Who is along for the ride???Still needing help on this INTERESTING trip
Apr 30th, 2013, 08:29 PM
#221
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My point was that buses exist but that only one to Pont Gard was doable, as I stated.
I am all for car hire, especially in that area and with little ones, as I stated.
Putting up the timetable was to indicate that trips would be very restrictive
I am all for car hire, especially in that area and with little ones, as I stated.
Putting up the timetable was to indicate that trips would be very restrictive
Apr 30th, 2013, 08:55 PM
#222
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To be perfectly honest with you all. When with my mother in Uzes we are going to be happy to just hang out and enjoy our surroundings. I know there is a lot of sight seeing available but I think we are happy to just for this week take our time and see what the day brings.
Everyone is different and as you know every kid is different .. I won't go into it all but just know that in our family we don't have a strict routine and we follow the lead of the day.
We don't live in chaos but we are also able to allow our kids to eat at 10pm at night and then not start our day till 10am etc . . everyone is different but I know that they will be fine with this trip . .min 4 days in places maximum a week in others ...It's not like I am moving every 3 days like we had originally thought was possible.
I understand everyones concern with not having a car however my mum was in the Provence last year without a car . .only for a few days though, and she said it was fine.
I know some of you are frustrated but I do listen to what is given and apply it when it fits in to our plans.
Everyone is different and as you know every kid is different .. I won't go into it all but just know that in our family we don't have a strict routine and we follow the lead of the day.
We don't live in chaos but we are also able to allow our kids to eat at 10pm at night and then not start our day till 10am etc . . everyone is different but I know that they will be fine with this trip . .min 4 days in places maximum a week in others ...It's not like I am moving every 3 days like we had originally thought was possible.
I understand everyones concern with not having a car however my mum was in the Provence last year without a car . .only for a few days though, and she said it was fine.
I know some of you are frustrated but I do listen to what is given and apply it when it fits in to our plans.
Apr 30th, 2013, 09:25 PM
#223
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So then Claire, enjoy Uzes. It's a lovely town. And near one of my kids and mine most favourite spots in France - Pont du Gard. I am sure you will be able to get there easily. I could easily visit there several times in one stay.
You may be surprised how much your 4 yr old remembers, especially if you take video. Mine still look at the old memories.
This is your trip, not ours. Enjoy
You may be surprised how much your 4 yr old remembers, especially if you take video. Mine still look at the old memories.
This is your trip, not ours. Enjoy
May 1st, 2013, 08:17 AM
#224
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I would absolutely rent a car. First of all, you are away from center city, so it is easier than driving in the midst of Paris traffic.
Most importantly, I am a proponent of "controlling your own destiny". If you are reliant upon shuttles to get around, you may have to wait anywhere from 20-45 minutes for them. I like to minimize "waiting" time. Yes, you may have a hot car that you have to walk to in the parking lot, but I like the idea of knowing that you can walk there and get in the car and be back at your hotel vs. waiting for a bus/shuttle, and driving around for who knows how long if it does an indirect loop.
This would also give you flexibility for meals. If you don't want to eat in the parks, or at the hotel, you can find a local restaurant (or grocery store) for food.
Obviously, I hate relying upon shuttles ... when we go to Disney, even if we stay on site, we still rent a car (all US based experience). I've heard nightmare stories of waiting for shuttles ... and at the end of the night when a bus or shuttle fills up and you have to wait for the next one and people are tired and frustrated... (and people tend to "queue" in the US better than France).
Most importantly, I am a proponent of "controlling your own destiny". If you are reliant upon shuttles to get around, you may have to wait anywhere from 20-45 minutes for them. I like to minimize "waiting" time. Yes, you may have a hot car that you have to walk to in the parking lot, but I like the idea of knowing that you can walk there and get in the car and be back at your hotel vs. waiting for a bus/shuttle, and driving around for who knows how long if it does an indirect loop.
This would also give you flexibility for meals. If you don't want to eat in the parks, or at the hotel, you can find a local restaurant (or grocery store) for food.
Obviously, I hate relying upon shuttles ... when we go to Disney, even if we stay on site, we still rent a car (all US based experience). I've heard nightmare stories of waiting for shuttles ... and at the end of the night when a bus or shuttle fills up and you have to wait for the next one and people are tired and frustrated... (and people tend to "queue" in the US better than France).
May 1st, 2013, 08:34 AM
#225
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People can feel folks are being snarky but honest injun, if you have read ALLLLLLLLL the threads, and the probably 1000 posts and the changes of plans and the advice and the angst, you might feel a little set upon also.
