France summer trip help

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't like Nice. It's the playground of multimillionaires with yachts. I didn't find much for us plebes to do. I also thought Aix-en-Provence was very, very sleepy. The countryside around it is lovely, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Aix. There are other lovely towns and villages in the region with fewer tourists.

I really enjoyed Avignon, particularly the countryside around Avignon. Spending a day kayaking down the Gardon under the Pont du Gard is a favorite memory of France.

Bastille Day in Paris is also something special, if that works with your timing. If not, just watch that date because the French are serious about their holidays and lots will be closed.

Agreed about the towns around Avignon. In particular we really enjoyed the Luberon (not alone in that!). You will need a car for that part, and it will be crowded/hot at that time of year. Definitely make sure your hotel.or rental has air conditioning (most do). Car rental is very easy at Avignon TGV station.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't like Nice. It's the playground of multimillionaires with yachts. I didn't find much for us plebes to do. I also thought Aix-en-Provence was very, very sleepy. The countryside around it is lovely, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Aix. There are other lovely towns and villages in the region with fewer tourists.

I really enjoyed Avignon, particularly the countryside around Avignon. Spending a day kayaking down the Gardon under the Pont du Gard is a favorite memory of France.

Bastille Day in Paris is also something special, if that works with your timing. If not, just watch that date because the French are serious about their holidays and lots will be closed.

Agreed about the towns around Avignon. In particular we really enjoyed the Luberon (not alone in that!). You will need a car for that part, and it will be crowded/hot at that time of year. Definitely make sure your hotel.or rental has air conditioning (most do). Car rental is very easy at Avignon TGV station.

There are also some working farms in that area which are rustic restaurants as well. Very very fun experience to spend a beautiful night there at a big outdoor table eating simple but incredible provencal food.

[Anonymous]

Almost debating whether to just stay the whole time in Antibes at a hostel and just sign up for a tour vs renting an overpriced studio apartment in Avignon. The ymca in Avignon would be great. I’ve emailed them to see if they are renting out beds. I think they are not taking individuals but doesn’t hurt to ask!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Almost debating whether to just stay the whole time in Antibes at a hostel and just sign up for a tour vs renting an overpriced studio apartment in Avignon. The ymca in Avignon would be great. I’ve emailed them to see if they are renting out beds. I think they are not taking individuals but doesn’t hurt to ask!

Are you planning to actually visit the beach? If not, I'd stay inland and not pay the higher beach vacation prices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Almost debating whether to just stay the whole time in Antibes at a hostel and just sign up for a tour vs renting an overpriced studio apartment in Avignon. The ymca in Avignon would be great. I’ve emailed them to see if they are renting out beds. I think they are not taking individuals but doesn’t hurt to ask!

Are you planning to actually visit the beach? If not, I'd stay inland and not pay the higher beach vacation prices.

Yes, I absolutely plan on visiting the beach. It’s not a premium. It’s $50 a night at the hostel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Almost debating whether to just stay the whole time in Antibes at a hostel and just sign up for a tour vs renting an overpriced studio apartment in Avignon. The ymca in Avignon would be great. I’ve emailed them to see if they are renting out beds. I think they are not taking individuals but doesn’t hurt to ask!

Are you planning to actually visit the beach? If not, I'd stay inland and not pay the higher beach vacation prices.

Yes, I absolutely plan on visiting the beach. It’s not a premium. It’s $50 a night at the hostel.

There are other costs too, like food

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Almost debating whether to just stay the whole time in Antibes at a hostel and just sign up for a tour vs renting an overpriced studio apartment in Avignon. The ymca in Avignon would be great. I’ve emailed them to see if they are renting out beds. I think they are not taking individuals but doesn’t hurt to ask!

Are you planning to actually visit the beach? If not, I'd stay inland and not pay the higher beach vacation prices.

Yes, I absolutely plan on visiting the beach. It’s not a premium. It’s $50 a night at the hostel.

There are other costs too, like food

Yes, I’m quite aware.

[Anonymous]

I just got back and went through Dublin with Aer Lingus...wasn't great, wish I had gone with Play. Flying internationally isn't what it used to be, might as well go with an airline that's up front with that.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I've kind of narrowed down the vibes/experiences I'm going for and some ideas.

Antibes:

-Rented a room 4 nights in a nice hostel.
-Provencal markets, picasso museum, shopping, adorable old town...yes.
-plan on renting a beach chair at least one day and eating/drinking/relaxing/swimming through the day.

It seems like I could just easily relax for 4 days around Antibes. I could do a half-day trip to Vieux Nice or Villefranche.

I didn't find much in Avignon BUT then I found a sweet hotel in Saint-Remy-de-Provence with a terrific pool for less money. It's got the charm. The village looks adorable and perfect for relaxing, shopping, and visiting a lavender farm and a few quaint villages. I think I'll stay 3 nights. I love lavender. And flowers.And rose.

I think I will end my trip with 3 nights Paris.

[Anonymous]

I would pay the extra for airfrance and just stay in the south of France an led no need to hostels. You can find smaller hotels or apartments for the same as hostels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I've kind of narrowed down the vibes/experiences I'm going for and some ideas.

Antibes:

-Rented a room 4 nights in a nice hostel.
-Provencal markets, picasso museum, shopping, adorable old town...yes.
-plan on renting a beach chair at least one day and eating/drinking/relaxing/swimming through the day.

It seems like I could just easily relax for 4 days around Antibes. I could do a half-day trip to Vieux Nice or Villefranche.

I didn't find much in Avignon BUT then I found a sweet hotel in Saint-Remy-de-Provence with a terrific pool for less money. It's got the charm. The village looks adorable and perfect for relaxing, shopping, and visiting a lavender farm and a few quaint villages. I think I'll stay 3 nights. I love lavender. And flowers.And rose.

I think I will end my trip with 3 nights Paris.

St. Remy is a good choice- we had a fantastic meal there when staying in the area (restaurant is now closed), it is very quaint. Check the timing on lavender being in season- it's possible it won't be blooming.

[Anonymous]

Saint Remy is lovely, good choice. Just wanted to add that you’ll need to hire a car or maybe try to find a tour if you want to explore towns beyond St Remy because there is very limited public transport/cabs.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I will rent a car. I am excited!

[Anonymous]

Glad to see you are renting a car. The area has so many tiny villages (the villages perches) that are set up in the hills, it is really fun to drive around and discover them . St Remy is adorable. With the car, I recommend visiting Rousillon from St. Remy. Stunning ochre deposits and buildings. Also visit the famous abbey nearby with the lavender fields. Gorgeous.