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Message
Honeymoon in France - 1 open location slot
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:01 am
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:01 am
Hello all. My fiancee and I are in the process of booking our honeymoon itinerary in France for next year. So far I've got our itinerary down to:
Nice - 3 nights
We're staying at the Chateau du Chevre d'Or in Eze and plan to rent a 150cc moped to explore Nice and Monaco.
Saint Tropez - 4 nights
Staying at the Althoff Villa Belrose and plan to do most of our relaxing here. Hit the beach, lounge by the pool, go to Les Caves du Roy on Friday night.
Open - 2 nights
Epernay - 2 nights
Staying on the Avenue de Champagne. Plan to visit the champagne houses and museums. Might make it out to a vineyard or 2.
Paris - 3 nights
Staying at the Park Hyatt Vendome. It will be my first time in Paris so we plan to do a lot of sight-seeing.
For the open slot, we've got a rental car starting with our departure from Nice up to the end of Epernay. The locations we're considering for the open 2 nights are between Aix en Provence, Avignon, and Lyon. Lyon is probably my leading favorite as it will break up the drive the best and offers the most urban environment as most of our trip will be pretty quiet. We would plan to stop for lunch at Chateauneuf du Pape on the drive from Saint Tropez to Lyon. Just wondering if anyone here has any input that might make the decision easier. Also, if you have any must-dos for some of the other locations, I would be glad to hear it.
Nice - 3 nights
We're staying at the Chateau du Chevre d'Or in Eze and plan to rent a 150cc moped to explore Nice and Monaco.
Saint Tropez - 4 nights
Staying at the Althoff Villa Belrose and plan to do most of our relaxing here. Hit the beach, lounge by the pool, go to Les Caves du Roy on Friday night.
Open - 2 nights
Epernay - 2 nights
Staying on the Avenue de Champagne. Plan to visit the champagne houses and museums. Might make it out to a vineyard or 2.
Paris - 3 nights
Staying at the Park Hyatt Vendome. It will be my first time in Paris so we plan to do a lot of sight-seeing.
For the open slot, we've got a rental car starting with our departure from Nice up to the end of Epernay. The locations we're considering for the open 2 nights are between Aix en Provence, Avignon, and Lyon. Lyon is probably my leading favorite as it will break up the drive the best and offers the most urban environment as most of our trip will be pretty quiet. We would plan to stop for lunch at Chateauneuf du Pape on the drive from Saint Tropez to Lyon. Just wondering if anyone here has any input that might make the decision easier. Also, if you have any must-dos for some of the other locations, I would be glad to hear it.
4
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:42 am to LSUsuperfresh
Beaune. Avignon is nice and CdP has some great properties to visit. You seem like you are into wine so can’t really go wrong.
ETA that’s a lot of moving around. I’d ditch rental car and use trains where possible. For one gonna be much easier and likely cheaper. Secondly will allow you time to relax in between cities since you’ve got a lot of go go go.
ETA that’s a lot of moving around. I’d ditch rental car and use trains where possible. For one gonna be much easier and likely cheaper. Secondly will allow you time to relax in between cities since you’ve got a lot of go go go.
This post was edited on 8/23/22 at 8:46 am
Posted on 8/23/22 at 9:09 am to LSUsuperfresh
Spend the extra time in Paris.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 9:17 am to LSUsuperfresh
I agree you should just put the extra time into Paris. If you are only there for three nights, you might try and do too much and just end up half-assing a lot of spots that really deserve more time.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 9:40 am to BlackenedOut
I'll second the Beaune/Burgundy area rec. There are several interesting stops you could between the coast and the Champagne area, but Burgundy makes the most sense given your time constraints - especially if you like wine. If you're really into wine, try to make a stop in transit to taste in Tain or Ampuis. Fantastic wine there, and they are super friendly/accommodating as they don't get near the volume of tourists.
I'd keep the car unless you make major changes to the overall itinerary. Burgundy/Champagne would be near impossible without a car, assuming you're not going to spend a fortune hiring drivers. Nice is more doable without a car, but we still used ours several times there. If not already planned, you may want to return your car in Reims and then train to Paris.
Another thought is to fly to Paris from the coast, skip the stop in Champagne, and just do a day trip to that area from Paris. I have not done it, but it seems relatively simple to catch the train to Reims and make a long day of it. That would give you a week in Paris...which is one of my favorite cities in the world.
I'd keep the car unless you make major changes to the overall itinerary. Burgundy/Champagne would be near impossible without a car, assuming you're not going to spend a fortune hiring drivers. Nice is more doable without a car, but we still used ours several times there. If not already planned, you may want to return your car in Reims and then train to Paris.