PLEASE rent a car in Provence. Drive carefully and always look to your right. I can fully understand your anxiety of driving on the wrong side of the road. My parents lived in OZ in the late 20's and Daddy loved to tell the tale of americans driving down the road--wrong side. BOTH cars (aussie and american) swerved in their "usual" way to avoid and they had a collision head on 10 feet off the road. LOL
PLEASE rent a car in Provence. Drive carefully and always look to your right. I can fully understand your anxiety of driving on the wrong side of the road. My parents lived in OZ in the late 20's and Daddy loved to tell the tale of americans driving down the road--wrong side. BOTH cars (aussie and american) swerved in their "usual" way to avoid and they had a collision head on 10 feet off the road. LOL
May 1st, 2013, 08:56 AM
#226
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surfmom, on the other hand it could be like Disneyland where the parking garages are so far from the site that it takes literally an hour to park your car and take the shuttle back. Taking a hotel shuttle has to be faster than that. And no, I'm not exaggerating. My husband dropped us off at the gate, went to park the car and made it back to the park an hour later. So if it's like that, a car would be more hassle, not less.
May 1st, 2013, 09:00 AM
#227
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I really don't think anyone should be coerced into renting a car who doesn't want to, is nervous about it, and has a bunch of kids to mind. The last thing the world needs is people driving around who are bad drivers (whether due to unfamiliarity or whatever). There are enough traffic accidents in France as it is.
One really does not have to have a car while staying in Uzes. I've been in Provence without a car, life goes on, and you can have a nice time. Uzes isn't so small there is nothing to do there, either. This isn't the middle of nowhere or uncivilized territory. It isn't that far from Pont du Gard, you could eaily get a taxi there.
From what I've read, a taxi from Avignon to Uzes is more like 70-90 euro. I've read that from several people who live there, apparently, a taxi will not require you to pay for both ways if you only go one. I think in that area, that may not be that unusual a trip (50 km), especially because there is no train station in Uzes and that's probably the closest airport (Avignon). Heck, that's not that unusual a trip from the airport to my home where I live now, and plenty of taxis do it one-way.
This is a website that does seem to allow booking of such a trip, and you can specify one-way and number of people, and it comes up with 87 euro http://www.suntransfers.com/avignon-airport#
One really does not have to have a car while staying in Uzes. I've been in Provence without a car, life goes on, and you can have a nice time. Uzes isn't so small there is nothing to do there, either. This isn't the middle of nowhere or uncivilized territory. It isn't that far from Pont du Gard, you could eaily get a taxi there.
From what I've read, a taxi from Avignon to Uzes is more like 70-90 euro. I've read that from several people who live there, apparently, a taxi will not require you to pay for both ways if you only go one. I think in that area, that may not be that unusual a trip (50 km), especially because there is no train station in Uzes and that's probably the closest airport (Avignon). Heck, that's not that unusual a trip from the airport to my home where I live now, and plenty of taxis do it one-way.
This is a website that does seem to allow booking of such a trip, and you can specify one-way and number of people, and it comes up with 87 euro http://www.suntransfers.com/avignon-airport#
May 1st, 2013, 01:33 PM
#229
SusannahT: the OP has ask probably 250+ various questions, has received hundreds of suggestions/advice/assistance, has altered her plans countless times, has ignored most of the advice received and is basically throwing one new plan after another against the wall to see what sticks. If you think some seem harsh - so be it . . .
May 1st, 2013, 01:58 PM
#230
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SusannahT: Before you judge our replies, have a look at her threads on needing accommodations in London.
On this thread dated Feb 04 she was given a LOT of suggestions and great advice. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-london.cfm
Because she ignored our advice, all of the suggestions and lovely accommodations somehow managed to "fall through", which prompted yet another thread on her needing yet more help with finding a place in London, hence thread number 2:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...entshotels.cfm
As you can imagine, more of our advice was ignored.
I won't even go into the two Paris apartment threads with almost 300 responses that fell on deaf ears.
On this thread dated Feb 04 she was given a LOT of suggestions and great advice. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-london.cfm
Because she ignored our advice, all of the suggestions and lovely accommodations somehow managed to "fall through", which prompted yet another thread on her needing yet more help with finding a place in London, hence thread number 2:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...entshotels.cfm
As you can imagine, more of our advice was ignored.
I won't even go into the two Paris apartment threads with almost 300 responses that fell on deaf ears.
