BEST OF FRANCE ROAD TRIP IN 30 DAYS- MAY 15
Mar 12th, 2015, 06:56 AM
#102
There are the old little picnic spot by river in which one can cool the odd half of champagne while tucking into a sandwich prepared by the local breakmaker. You'll find these by either canals or rivers often with benches.
The Montagne de Reims (which is the big hill between Epernay and Reims) has a wood on the top (I met a wild boar and piglets in there once, really not a safe thing to do BTW) which includes some odd-stunted trees (some local desease) and towards Reims a fine view which can be visited by using the car park on the top of the hill. Or by poping into the lighthouse (no idea what it was for but I suspect a converted windmill) on the slopes which used to offer tea and cakes.
The Montagne de Reims (which is the big hill between Epernay and Reims) has a wood on the top (I met a wild boar and piglets in there once, really not a safe thing to do BTW) which includes some odd-stunted trees (some local desease) and towards Reims a fine view which can be visited by using the car park on the top of the hill. Or by poping into the lighthouse (no idea what it was for but I suspect a converted windmill) on the slopes which used to offer tea and cakes.
Mar 14th, 2015, 01:15 PM
#104
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Congratulations on your plan. I have watched it develop over the last year. It certainly meets most of your requirements as you described them. You are still tweaking, so I will suggest.
<< SHOULD I SPLIT MY 4 DAYS IN DORDOGNE VALLEY. 3 NEAR BEYNAC AND 1 NEAR SALERS?
I will be visiting a lot of small places from Beynac en route Le Puy en Veley. I am also thinking of visiting Rocamadour and Padirac on my 3rd day so that I have more time on day 4 to visit other small villages on the way to Le Puy.
Please suggest >>
NO! I would drop Carcassonne and add a night to Rocamadour in order to see Rocamadour, Padirac,and the small villages of Collonges-la-Rouge, Autoir, Loubressac, and Carennac.You can stay outside of Rocamadour in or near L,Hospitalet for great views of Rocamadour, esp. at night.
We stayed here www.domainedelarhue.com/gb/accueil.htm
I would do it like this:
Day 20 Drive St Andiol to Le Puy (3hrs30,220km)
Day 21 Le Puy
Day 22 Drive Le Puy to Salers (3hrs,160km)
Day 23 Drive Salers to Rocamadour (2hrs30,120km) Collonges-la-Rouge, Padirac enroute. See what you can of Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac.
Day 24 Drive Rocamadour to Beynac/Sarlat(1 hr20, 60km) It would be nice to get there in AM. You have a lot to see in 2-1/2 days.
Day 25 Beynac/Sarlat
Day 26 Beynac/Sarlat
Day 27 Drive to Loire Valley
The above route saves 3hrs driving, 275km, and 100+ euros in gas/tolls.
<< SHOULD I SPLIT MY 4 DAYS IN DORDOGNE VALLEY. 3 NEAR BEYNAC AND 1 NEAR SALERS?
I will be visiting a lot of small places from Beynac en route Le Puy en Veley. I am also thinking of visiting Rocamadour and Padirac on my 3rd day so that I have more time on day 4 to visit other small villages on the way to Le Puy.
Please suggest >>
NO! I would drop Carcassonne and add a night to Rocamadour in order to see Rocamadour, Padirac,and the small villages of Collonges-la-Rouge, Autoir, Loubressac, and Carennac.You can stay outside of Rocamadour in or near L,Hospitalet for great views of Rocamadour, esp. at night.
We stayed here www.domainedelarhue.com/gb/accueil.htm
I would do it like this:
Day 20 Drive St Andiol to Le Puy (3hrs30,220km)
Day 21 Le Puy
Day 22 Drive Le Puy to Salers (3hrs,160km)
Day 23 Drive Salers to Rocamadour (2hrs30,120km) Collonges-la-Rouge, Padirac enroute. See what you can of Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac.
