel gloomy feeling shuttered up in Provence, surrounded by sunflower knick-knacks. I'd book the tix and decide at the last minute where you are going via fast train.

Typo alert: I meant to type "winter" instead of "minute"

I'm sorry that your trip has had to be postponed; what a disappointment.

My first trip to the part of Provence that you're talking about was in December several years ago. It was a great time despite it being winter so I think you can have a very good experience there in March, which could turn out to be warm-ish and sunny. I have found that I really enjoy destinations during low season b/c of lack of crowds, but that said, you certainly won't be isolated.

I hope your planning goes well and you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you for your replies. I agree I'm planning rather early. Was distracting myself and obsessing, trying to control something. We'll probably "do" Provence but will watch for weather reports as we get closer. Avignon sounds like a wonderful base for part of the trip.

My father-in-law did pass away and my husband was with him at the end and had a wonderful leavetaking.

Fodor's people are the best.