May 1st, 2013, 04:06 PM
#231
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Best. Thread. Ever.
I tried to read straight through but my eyesight started blurring.
Just out of curiosity, is the OP still flying to Nice, then heading to Barcelona, then taking a ferry to Genoa (1-2 hours from Nice)?
Looking on the bright side: if I had to be stuck anywhere without a car, I couldn't find a nicer place than Uzes to be marooned. That is my "positive" contribution to this thread.
Rave on, ladies.
I tried to read straight through but my eyesight started blurring.
Just out of curiosity, is the OP still flying to Nice, then heading to Barcelona, then taking a ferry to Genoa (1-2 hours from Nice)?
Looking on the bright side: if I had to be stuck anywhere without a car, I couldn't find a nicer place than Uzes to be marooned. That is my "positive" contribution to this thread.
Rave on, ladies.
May 1st, 2013, 06:06 PM
#232
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Goodmorning!
You guys really are so passionate! Can you please give me some understanding to the situation!
Our plans had a massive shift! This is the reason for the new threads! Not that I didn't listen to you all!
Our original plans allowed 3 weeks of travel through England which got cancelled and became one week in London with my mother.
I am fussy . .I like apartments to look like display homes and then I also don't like to spend a lot of money . .not a good combo in London and so this is why we are going with a suite at the regency. Not that I have to justify myself.
I reposted on this site for places and things to do at the locations I am going to.
I understand the idea of a car makes sense. We will have one for disney . . but we will be driving from the marriott to the disney train station as I hear this is best from trip advisor.
I am not going to Nice anymore.
We are driving from Sarlat to Carcassonne then into Barcelona.
Then we do the overnight ferry to italy.
Thanks Susannah sorry for the backlash from others.
Like I said earlier just because I don't do as you have suggested does not mean I am not listening. I have listened and gotten great help and suggestions and I just can't wait to make this trip report to show everyone all the hard work has paid off.
You guys really are so passionate! Can you please give me some understanding to the situation!
Our plans had a massive shift! This is the reason for the new threads! Not that I didn't listen to you all!
Our original plans allowed 3 weeks of travel through England which got cancelled and became one week in London with my mother.
I am fussy . .I like apartments to look like display homes and then I also don't like to spend a lot of money . .not a good combo in London and so this is why we are going with a suite at the regency. Not that I have to justify myself.
I reposted on this site for places and things to do at the locations I am going to.
I understand the idea of a car makes sense. We will have one for disney . . but we will be driving from the marriott to the disney train station as I hear this is best from trip advisor.
I am not going to Nice anymore.
We are driving from Sarlat to Carcassonne then into Barcelona.
Then we do the overnight ferry to italy.
Thanks Susannah sorry for the backlash from others.
Like I said earlier just because I don't do as you have suggested does not mean I am not listening. I have listened and gotten great help and suggestions and I just can't wait to make this trip report to show everyone all the hard work has paid off.
May 1st, 2013, 06:19 PM
#233
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OMG, this is like crack!
Sure, the first pipe was free. But now I'm hooked.
If Lucca were your destination, can anyone tell me why you'd take an overnight ferry Barcelona-Genoa with small kids, when Vueling flies direct Barcelona-Pisa in 1h30 for under 70 Euros?
And Pisa is 20 minutes from Lucca....
Sure, the first pipe was free. But now I'm hooked.
If Lucca were your destination, can anyone tell me why you'd take an overnight ferry Barcelona-Genoa with small kids, when Vueling flies direct Barcelona-Pisa in 1h30 for under 70 Euros?
And Pisa is 20 minutes from Lucca....
May 1st, 2013, 06:28 PM
#234
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Hi Claire
Glad your plans sre being established. For me the Pont is the standout attraction in that area & Uzes a great place to spend some time. Wandering around, visiting patisseries all in a beautiful French town. Bliss.
I was interested that some felt compelled to justify inappropriate comments. Their comments to me don't worry me a jot.
Suggestions from others are just that - suggestions. There is no compulsion for anyone to feel they need to agree to them. I think it is a tad arrogant to expect that we know what is best for others.
Glad your plans sre being established. For me the Pont is the standout attraction in that area & Uzes a great place to spend some time. Wandering around, visiting patisseries all in a beautiful French town. Bliss.
I was interested that some felt compelled to justify inappropriate comments. Their comments to me don't worry me a jot.
