South of France (2 Viewers)

[Leeroy Jenkins]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.

I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).

So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.

Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

 

[Osaurus]

You going to Beaumont Sur Mer?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

You going to Beaumont Sur Mer?

I don't know what that means. I haven't planned or booked anything yet. This is just an idea floating in my brain.

 

[El Floppo]

Why no interest in Florence? Beautiful, interesting, worth-visiting city. Unless you've already been?

I don't think May is the time to hit up beaches anywhere, let alone in the South of France. But there could be worse places to go with your gf.

 

[Genedoc]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

I prefer the South to the North. It's a completely different place. Weather, food, architecture are all completely different. Southern France is more Mediterranean, Northern is more Continental Europe. Lots to see and do. Beautiful wine country in the Southern Rhone, Avignon, Nice. TGV available from several places in the South to Paris and it's much, much better than flying.For a completely different feel, I've heard Alsace/Strasbourg is amazing, though I haven't been personally. Alsace is not like Northern France, Southern France, or Germany...it's Alsatian. The land has been swapped between France and Germany so many times that the people don't really identify/trust either. For the 4-5 days it sounds like you've got, I'd pick 2-3 places and just go.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Nice is one of my favorite cities in the world. Beautiful beaches, beautiful women, and old town has some great cafes.

Another great option would be [url=http://www.cinqueterreonline.com/http://www.cinqueterreonline.com/". There are some fantastic hikes along the coast.

 

[Genedoc]

You going to Beaumont Sur Mer?

I don't know what that means. I haven't planned or booked anything yet. This is just an idea floating in my brain.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reference.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

If travelling from Italy I would recommend:

Monaco (25%) --> Nice (15%) --> Cannes (60%)

Not sure how long you are going, I had the most fun in Cannes, best beaches etc. Never really visited Nice, just traveled through there. Monaco is pretty cool to check out but it is tiny. Last time I was there the Grand Prix was going on.

Provence is pretty cool, your girl might like it, walled city, old France type tourist stuff if you are into that.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

I prefer the South to the North. It's a completely different place. Weather, food, architecture are all completely different. Southern France is more Mediterranean, Northern is more Continental Europe. Lots to see and do. Beautiful wine country in the Southern Rhone, Avignon, Nice. TGV available from several places in the South to Paris and it's much, much better than flying.For a completely different feel, I've heard Alsace/Strasbourg is amazing, though I haven't been personally. Alsace is not like Northern France, Southern France, or Germany...it's Alsatian. The land has been swapped between France and Germany so many times that the people don't really identify/trust either. For the 4-5 days it sounds like you've got, I'd pick 2-3 places and just go.

The south of France really is nothing like Paris.

 

[Redwes25]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

Florence and South of France are two of my favorite places in Europe. Wish you could do both.

 

[urbanhack]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

I prefer the South to the North. It's a completely different place. Weather, food, architecture are all completely different. Southern France is more Mediterranean, Northern is more Continental Europe. Lots to see and do. Beautiful wine country in the Southern Rhone, Avignon, Nice. TGV available from several places in the South to Paris and it's much, much better than flying.For a completely different feel, I've heard Alsace/Strasbourg is amazing, though I haven't been personally. Alsace is not like Northern France, Southern France, or Germany...it's Alsatian. The land has been swapped between France and Germany so many times that the people don't really identify/trust either. For the 4-5 days it sounds like you've got, I'd pick 2-3 places and just go.

I went to Alsace/Strasbourg about a year ago in the spring. It was pretty cold, but I really enjoyed the area (especially if you like champagne and rieslings). I would also recommend hitting Lyon for a day if it makes travel sense. They have some of the best cuisine in all of France. I highly recommend. Avignon is also a great place to spend a day or two. It's an old city where the Pope used to rule from. It still has a wall around it. Great shops and great food.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Why no interest in Florence? Beautiful, interesting, worth-visiting city. Unless you've already been?I don't think May is the time to hit up beaches anywhere, let alone in the South of France. But there could be worse places to go with your gf.

I guess it isn't zero interest, but I do not really feel like being with my entire large group family the whole trip. My gf has been to Florence before. She's mentioned in passing before the South of France and how she'd like to see it. Is May a bad time to go?Rome interests me because of the history. I've never even been to Europe at all.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.

Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.

The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

 

[Ilov80s]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

I can't tell you anything of Southern France, but I am sure it would be a nice place to go on an excursion with the girlfriend. I can say that Florence is amazing and easily of the most memorable places on earth. I understand wanting to get away from your family. There are some amazing small towns in Tuscany that could visited while your family went to Florence. Some of the world's best wine, food, and views in Tuscany.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Agree with Jo Jo...if you go, Villafranche and Nice are not must-sees by any means.

 

[Ilov80s]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

 

[Genedoc]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.

Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.

The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

Given the choice between Florence with my entire family and So. France with just my wife, my only choices would be which cities in So. France.

 

[El Floppo]

Why no interest in Florence? Beautiful, interesting, worth-visiting city. Unless you've already been?I don't think May is the time to hit up beaches anywhere, let alone in the South of France. But there could be worse places to go with your gf.

I guess it isn't zero interest, but I do not really feel like being with my entire large group family the whole trip. My gf has been to Florence before. She's mentioned in passing before the South of France and how she'd like to see it. Is May a bad time to go?Rome interests me because of the history. I've never even been to Europe at all.

It's a no-lose situation for you, no matter where you go. You'll get a taste of Italy through Rome.I think May sounds great- but I don't think of it as a "hanging at the beach time".. But as other guys are saying, the region will be great even if not. Take the girl wine-tasting, site-seeing... and that time of year shouldn't be too crowded.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.

Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.

The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

Given the choice between Florence with my entire family and So. France with just my wife, my only choices would be which cities in So. France.

Right. I'm trying to do a best of both worlds thing here. Have a nice time with family and enjoy history and heritage, and then have our own little romantic getaway as well. and then end back with the family in Paris for 1-2 days.So let's say we are talking 3 nights in Rome, 5-6 in So. France, and 1-2 nights in Paris in Mid-May.

 

[El Floppo]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

I was going to recommend Switzerland as an option... Sounds like she'd do great in a B&B in the wine country with a day in Monaco and/or driving through Nice and Cannes.How are you guys getting around?Oh- that Cinque Terre (S Italy coast) idea is fantastic- but maybe too out of the way.

 

[Genedoc]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.

Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.

The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

If you're hiking/outdoorsy types, get in a little ways from the coast and you're set. Also, since you mentioned hiking, if you cycle by any chance, check out Mt. Ventoux.

 

[Ilov80s]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

I think she would really love Tuscany. It still would allow you to spend part of a day in Florence (a real must see). Tuscany is very simple, peaceful and rustic. In many towns, it feels like stepping back in time.

 

[culdeus]

I worked in Nice for a period of time early in my career. I'm still pretty familiar with the area, but obviously some restaurants and things may have slid a bit since being there.

I would agree that it is not worth a trip in and of itself. It's mainly a travel spot for Brits, and while pretty isn't all that unique or historical from as sight-see perspective.

 

[Osaurus]

Not a bug fan of the Med side of France, but I really like the Atlantic side near Spain like Biarritz. Of course the time of year you're going I wouldn't recommend going in the ocean. The towns down to the Spanish border are nice and the folks are super cool. More laid back than the Med IMO.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

I was going to recommend Switzerland as an option... Sounds like she'd do great in a B&B in the wine country with a day in Monaco and/or driving through Nice and Cannes.How are you guys getting around?Oh- that Cinque Terre (S Italy coast) idea is fantastic- but maybe too out of the way.

He is coming from Rome. It isn't out of the way.

 

[urbanhack]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.

Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.

The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

Definitely try and check out Annecy. It's in France close to the Alps. It sits on a beautiful, clear lake and has canals running through it. It was pretty cold when I was there, but can't imagine what it would be like in warm weather.http://www.google.com/images?client=firefo...440&bih=719

 

[El Floppo]

Having been to Florence once (three days) and everywhere along the Côte d'Azu, I think you will regret not going to northern Italy for the rest of your life.Does your gf love to shop on Rodeo Drive, the Michigan Mile and Fifth Avenue? Then add the French Riviera.The beaches are nice, and like many Euro spots, topless. The casino in Monte Carlo is pretty ritzy/upscale - def a treat to visit. But overall, this should be a no-brainer. Anything you can do along the southern coast you can find in a lot of places. Florence is a world unto itself.

Agreed. Besides, if you are talking shopping alone, Florence is a mecca.

She's not a big shopper. He favorite European experience was hiking in Switzerland and staying in some 1600s cabin with no electricity and running water and eating melted cheese with bread and wine.

I was going to recommend Switzerland as an option... Sounds like she'd do great in a B&B in the wine country with a day in Monaco and/or driving through Nice and Cannes.How are you guys getting around?Oh- that Cinque Terre (S Italy coast) idea is fantastic- but maybe too out of the way.

He is coming from Rome. It isn't out of the way.

Maybe I'm a little confused... but if they're travelling from Rome to Florence to Paris, seems like heading the opposite direction would be- what I call- out of the way. And if the beaches are a necessity- I'm jumping aboard the Tuscany bandwagon... so much to see, including Florence, and enough room for you guys to split off and do your own thing.

 

[El Floppo]

Maybe I'm a little confused... but if they're travelling from Rome to Florence to Paris, seems like heading the opposite direction would be- what I call- out of the way. And if the beaches are a necessity- I'm jumping aboard the Tuscany bandwagon... so much to see, including Florence, and enough room for you guys to split off and do your own thing.

WE both keep saying Cinque-Terre, but I keep thinking Amalfi coast.Ignore the out of the way comment.eta: Cinque Terre sounds like something Leroy's gf would love

 

[Redwes25]

Why no interest in Florence? Beautiful, interesting, worth-visiting city. Unless you've already been?I don't think May is the time to hit up beaches anywhere, let alone in the South of France. But there could be worse places to go with your gf.

I guess it isn't zero interest, but I do not really feel like being with my entire large group family the whole trip. My gf has been to Florence before. She's mentioned in passing before the South of France and how she'd like to see it. Is May a bad time to go?Rome interests me because of the history. I've never even been to Europe at all.

May is probably not the best time to sit on a beach. However, drive through provenance and go to Aix and Avignon. Enjoy the food and wine and take it slow. It really doesn't get much better than that.ETA - Arles is another great place to go.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess.

I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.

Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

 

[Redwes25]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess. I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

Rent a car if you go to southern france. You want to be able to drive around. I would not go to Nice, etc... Monaco is a cool spot but unless you are going to gamble would rather visit the french countryside.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess. I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

Rent a car if you go to southern france. You want to be able to drive around. I would not go to Nice, etc... Monaco is a cool spot but unless you are going to gamble would rather visit the french countryside.

Is there a way to both gamble and do wine country and/or beaches (weather permitting)?

 

[Kumerica]

If you can squeeze a few more days into your trip, I'd recommend doing all of it. Florence, IMO, doesn't have quite the historically clout-laden sights as Rome, but I definitely liked it more. The surrounding Tuscan countryside is effing phenomenal and worth the airfare alone. Perhaps you can manage an itinerary the looks something like this:

1) Do Rome with the whole family (do a guided walking tour of all the major sights--very interesting/informative; you feel like you've seen everything in a day)

2) Bail with the GF a day earlier than the family and take the train to Florence

3) Enjoy Florence: the food, the shopping, the sightseeing

4) Rent a car, drive into Tuscany, taste the wine & food, stay overnight (or two nights) at a Tuscan villa/winery (PM me if you want a good reco)

5) Back to Florence, return car, take train to . . .

6) Italian Riviera, and you can train it around the Med into France, and along the French Riviera

7) Stay/rent car wherever you choose along the Italian/French Rivs

8) Take train up to Paris, where you meet back up with la familigia.

 

[Redwes25]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess. I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

Rent a car if you go to southern france. You want to be able to drive around. I would not go to Nice, etc... Monaco is a cool spot but unless you are going to gamble would rather visit the french countryside.

Is there a way to both gamble and do wine country and/or beaches (weather permitting)?

Not sure how much time you have but you could go to Nice and visit Cannes and Monacco (all really close together) where gambling and beaches all fit together. However, in May it is like 70 and really not beach wheather which is way I would not go to that area in May. The heart of provenance is about 2 hour drive from Nice according to Google Maps if you want to go to both. Provenance is really more of a food mecca then wine country though the wine is great. True french wine country where the best places to go are the vineyards are to far out of your way (e.g. Burgundy or Bordeoux). My best advice is not to feel rushed wherever you go and doing beach towns and french countryside might be to much if you only have 2 or 3 days. Also, Tuscanny countrside is another great location so if you cut out a trip to France and go to Florence stay in the small towns in addition to a night in Florence and take it slow. Also, Tuscanny is some great wine country. Others might feel differently but if I had to rate your options it would go like this. 1A. Florence1B. Provenance3. Tuscanny4. Nice, Cannes, MonaccoIf I included Rome on the list I would put it below Tuscanny and above Nice, etc... I am not a huge Rome fan and Florence is my favorite city in Italy.

 

[culdeus]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess. I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

Rent a car if you go to southern france. You want to be able to drive around. I would not go to Nice, etc... Monaco is a cool spot but unless you are going to gamble would rather visit the french countryside.

Is there a way to both gamble and do wine country and/or beaches (weather permitting)?

There isn't any great wine to speak of that you could day trip to from Monaco. There is some so-so wine if you just want to do the whole wine thing just to do it. Most of the wine tourism industry isn't that strong around the so-so reasons though.

 

[ODoyleRules]

Really liked Florence, but loved Lake Como and Bellagio (north of Milan). One of my favorite places in the world. Beautiful scenery, great hiking, no driving and outstanding food and drink.

 

[Ilov80s]

Really liked Florence, but loved Lake Como and Bellagio (north of Milan). One of my favorite places in the world. Beautiful scenery, great hiking, no driving and outstanding food and drink.

Nice, but out of the way for him.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

I wouldn't plan on doing a lot of gambling (if any) while in the French Riviera, all of the games and odds are very house friendly. It cool to see James Bond type casinos but really they are very boutique-ish and nothing like you would find in Las Vegas. I checked out the casinos in Monaco and Cannes. Cannes you had to kind of ask around as to where it was, it almost seemed invite only, they didn't advertise it and the odds seemed even worse than in Monaco. Granted I went about 10 years ago, maybe things have changed slightly but I wouldn't bet on it being much different. There was no poker in these casinos 10 years ago.

 

[Genedoc]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess.

I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.

Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

Rent a car if you go to southern france. You want to be able to drive around. I would not go to Nice, etc... Monaco is a cool spot but unless you are going to gamble would rather visit the french countryside.

Is there a way to both gamble and do wine country and/or beaches (weather permitting)?

Not sure how much time you have but you could go to Nice and visit Cannes and Monacco (all really close together) where gambling and beaches all fit together. However, in May it is like 70 and really not beach wheather which is way I would not go to that area in May. The heart of provenance is about 2 hour drive from Nice according to Google Maps if you want to go to both. Provenance is really more of a food mecca then wine country though the wine is great. True french wine country where the best places to go are the vineyards are to far out of your way (e.g. Burgundy or Bordeoux). My best advice is not to feel rushed wherever you go and doing beach towns and french countryside might be to much if you only have 2 or 3 days. Also, Tuscanny countrside is another great location so if you cut out a trip to France and go to Florence stay in the small towns in addition to a night in Florence and take it slow. Also, Tuscanny is some great wine country. Others might feel differently but if I had to rate your options it would go like this.

1A. Florence

1B. Provenance

3. Tuscanny

4. Nice, Cannes, Monacco

If I included Rome on the list I would put it below Tuscanny and above Nice, etc... I am not a huge Rome fan and Florence is my favorite city in Italy.

Dissent re: the bold. I'd recommend Rhone over any other wine region in France other than Burgundy for visitors interested in food, wine, and site seeing (caveat, I've not been to Alsace, which I here is exceptional as well). Burgundy is a clear #1 IMHO, but Rhone is a close second, and both well ahead of Bordeaux for the average visitor. Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape are amazing, from the galets in the vineyards to the history in Avignon. On the way from Avignon to Paris, Lyon and Cote Rotie are easy stops with great food, world class wines, stunning scenery (the slopes of Cote Rotie are beautiful) and it's enough off the beaten path that it's a wonderful experience. The inns and the restaurants of the Rhone Valley were some of my favorite memories of traveling in France.

 

[Redwes25]

No idea how I'm getting around. I haven't gotten that far yet. Something I need to think about I guess.

I'm not scheduled on the family trip yet. My Aunt is a world traveller for leisure and as a career and used their travel agent to put the family trip together. I will talk to her tonight about ideas and how to get around etc.

Thanks for all the help and input thus far. The more you guys talk, the more informed a decision I can make. (I never would have thought about "how do I get around" because I was just thinking "well there is a train or something I hear and I'm sure I can get a cab"). I have ZERO European travel experience.

Rent a car if you go to southern france. You want to be able to drive around. I would not go to Nice, etc... Monaco is a cool spot but unless you are going to gamble would rather visit the french countryside.

Is there a way to both gamble and do wine country and/or beaches (weather permitting)?

Not sure how much time you have but you could go to Nice and visit Cannes and Monacco (all really close together) where gambling and beaches all fit together. However, in May it is like 70 and really not beach wheather which is way I would not go to that area in May. The heart of provenance is about 2 hour drive from Nice according to Google Maps if you want to go to both. Provenance is really more of a food mecca then wine country though the wine is great. True french wine country where the best places to go are the vineyards are to far out of your way (e.g. Burgundy or Bordeoux). My best advice is not to feel rushed wherever you go and doing beach towns and french countryside might be to much if you only have 2 or 3 days. Also, Tuscanny countrside is another great location so if you cut out a trip to France and go to Florence stay in the small towns in addition to a night in Florence and take it slow. Also, Tuscanny is some great wine country. Others might feel differently but if I had to rate your options it would go like this.

