I wouldn't bother with the French Mediterranean coast in the winter except for the big cities (Marseille, Nice). There is of course no guarantee of good weather and in fact it is often colder on the coast than in Paris. If you're looking for a little bit of warmth in France, that is generally either in Corsica or around Biarritz.

During the winter, my favorite cities are places like Strasbourg, Lille, La Rochelle or Metz.

Bedar ;-)

Elizabeth_S, glad to hear your spouse is showing signs of faster progress.

Something to consider, if you are at all worried about 'knee fatigue' in museums and elsewhere - have you considered a travel-sized, folding 'transfer chair' (very small wheels, so not as heavy as a wheelchair.) No, I'm not suggesting he's an invalid, just that he could spell a bit in one if he had to do so. A family member had knee surgery several years ago and it still rears its ugly head from time to time.

Alternatively, you could try finding out if museums will lend one. I had a lovely visit early this year to the National Gallery in Ottawa propelling myself around in a borrowed w/c; a very good idea as I'd already having stumped my way to the gallery in a surgical boot, with a cane, and I arrived at the gallery already a bit tired. Really nice to have the excuse to sit down!

I'm really glad you are going somewhere you wanted to anyway. With the luxury of several weeks, it's not like you have to keep to a tight itinerary.

janisj

For the happy, not, news about the CAD vs EUR and GBP
Elizabeth_S is correct to note that the decline against the duro is less severe than the decline against the pound, over the last several years.

Using Dec 21 2011 as marker versus Dec 15 2015 as marker, interbank rates (which will suffice for purpose of comparison)
CAD once bought .97 USD now .72 USD decline 25.8 per cent
.74 EUR now .66 EUR decline 10.8 per cent
.62 GBP now .48 GBP decline 22.6 per cent

In other words, all other things being equal (and we know local markets for tourist accomodation, etc. vary, both within and across countries) CAD suffered less against the euro than the pound or USD.

Elizabeth_S, if you were ever considering Australia, that country has been affected by commodity price drop as well as Canada, and the AUS actually offers a premium on exchange since 4 years ago - it's actually DOWN slightly against the CAD.

Or the South African rand, as Mr Zuma seems to have taken leave of his senses and is driving his country into the ground.

2011, 7 SAR to the CAD
End of 2015, 11+ SAR to the CAD

I don't like to profit from the suffering of others but this is one country where our dollar now goes far. We'll be there from March 23 to April 14.