Another thought is to fly to Paris from the coast, skip the stop in Champagne, and just do a day trip to that area from Paris. I have not done it, but it seems relatively simple to catch the train to Reims and make a long day of it. That would give you a week in Paris...which is one of my favorite cities in the world.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 10:18 am to JustinTI
Thanks for the response. I'll look into Beaune, but at first glance that does seem to be what I'm looking for. It's well positioned and seems to be our style.
I originally only planned to get the car to get to Champagne. However, Saint Tropez seems to be a pain in the arse to get to from Nice: ferry is a decent option but only runs certain days, no trains to ST and the busses seem to be a mess, private car is not good value. Lastly, I did consider taking a helicopter from Nice to ST and almost pulled the trigger, but I would still need a car to leave ST and it doesn't look like ST is a very good place to pick up the rental.
I do intend to drop the car off in Reims and train into Paris though.
I'm usually not super into massive cities so that's why I've only got Paris at 3 nights. I've done trips to Rome (2 nights), Zurich (2 nights), Barcelona (2 nights), Athens (2 nights) and I always leave the trips wishing I had more time to spend in the smaller, more intimate locations
I originally only planned to get the car to get to Champagne. However, Saint Tropez seems to be a pain in the arse to get to from Nice: ferry is a decent option but only runs certain days, no trains to ST and the busses seem to be a mess, private car is not good value. Lastly, I did consider taking a helicopter from Nice to ST and almost pulled the trigger, but I would still need a car to leave ST and it doesn't look like ST is a very good place to pick up the rental.
I do intend to drop the car off in Reims and train into Paris though.
I'm usually not super into massive cities so that's why I've only got Paris at 3 nights. I've done trips to Rome (2 nights), Zurich (2 nights), Barcelona (2 nights), Athens (2 nights) and I always leave the trips wishing I had more time to spend in the smaller, more intimate locations
Posted on 8/23/22 at 10:23 am to geauxpurple
quote:
Spend the extra time in Paris.
Yeah, not even a question for me.
3 nights isn't really enough.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 10:28 am to LSUsuperfresh
quote:
I'll look into Beaune, but at first glance that does seem to be what I'm looking for. It's well positioned and seems to be our style.
As mentioned earlier, if you’re into wine, Beaune hands down. It’s incredible.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 10:30 am to JustinTI
I have made that day trip from Paris to Reims. It is fast and easy on the high speed train. We left in the early morning, saw the beautiful and historic cathedral, toured Veuve Cliquot, went to Pommery and a couple other other champagne houses, took the late afternoon train back to Paris and arrived in time for dinner.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 10:39 am to geauxpurple
One excellent choice is the hotel in Eze. We didn’t stay there but I am familiar with it. Beautiful place. Charming little town. There is a park on top of the hill that you can walk to for spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 10:45 am to LSUsuperfresh
3 nights in Paris isn't much. I'd consider 1 extra night in paris and one extra night in one of your other locations.
Plan in some extra downtime, if this is right after your wedding your bride will be exhausted and extra relaxing is really nice.
It can be something not super lazy, like an extra picnic in a park. Something like that.
Plan in some extra downtime, if this is right after your wedding your bride will be exhausted and extra relaxing is really nice.
It can be something not super lazy, like an extra picnic in a park. Something like that.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 11:06 am to LSUsuperfresh
quote:
'm usually not super into massive cities so that's why I've only got Paris at 3 nights. I've done trips to Rome (2 nights), Zurich (2 nights), Barcelona (2 nights), Athens (2 nights) and I always leave the trips wishing I had more time to spend in the smaller, more intimate locations
I actually agree with you that I enjoy getting off the beaten path more when traveling. I've been to all of the cities you listed except Zurich and agree with your take. That said, I've found Paris to be different. So many places to go eat, things to do/see, day trips from the area...But I also love just walking around and seeing the different areas in Paris and relaxing. I've also stayed at the PH Vendome multiple times. It's a really nice hotel in a great location.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 11:18 am to baldona
I should also mention that my fiancee has spent a decent bit of time in Paris previously, so I don't think she would be keen for extending the Paris stay.
For those suggesting Beaune, is it critical in your opinion that we actually stay in Beaune or should I maybe explore staying in Dijon with a day trip to Beaune potentially included instead?
For those suggesting Beaune, is it critical in your opinion that we actually stay in Beaune or should I maybe explore staying in Dijon with a day trip to Beaune potentially included instead?