Suggestions from others are just that - suggestions. There is no compulsion for anyone to feel they need to agree to them. I think it is a tad arrogant to expect that we know what is best for others.
May 1st, 2013, 06:56 PM
#235
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And it is a tad arrogant to expect virtual strangers on a travel board to become your personal TA's - much good will has been trashed. Welcome to the party, SuzanneT, what you call inappropriate, well tomato, tomatah. I think, Claire, there is no need to justify yourself, but if you had just been as clear half again as many posts ago as you are right now, things might have been easier. Oh, and did you mention Tripadvisor? All these people doing your apartment research in multiple cities for months, and now you say you're fussy and like your rentals to be staged? I truly hope you have learned a lot of travel research technique in this journey, and I do hope you have a great trip. That's it.
May 1st, 2013, 08:31 PM
#236
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I just want to say, I <3 this thread! Seriously, I finally signed up here on Fodor's, after years of just reading posts and never commenting, just to comment earlier on this one. I check it everyday for updates, it's so entertaining! crazyfamilyof4 should hire someone to film her and her family flitting all over Europe with everyone getting crankier and crankier...I see a great reality show in the making. I feel for all of you who've given lengthy advice and it was ignored, but I must admit, I can't wait to hear the trip report from this! If there is one - I'm not convinced the OP actually plans to go anywhere. But if she does... well I'll be getting out the popcorn and wine. And if it's an honest TR at all, I'll bet you can all gloat, I told you so...
May 1st, 2013, 10:38 PM
#237
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thanks BumbleB6 . . you have made me laugh! and yes it will be an honest TR! Not sure when the next update will be as booking plans are all done.
In regards to why we are catching the ferry. Well . . . it's something different and might be fun. We originally chose this option because we were going to have a lease car but that has now changed . .for the time being
For me Lucca became our destination and it isn't under 70 euros when you take into account the luggage and you times it by 4 and the hassle of an airport etc ...
I think the ferry over will be fun and different and it means we can see what it's like for future cruises
I never expected any of you to become my personal TA . . . I am very thankful for the time some of you invested in helping me but I don't think I ever expected it. I have got some great apartments but I just didn't like the london ones that were available in the price range available etc etc . . .The place in Uzes, Barcelona, Lucca, Varenna, Berlin, Prague and Frankfurt are all great! and all through this site when it came to advice on the location etc . .it was only london and paris that it got a tad messy and I found it stressful in deciding what to do. I am now very happy with how it looks on paper and I can't wait to share it all with you.
Like I said advice on what to see and do in each place would be great from those with kids etc.
Made note of the place from Uzes and I might go to a vacant shopping centre one night and see how I feel about driving on the wrong side of the road and around round about etc and I just might hire a car too.
No doubt I'll be back to respond to someones comments in the meantime as always THANK YOU to those who give up their time to help!
In regards to why we are catching the ferry. Well . . . it's something different and might be fun. We originally chose this option because we were going to have a lease car but that has now changed . .for the time being
For me Lucca became our destination and it isn't under 70 euros when you take into account the luggage and you times it by 4 and the hassle of an airport etc ...
I think the ferry over will be fun and different and it means we can see what it's like for future cruises
I never expected any of you to become my personal TA . . . I am very thankful for the time some of you invested in helping me but I don't think I ever expected it. I have got some great apartments but I just didn't like the london ones that were available in the price range available etc etc . . .The place in Uzes, Barcelona, Lucca, Varenna, Berlin, Prague and Frankfurt are all great! and all through this site when it came to advice on the location etc . .it was only london and paris that it got a tad messy and I found it stressful in deciding what to do. I am now very happy with how it looks on paper and I can't wait to share it all with you.
Like I said advice on what to see and do in each place would be great from those with kids etc.
Made note of the place from Uzes and I might go to a vacant shopping centre one night and see how I feel about driving on the wrong side of the road and around round about etc and I just might hire a car too.
No doubt I'll be back to respond to someones comments in the meantime as always THANK YOU to those who give up their time to help!
May 1st, 2013, 11:42 PM
#238
Claire - you may not have an easy trip, but it is bound to be 'interesting'.
However to be fair to the rest of us - good try but don't even blame the multiple threads/myriad changes on the hubby's change of plans. You were all over the place with a new brainstorm every few posts long before your husband bailed and grandma signed on.
However to be fair to the rest of us - good try but don't even blame the multiple threads/myriad changes on the hubby's change of plans. You were all over the place with a new brainstorm every few posts long before your husband bailed and grandma signed on.
