AP6380

Hello Everyone,

I used to contribute regularly but have fallen off the past few years! I will read through threads for the basics. I have done 2 day trips to France in my years of traveling- one 6 hour layover in Paris and a day trip to Corsica from Sardinia. Me and my boyfriend are both in our 30s, we wants balanced culture time and beach time. I like off the beaten track places. So my initial thoughts are 4-5 nights Paris and 5-6 Corsica. We are trying to keep the trip budget friendly. I will be spending time on Airbnb looking at accommodations for about $100 US and under. I am a fan of renting apartments and houses. Our flights from NYC are in/out of Paris.

After looking at trains, car rentals, ferries, it appears the best way to get to Corsica may be flying. I am open to any other beach area thoughts by the way. I do enjoy driving on vacation and for the beach part we would get a car. So, if there are amazing beach areas on mainland France that you'd like to suggest, I am open. I have to say though the few hours I had in Corsica 11 years ago were breathtaking, and I like everything I've read about it. My boyfriend has never been to Europe at all, it's our first trip together- I'd like it to be special. So any tips/tricks/ideas are welcome. Any accomodation reccs, food reccs.

Thank you!

nukesafe

First, I would suggest you investigate "open jaw" flights, i.e., fly into Paris, and come back from your last destination. Backtracking wastes your precious vacation time, and "multi-city" flights are often not more expensive.

AP6380

The flights are set in and out of Paris- mostly because that worked best for my use of frequent flyer miles.

Robert2533

"best for my use of frequent flyer miles" doesn't always equate to the best use of your time and additional cost, like traveling all the way across country and back just to use some ff milage.

AP6380

I'm happy with my decision to start with possibly two Paris nights and end with two in Paris.

Judy

Why not try to get a flight to Corsica when you arrive at CDG. Spend your time in Corsica and then finish the trip in Paris.

AP6380

I like that idea Judy, thanks.

welltraveledbrit

I've got lots of recommendation for Paris on my blog including some off the beaten path ideas.

http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/search/label/Paris

Most ff programs allow a stopover in Europe. It may be worth seeing if you can pay the change fee and add Corsica.

Christina

It's personal preference, but I like getting the "hard" part of a trip done at the beginning, before I begin to run out of steam. So I like ending up in the place I'm flying home and that doesn't involve a lot of difficult navigation or other issues. I find big cities relaxing in that regard. So I also would end in Paris.