normandy vs southern france during paris visit?

[ilvs]

My husband and i are taking a eight-day trip to Paris. We figure we have time for one, 2 night trip outside of Paris and are trying to decide between Normandy and southern France. We've heard southern France is beautiful but Normandy sounds great too, and I'm kind of leaning towards going there because of the historical significance, etc. Thoughts from people who have been to either or both? Thanks!

 

[Farang]

When are you going? I was in southern France in May and it was really beautiful. Maybe one of my favorite places in the world

 

[lupi]

I would do normandy for the history.

http://www.army.mil/d-day/message.html

 

[dullard]

Southern France is fantastic. However, it is too far for a 2-day trip.

I recommend Carcassone's old town https://www.google.com/search?q=car...38,d.dmQ&fp=5792778b5f07cd18&biw=1237&bih=901 and a short trip to the midieval castles in the Pyrenees mountains https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...0.59.59.1.1.0...0.0...1ac.1.3.img.Hfi-5HNO5Dw.

Or Avignon has a great pope's palace https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...urce=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=7i4gUYf4Eef90gHsyoDQAw , Roman ruins not too far https://www.google.com/search?q=rom...38,d.dmQ&fp=5792778b5f07cd18&biw=1237&bih=901 , and the best restaurant that I ate at in France http://www.vache-carreaux.com/

Skip Nice, don't even think of going there. Montpellier and Nimes are worth visiting too. Lyon may be closer and I've heard it is quite good to visit as well.

Haven't been to Normandy yet.

 

[ilvs]

When are you going? I was in southern France in May and it was really beautiful. Maybe one of my favorite places in the world

We're going in mid-april

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Normandy is amazing if you are into World War II history. I loved seeing it but weather there really does suck though.

Never been to southern France though. I dont know how far Bordeaux is from Southern France, but my friends went there for 2-3 days and they enjoyed the calmness compared to Paris' city life.

 

[nageov3t]

if you want to see stuff, Normandy. Mont Saint-Michel is one of my favorite places in the world.

but if you want to just hang out and enjoy the weather/food, Southern France.

 

[uclaLabrat]

Normandy is an amazing trip, did a day trip there while we were staying in paris. Had a great time, saw a lot of crazy shit. Would recommend.

 

[_Rick_]

Paris - Lyon is less than 3 hours by train.
From there it's another hour into the Midi or the Alps.
Either mountain range has both rural communities, and cities with rich culture.
I'm not much of a fan of the north, the mountains just give more character to the landscape.

 

[steveff4]

I toured around Normandy when I was over there in 2008. I'm a big history nerd and recommend it if you're at all interested.

 

[DaWhim]

2 days outside of paris? how about 3-4? I don't think you need too much time in paris given your time constrain. i made a mistake staying in paris for 5 days before.

i have never been to normandy, but if you are visiting in the spring time, head to south france. you can stay in avignon/arles/marseilles for 3-4 days. the people in southern france are nicer. don't bother with Nice, it is plagued by british expat. the beach is not even that nice.

my favorite spot in marseilles was chateau d'if, the prison where Count of Montecristo was held.

 

[ilvs]

Normandy is an amazing trip, did a day trip there while we were staying in paris. Had a great time, saw a lot of crazy shit. Would recommend.

Can you elaborate on the "crazy shit" you saw there? hehe. and how you got to/from there. I would really like to go, I just don't want to waste a day since our trip is not that long. We met two french people the other day and they told us it's not worth it, but their reason seemed to be mainly the weather.

 

[ilvs]

Thanks for the responses everyone! We've decided on 2 days in southern France, in Marseilles. But we think we might still have time for Normandy while we're in Paris...where we will be for 6 days. So, we will probably play it by ear. I really appreciate all the recommendations!!

 

[Vdubchaos]

I think you should ask your husband/not us

 

[vshah]

I think you should ask your husband/not us

i think you shouldn't post in threads when you have nothing helpful to say :awe:

 

[Brigandier]

If Normandy is fighting southern France, who runs away first?

 

[OlafSicky]

If Normandy is fighting southern France, who runs away first?

They both run away but in opposite directions.

 

[zinfamous]

My husband and i are taking a eight-day trip to Paris. We figure we have time for one, 2 night trip outside of Paris and are trying to decide between Normandy and southern France. We've heard southern France is beautiful but Normandy sounds great too, and I'm kind of leaning towards going there because of the historical significance, etc. Thoughts from people who have been to either or both? Thanks!

Normandy: cold, cemeteries
Cote d'Azure: warm, beaches.

 

[zinfamous]

if you want to see stuff, Normandy. Mont Saint-Michel is one of my favorite places in the world.

but if you want to just hang out and enjoy the weather/food, Southern France.

Isn't that where the Holy Grail is located? :hmm: