Last summer my husband and I spent two weeks in Provence and LOVED it! This year we're keen to see a different part of France, but would still like the sunshine. We're going last week in August/first week September. Any tips for a similarly fabulous trip?

Hi

Worth researching Languedoc.
Same weather, quieter and cheaper !

Peter

Bordeaux, warmer and a bit wetter but the wine!!

In August many of the French from the north go to the south for their holidays. Kids are off school around Europe too so places do tend to get full up. I would suggest you book quick.

I agree with Bilboburgler. Try the west coast of France.

The two regions we return to the most often are Provence & the Dordogne.

Most French vacationers end their August trips at the end of the third week in August - the 26th this year. We were in the Dordogne the last week in August in '05 and also in '00. No problems at all with crowds. We didn't even have to put on the brakes when we drove through Beynac & Roque Gageac at 3PM on a Saturday.

The Languedoc would be a good choice also, but it's large & spread out with lots of mountains. You can't stay in one area & visit all the main sites like you can in the Dordogne & Provence.

Read some Fodors past posts on the Bordeaux region before you choose to go there. Click on my name and look several months ago. Perhaps search on "Stu Dudley bordeaux"

Stu Dudley

Gascony is often an unsung part of the world. We love it dearly.

La Rochelle is a lovely seaside town with interesting history and good food. You could start or end there and then travel the coast to the south.

I'm with Stu - go to the Dordogne. My husband and I fell in love with the area. There is so much to see and do, and it's an incredibly lush, gorgeous region.

I would avoid coastal regions, since they are more likely to be very crowded at that time.

Paule

I have been to Rovence and Dordogne within the last two years. Loved both for different reasons. I am deciding now between returning to PRovence and going to Languedoc in Summer of 2009 (after my wife graduates from college). Many friends tell me that Provence is like the Languedoc - only with more tourists.

You might consider the Rhône Valley and the Drôme region of upper Provence. Both are beautiful, sunny, and less full of tourists.

My husband & I loved the Dordogne & the Lot! It's a lovely region with scenic drives, charming villages, and interesting sights. Of course, there's the cuisine & the wine! What more can I say?