What would you recommend - itinerary question
 

I love Italy and France
We are going to be in Paris in July
We were thinking of going to Paris - Provence- Nice for 2 weeks .
But now I was wondering if I could do Paris-Lake Como-Milan
is that doable in 2 weeks or will be travelling too much
We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children 11 and 15 .We love history and beautiful scenery ....
We have never visited Milan ,Lake Como or Provence and Nice
Which one would you choose ...

How would you be travelling from Paris to Nice or Paris to Milan? Which is easier to get home from, Nice or Milan? Have you been to any of these places before?

Either itinerary is "doable," and there is history and beautiful scenery either way. The logistics may help you decide.

no we have not been any of the places other than Paris
We would be travelling from Paris to Nice or Paris to Milan .
It would not matter Nice or Milan would be the same to get back from

Have you already purchased your tickets? If so, or you flying into and out of Paris? If you will be traveling by train, you can get to Nice in about 6 hours. Or if you want to go to Milan, there is a night train where you could have a compartment to yourselves with the 4 of you. I am a big fan of Nice, so of course I would suggest that area. I have never been to Lake Como, but the pictures are truly beautiful and the weather should be great. Milan is not on my list of favorites, so someone else can advise on that city.

Stick to your all-France choice.

The lavender blooms in early July in Provence. Rent a car and tour the lovely (and aromatic) countryside. Unforgettable!

Have traveled the Provence-Riviera several times, and also Lake Como. If using the train, you can get the TGV(high speed) to the South of France in about 6 hrs. and get a car, very easy.

If you're flying, you could do either, they are both lovely.

If choosing Lake Como, I also would skip Milan(you've had enough big city in Paris) and head for the countryside. IMO I'd stay in Bellagio, Mennagio, or Tremezzo. You need a car, and can also take the boats around to the different towns.

If choosing Nice, there are so many places to see, you'd have to read the reports and guidebooks and choose what interests you.

After you choose what you'd like to see, I'm sure the Fodorites will be happy to help you. We all like reliving our trips.

How much do you think your kids will want to swim? You really can't in the Lakes. And I don't want to say there's not a lot of "history" on the lakes, you have to really dig to find the sites.

Also, the Lakes are really for relaxing. If you think your kids need entertainment, they are more likely to find that in Southern France.

I live in Italy, so I'm a permanent fan. But I'd be tempted with 2 kids who might actually pick up some French in Paris, to keep the ball rolling.

If your kids are begging to go to Italy, however, why not?

I think Provence and Nice would be more of a hit with kids than Como (OK) and Milan (boring and really hot).

With Provence/Nice you hae the option sof countryside, Roman ruins, lots of cute little villages, time at the beach, seaside towns, mountain villages with exquisite scenary and a plethora of small musuems.

Suggest you fly into Paris and home out of Nice. Upon leavng Paris rent a car (much simpler for 4 and dealing with luggage) and turn in at Nice airport.

Thanks to all for your suggestions .
I think I am going to stick to my original plan of Paris-Provence-Nice .
I will have to visit Milan and the Lakes some other time !!!

Thanks once again