1A. Florence

1B. Provenance

3. Tuscanny

4. Nice, Cannes, Monacco

If I included Rome on the list I would put it below Tuscanny and above Nice, etc... I am not a huge Rome fan and Florence is my favorite city in Italy.

Dissent re: the bold. I'd recommend Rhone over any other wine region in France other than Burgundy for visitors interested in food, wine, and site seeing (caveat, I've not been to Alsace, which I here is exceptional as well). Burgundy is a clear #1 IMHO, but Rhone is a close second, and both well ahead of Bordeaux for the average visitor. Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape are amazing, from the galets in the vineyards to the history in Avignon. On the way from Avignon to Paris, Lyon and Cote Rotie are easy stops with great food, world class wines, stunning scenery (the slopes of Cote Rotie are beautiful) and it's enough off the beaten path that it's a wonderful experience. The inns and the restaurants of the Rhone Valley were some of my favorite memories of traveling in France.

Good idea on Rhone but I didn't list since I thought that would be out of his way as well as he seemed focus on coast of france.

 

[ODoyleRules]

Really liked Florence, but loved Lake Como and Bellagio (north of Milan). One of my favorite places in the world. Beautiful scenery, great hiking, no driving and outstanding food and drink.

Nice, but out of the way for him.

No bigger hassle than South of France (at least according to my map). Practically speaking, if it was me, I'd pick a small town outside of Florence (Arrezzo, Siena or Pisa) for a couple of days and then join back up with the group.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I really just have no idea what I'm talking about or getting myself into.

 

[DiStefano]

Whatever else you do, stay in St. Paul de Vence. A lovely hilltop village, with first class accommodations. I believe I stayed at La Colombe, which had private swimming pools for each suite. When I arrived in my rented car, I felt like a peasant, as there were two Ferraris and a Maserati parked outside.

http://www.saint-pauldevence.com/tourism_uk.html

 

[Ilov80s]

Really liked Florence, but loved Lake Como and Bellagio (north of Milan). One of my favorite places in the world. Beautiful scenery, great hiking, no driving and outstanding food and drink.

Nice, but out of the way for him.

No bigger hassle than South of France (at least according to my map). Practically speaking, if it was me, I'd pick a small town outside of Florence (Arrezzo, Siena or Pisa) for a couple of days and then join back up with the group.

There are also so many interesting small towns like Montelcino, Montepulciano, Monte San Sevino, and Pienza.

 

[gonzobill5]

Personally, I would go to Florence and skip Rome. I just found it too touristy. It was probably also because I tried to cram a million things into just a few days and didn't get to really appreciate any of it.

Nice and Monaco are spectacular. Certainly worth seeing but I wouldn't cut out Florence for them. I'm guessing it will be beautiful but still somewhat cold in May.

 

[El Floppo]

Really liked Florence, but loved Lake Como and Bellagio (north of Milan). One of my favorite places in the world. Beautiful scenery, great hiking, no driving and outstanding food and drink.

Nice, but out of the way for him.

No bigger hassle than South of France (at least according to my map). Practically speaking, if it was me, I'd pick a small town outside of Florence (Arrezzo, Siena or Pisa) for a couple of days and then join back up with the group.

There are also so many interesting small towns like Montelcino, Montepulciano, Monte San Sevino, and Pienza.

Love that wine too...

 

[higgins]

 

[cstu]

My family is heading to Europe in May. They are doing Rome, Florence, and Paris over 10 days.I want to go with them and my gf, but I do not really want to be with my entire family for the whole trip, and I have little interest in Florence (unless you guys can convince me otherwise).So I was thinking that perhaps I travel with the family to Rome and stay there 3 nights and then when they head to Florence, I go to the South of France with my lady so we can enjoy beaches and whatever the hell else is there. (this is where you come in). Then I can meet back with my family in Paris for the last 2 nights of the trip or so.Have and FBGs been to South of France? What's it like? How does my plan sound?

Paris is a whole trip in itself and that's way too much to try to see in 10 days. Tell your family to just stick to Italy this trip.

 

[cstu]

Really liked Florence, but loved Lake Como and Bellagio (north of Milan). One of my favorite places in the world. Beautiful scenery, great hiking, no driving and outstanding food and drink.

I just booked tickets in April, flying into Milan so we're going to go there. By the way, RT tickets from NY to Milan are $248 at Iberia.com right now, through the middle of April.