Day 24 Drive Rocamadour to Beynac/Sarlat(1 hr20, 60km) It would be nice to get there in AM. You have a lot to see in 2-1/2 days.
Day 25 Beynac/Sarlat
Day 26 Beynac/Sarlat
Day 27 Drive to Loire Valley
The above route saves 3hrs driving, 275km, and 100+ euros in gas/tolls.
Mar 16th, 2015, 06:03 AM
#105
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dugi_otok, Thanks a lot for that reply. You have really put in a lot of efforts and experience. It did come to my mind at one time.
I was in 2 minds about Carcassonne or Le Puy.
Carcassone is on the list because, I am fascinated by these fairytale castles. Have visited many in Germany, Spain and Portugal. Just thought that my quest would be incomplete without seeing Carcassonne and Mont Saint Michel.
I also think that there would be a Deja Vu feeling after visting wonderful places like Gordes and other hill top villages in Luberon, Provence and Dordogne region.
I would rather skip Padirac and just visit 3 places in that region, Rocamadour, Autoire and salers.
In fact, I also thought that despite adding 7 to 10 days to my trip, I am trying to gobble up too much in one trip. Am kind of greedy to see more. When I read Stu Dudley's trip reports, I feel like scrapping the plan and just staying at 2 places for 15 days each.
Am researching on the place you have suggested.
Thanks again...
I was in 2 minds about Carcassonne or Le Puy.
Carcassone is on the list because, I am fascinated by these fairytale castles. Have visited many in Germany, Spain and Portugal. Just thought that my quest would be incomplete without seeing Carcassonne and Mont Saint Michel.
I also think that there would be a Deja Vu feeling after visting wonderful places like Gordes and other hill top villages in Luberon, Provence and Dordogne region.
I would rather skip Padirac and just visit 3 places in that region, Rocamadour, Autoire and salers.
In fact, I also thought that despite adding 7 to 10 days to my trip, I am trying to gobble up too much in one trip. Am kind of greedy to see more. When I read Stu Dudley's trip reports, I feel like scrapping the plan and just staying at 2 places for 15 days each.
Am researching on the place you have suggested.
Thanks again...
May 12th, 2015, 10:56 AM
#106
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Hello friends..
After a long period of planning, I am all set to go. Flying 16th May early morning to Paris. You all have helped me shape up my itinerary for my dream road trip through Rural France for 37 days.
Thanks everyone for all the efforts and encouragement.
Curious to explore France at my own pace. A coveted road trip with the family.
I am anxious and excited.
Shall connect again when I am back.
Thanks a million again.
After a long period of planning, I am all set to go. Flying 16th May early morning to Paris. You all have helped me shape up my itinerary for my dream road trip through Rural France for 37 days.
Thanks everyone for all the efforts and encouragement.
Curious to explore France at my own pace. A coveted road trip with the family.
I am anxious and excited.
Shall connect again when I am back.
Thanks a million again.
May 12th, 2015, 11:13 AM
#107
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>>I would rather skip Padirac and just visit 3 places in that region, Rocamadour, Autoire and salers.<<
I hope that by now you have a map and can see that Salers (one of our favorite villages - we stayed near there for 1 week) is in the Cantal Dept & not very close to Rocamadour & Autoire. Carennac is another of our favorites - near Autoire. Unless you have a cave-phobia - I would visit Padirac.
Stu Dudley
I hope that by now you have a map and can see that Salers (one of our favorite villages - we stayed near there for 1 week) is in the Cantal Dept & not very close to Rocamadour & Autoire. Carennac is another of our favorites - near Autoire. Unless you have a cave-phobia - I would visit Padirac.