Posted on 8/23/22 at 11:28 am to LSUsuperfresh
quote:
is it critical in your opinion that we actually stay in Beaune
No, since you'll have a car. Just be aware of the distances/travel times and how that fits into your plans. Things are farther apart than they appear at first glance. I'd look at staying at a vacation rental somewhere between Beaune and Dijon if you're leaning in that direction. But definitely have an idea of what you plan to do/see/eat and consider that when choosing your location.
This post was edited on 8/23/22 at 1:26 pm
Posted on 8/23/22 at 11:32 am to LSUsuperfresh
If this were not your honeymoon I would suggest Normandy. We spent 4 nights in Bayeux in 2019. Charming little town and Mount St. Michel is an easy drive from there.
The D Day beaches were fascinating although admittedly not the most romantic place for a honeymoon.
The D Day beaches were fascinating although admittedly not the most romantic place for a honeymoon.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 12:39 pm to LSUsuperfresh
quote:
I should also mention that my fiancee has spent a decent bit of time in Paris previously, so I don't think she would be keen for extending the Paris stay.
Then maybe don't go at all? Honestly, nothing wrong with that. Everyone feels like they have to go to London or Paris or Barcelona, you don't.
I agree I much prefer getting outside of the cities. Given that I'm going to Paris for 15 nights this fall...
3 nights in a city the size of Paris isn't much. When you add in getting there, leaving there, and transporting around things just take time. Or maybe just spend 1 night. One night go to the Eiffel tower, walk around, and then fly out.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 1:05 pm to baldona
quote:
Then maybe don't go at all?
Well we are flying back CDG -> IAH via Air France, and planned to stay nearby in Epernay for a portion of the trip. I would like to at least get a cursory overview of Paris so that's how I settled in on 3 nights.
If I do leave wishing that I had seen more of Paris, I think I'll work that into the next trip as I'm tentatively planning to ski the French Alps 6 months later.
I often like to have a quicker first trip to places in order to scout sites and activities and then I'm more prepared for a more intensive return trip (like visiting Kauai in 2018 and then hiking the Kalalau Trail in 2021)
Posted on 8/23/22 at 1:16 pm to LSUsuperfresh
quote:
I'm usually not super into massive cities so that's why I've only got Paris at 3 nights. I've done trips to Rome (2 nights), Zurich (2 nights), Barcelona (2 nights), Athens (2 nights)
I see your point and the problem here. 3 of the 4 cities you listed kind of suck in my opinion (Rome Zurich and Athens).
Rome and Athens in particular are hard to love in a lot of ways and are either Chaotic or dingy. Zurich is a business city.
Paris is totally different in my opinion. You could spend a week there and barely scratch the surface.
To make it more enjoyable in Paris...don't have an itinerary or have the need to rush to see this and that. Walk around, do a couple of things you enjoy, and treat it more like a small city. Stay in La Marais or Montmarte for the village experience there.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 1:34 pm to Fun Bunch
quote:
I see your point and the problem here. 3 of the 4 cities you listed kind of suck in my opinion (Rome Zurich and Athens).
Rome and Athens in particular are hard to love in a lot of ways and are either Chaotic or dingy. Zurich is a business city.
Zurich was a little meh. Although, the Operahaus was awesome. I imagine the city is nicer in the summer.
I actually preferred Rome and Athens to Barcelona.
And don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed all of the cities, just not as much as the more secluded experiences.
I do plan to keep the Paris itinerary pretty open for exploration. While there are quite a few stops, I'm not planning much outside of that, but rather leaving it open to exploring and playing it day-to-day.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 1:40 pm to LSUsuperfresh
Another thing to consider is you're already staying in 4 different hotels and thinking of adding another.
I've done the trips where I have stayed in 5-6 places and personally don't ever like them as much as the ones where I stayed in 2-3 (or even 1).
You're also adding day trips to a lot of these stops including your brief stay in Paris it seems.
Personally I would just add a day to one of the other places and add a day to Paris, or both to Paris. That's my two cents.
People here have made some lovely suggestions though.
Also how are you getting from Saint Tropez to wherever next?
I might suggest a place like Lyon?
One of the great food cities in the world surrounded by wine country.
I've done the trips where I have stayed in 5-6 places and personally don't ever like them as much as the ones where I stayed in 2-3 (or even 1).
You're also adding day trips to a lot of these stops including your brief stay in Paris it seems.
Personally I would just add a day to one of the other places and add a day to Paris, or both to Paris. That's my two cents.
People here have made some lovely suggestions though.
Also how are you getting from Saint Tropez to wherever next?
I might suggest a place like Lyon?
One of the great food cities in the world surrounded by wine country.
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