Please give me advice. We would like to visit Paris again for a week, but then we would like to have a taste of the french country life, where would you go for a week?

Wow the optoins are endless. What do you like to do?

Hubby and I are big foodies and wine lovers, so we would go to either Burgundy, Dordogne, or Alsace. But you could also do Loire, Brittany, Normandy, Provence....

depends on the time of year, August I would leave the country, July Loire or Normandy or even the Jura, June further south.

The what about flowers got to be in the right region at the right time

We are going next year end of May, beginning of June.

We are also big foodies and would also like to visit a perfumery or two and sample the famous wines of France!

I am very interested in architecture and villages with a historic feel (cobblestone streets etc.)

What are the thoughts about Provence?

I would love to rent one of those boats/barges built for maybe four people. Rent for perhaps a week, along with bicycles, and see the countryside while cruising down a canal or river. Bikes would be for venturing into cities for meals, supplies, shopping, tourist stuff. Would love to do this and see some castles at the same time, but haven't figured out what route to take yet.

Makes me wish I were there now!

I would love to rent a car and drive through the Dordogne region. Stopping at little places, and seeing the mediviel castles( as opposed to the palaces which one sees in Loire ). I also enjoyed the Loire Valley, but I have done it already.

A few years ago, in month of August, I did a Paris/Loire valley combo. Landed in Paris, stayed one day, then rented car and toured Loire from East to West. Then returned to pParis with stops in Chartres and Giverny. Then spent a couple of days in Paris.

Castles, chateaux, small towns along banks of river, caves, gardens, vineyards, summer festivals, light shows at castles, museums (Angers), old towns Orleans-Chinon,etc...Part of the fun was getting lost on backroads.

I agree with Michel Paris---with just 1 weeks time, the Loire Valley would be perfect. It's easy to get to and stunningly beautiful.
We were there last Sept. and definitely will return.
We always train it and get a car for a few days when we go to Paris, and that trip was perfect. Going South is also wonderful, but I think you'd need more time.

Hi L,

You will visit Paris for 1 week, and France for another week end of May.

My suggestions are:

A: Sarlat la Caneda and the Dordogne region

B: Strasbourg and Alsace

C: Dijon, Beaune and Burgundy

A car is recommended.

In addition to Paris, we have stayed in the Loire Valley, The Dordogne and Provence. Each has its charms, and we enjoyed them all. But if I were forced to choose, I'd go with the Dordogne. Scenic villages, beautiful countryside, easygoing people, great food, amazing chateaux...there's a lot to love there.

Burgundy and Alsace are still on the very, very short list for us to see. Normandy/Brittany as well.

Cheers.

you guys are fabulous!

Dordogne sounds amazing and we will definitely do Strassbourgh.

Dordogne is completely other side of France from Strasbourg...

Hi Linda,

sounds like you need a map!

for french country life, the dordogne would be the best fit, IMO and lovely in May/June.

though Provence is also great that time of year. [search for stu dudley's name for all his recommoendations for that area].

if you are panning to stay a week, a gite might enable you to enjoy french country life to the full.

have a great time,

regards, ann

I second the gite recommendation. Forgot to mention that in my last post.

Linda: when it's time to plan your trip, search this board for the sage advice of Stu Dudley. The guy knows his stuff. St.Cirq, too.

Here's our Dordogne/Provence/Langedoc trip report...hope it helps:
http://www.onelittleworld.com/france_1.html

In about 4 hours, we're leaving for 6 weeks in France. Won't hear much/anything from me till Aug.

Stu Dudley

How about Provence? If you liked Paris and would like access to some city life while you are there you could stay near Avignon. You have the choice of all the major tourist sites like Orange and Isle Sur La Sorge but also many quieter villages and beautiful countryside as well as Mont Ventoux.

hi stu,

bon voyage.

but your being away doesn't stop the OP and others accessing your excellent advice and reports if they click on your name.

just thought i'd let them know that!

regards, ann

Stu - should you check in while gone - let us know where you plan to visit.

If you venture to Strabourg, also see Saint-Hippolyte Village, Ribeauville, Riquewihr and Colmar. Beautiful cities and located near the Route du Vin... Taste the Riesling!
Also, driving from Paris (if you are renting a car), you could stop in Epernay and taste the champagne!

France is full of beautiful villages but I have a coup de coeur for Northern Dordogne : the Green Perigord.
Check this rental:
http://franceinsiders.com/?page_id=4
It's authentic and far from the crowd. I love it!