Stu Dudley
May 13th, 2015, 09:13 AM
#111
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Thanks Stu, I liked the Padirac cave photos. May be I am packing in a lot in that day. Am staying at Argentat overnight. Shall re-think over it. I am taking all your notes with me. It has helped a lot.
dugi_otok- I have finally booked through Renault Eurodrive all-inclusive, tax-free purchase / repurchase program. I will get a brand new Renault- Dacia Duster Petrol- Manual drive. I got it at 928 Euros for 33 days inclusive of Comprehensive insurance with no excess to pay/Roadside assistance/ unlimited mileage/ no pick up fees/ no extra charge for extra drivers/ free GPS. Plus I am getting 1 tank full of fuel worth 90 Euros. That makes it effectively 828 Euros at approx 25 euros per day. next Best quote under Car rentals was 1700 Euros(without GPS)
I selected this one as I have driven it in India, It can easily take my 4 bags and plus some more, it has high chassis and better road view.
have posted another thread for future reference for other fodorites.
dwdvagamundo, thanks for the wishes.
Coquelicot, I have read a lot and planned well in advance, but am feeling like a student who feels he has forgotten all before the exam.
will have my notes ready.
Want to add a thread from a photographer's point of view.
I must thank everyone again. The planning phase was really enjoyable.
dugi_otok- I have finally booked through Renault Eurodrive all-inclusive, tax-free purchase / repurchase program. I will get a brand new Renault- Dacia Duster Petrol- Manual drive. I got it at 928 Euros for 33 days inclusive of Comprehensive insurance with no excess to pay/Roadside assistance/ unlimited mileage/ no pick up fees/ no extra charge for extra drivers/ free GPS. Plus I am getting 1 tank full of fuel worth 90 Euros. That makes it effectively 828 Euros at approx 25 euros per day. next Best quote under Car rentals was 1700 Euros(without GPS)
I selected this one as I have driven it in India, It can easily take my 4 bags and plus some more, it has high chassis and better road view.
have posted another thread for future reference for other fodorites.
dwdvagamundo, thanks for the wishes.
Coquelicot, I have read a lot and planned well in advance, but am feeling like a student who feels he has forgotten all before the exam.
will have my notes ready.Want to add a thread from a photographer's point of view.
I must thank everyone again. The planning phase was really enjoyable.
Jun 28th, 2015, 03:58 AM
#112
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Dear Fodorites,
am back home from a wonderful 37 days Road trip holiday to France. All went as per plans.
It was my longest holiday till date. My family supported me in my passion and all were rewarded. Such a long holiday was a test of mental and physical endurance for all of us. It was great for family bonding and a dream come true.
France is more beautiful than what we see in the pictures and has more variety to offer which very few countries can offer.. like Turkey, Spain and India.
I must thank all of you who gave me suggestions and shaped up my itinerary. Without your efforts, it couldn't have been so good.
Am compiling my data and photos. Shall post a report soon.
Thanks again...
am back home from a wonderful 37 days Road trip holiday to France. All went as per plans.
It was my longest holiday till date. My family supported me in my passion and all were rewarded. Such a long holiday was a test of mental and physical endurance for all of us. It was great for family bonding and a dream come true.
France is more beautiful than what we see in the pictures and has more variety to offer which very few countries can offer.. like Turkey, Spain and India.
I must thank all of you who gave me suggestions and shaped up my itinerary. Without your efforts, it couldn't have been so good.
Am compiling my data and photos. Shall post a report soon.
Thanks again...
Jun 30th, 2015, 03:52 AM
#114
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I'm so glad you all had a great trip. Somehow I knew it would work out that way, thanks to all your planning and your concern to find something of interest for each member of your family. I'm really looking forward to your report. Too bad real life always has to intervene right after a trip, when we're all wanting to take it easy and bask in the memories.
Sep 21st, 2015, 04:34 PM
#118
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I enjoyed reading your posts during your trip planning and look forward to your trip report. My husband and I also enjoyed our 24 days in France in May and June and I hope to get my trip report and photos up soon. As you said, it was a very beautiful country. I have had people ask what my favorite place was in France, and I truly cannot say, as there was something wonderful about each place. I hope I haven't missed your report, as I see that your last post was on June 30th.
