France Honeymoon

nerdwife · October 2015

I know we aren't up to planning for the honeymoon yet (we're just under a year out), BUT I need a work break and I can't handle looking at more photographer or videographer websites right now, so would anyone like to tell me about a honeymoon in France (or, you know, a vacation there)? FI's never been to Europe and this is what he's interested in - Paris and then the south of France. Since I've already been to a bunch of European cities, I was totally open to what he is most interested in seeing. And I've only ever been to Paris, so the rest will be new to me.

We love hiking and want at least part of our trip to be more about experiencing small town sort of life - basically hiking, eating (please, all the eating), touring, etc. We love walking tours and are huge nerds - FI was even an art history major, so the more of that, the better.

Suggestions? Also, anyone know how much this can potentially cost? We're hoping to be there for a little under two weeks (FI will request two weeks off, but that includes the wedding itself and ideally he doesn't go back to work the second we return). We haven't come up with an exact budget - I think we need to actually see how much different things would cost and then see what we're comfortable spending. What about travel agents? Do you recommend using one? I've only ever planned my own trips, but I feel like with wedding planning I'm not sure how much energy I'll have to plan this one. And I don't want to miss things or places because my research wasn't thorough enough.

tl;dr - talk to me about vacationing in France, please!

CMGragain · October 2015

Go buy a copy of Rick Steves France guidebook. Rick is the perfect travel author for young, active people on a budget. You can probably find a copy at your library, too.
I have been to Normandy and Paris. I am scheduled for the south of France for my 40th wedding anniversary next year. We are old folks who don't need to do budget anymore.
What IS your budget? Viking River Cruises does a great job of showing you the Saone River Valley.

Knottie1445357138.defunct635834028239190458 · October 2015

I went to paris for a long weekend a few years ago and it was pretty expensive by my standards. The food was where most of my money went. Now, though, I travel almost exclusively with airbnb, and if you haven't yet you definitely need to check it out. It has accommodation for all costs, so you can pick and choose whats important to you (location, size, cleanliness etc.) Get an apartment with a kitchen and you can cook breakfast and pack lunches from home and cut down costs big time. I'm spending a week in Berlin over Christmas for around $500 in a nice studio, and a week in Barcelona for the same price. My guess is Paris will cost more, but check it out. Good luck!

VicTim328 · October 2015

Both my sister and I have taken intersession courses in the Brittany region of France. If you are wanting a heavy dose of the French culture, I definitely recommend it. It's in the northern region along the English Channel. They're known for sailing, hard ciders, sea salt, and the counter-reformation. It's a short train ride to many other popular tourist areas. There are lots of museums and villages to visit, and it tends to be cheaper than Paris.

Good luck!

100yroldblinddog · October 2015

FI and I are doing a HM in Paris, then taking a flight over to Venice, then a train to Rome. We initially wanted to hit up a few other cities, but quickly realized we didn't have the time/money to do it all without it feeling like the Amazing Race.

If venturing into Italy interests you, I can tell you about our itinerary and budget. Just think of all the additional cheese options Italy presents...

WinstonsGirl · October 2015

I've done Paris, and down to Nice twice. Once was supposed to be a stay in the south central/west of France (Montagnac) but there were issues. I love the feel of Nice, and it's close to Monaco/Italy if you want to day trip it as well. Beaches are small pebbly beaches however, so if you're wanting a sandy beach, it's not your best bet. I also love Paris and would recommend a min 3-4 days if you go there.

CMGragain · October 2015

You might want to consider taking the Chunnel train to London from Paris after some days there. It is very fast and easy, and it leaves from the Gard du Nord. London has tons of history and great museums. You could schedule an open jawed flight to Paris and then out of London to come back to the states.

STARMOON44 · November 2015

I'd do a few days in Paris, take the train down to Aix-en-Provence for several days, then back up to Paris for a few days to finish up.

In Paris, see all the art, and Versailles, and Giverney, and walk for miles and miles. In Aix, enjoy the town itself, which is full of culture and art, and use it as a base to get out to some smaller villages too. I'd rent a car down there for a day or two of exploring.

Personally, I wouldn't use a travel agent. I'd def go with Rick Steves, look into Air BnB and smaller hotels. Booking train tickets online in advance for sure, and car rental, and maybe a dinner reservation or two if there's someplace you're dying to try. It's always hard to ballpark a cost- I'd prob figure $3000 for flights (although you can likely do better than this), $200 a night for accommodation, $75 a day for sightseeing, $150 a day on food, and $250 on shopping, but that's just personally what I know I'd spend. You could easily do it for less or spend much more.

nerdwife · November 2015

Thanks everyone! I've been to most of the places (outside of France) that you mentioned - Italy, London, even Paris, so I know how amazing they are. FI would love to see a lot of places, too, but I think we just don't want to spend the time running around like crazy people trying to squeeze a million things in, which is why we were thinking about focusing exclusively on France. But I will definitely take all this under consideration, as well as some of your wonderful sounding French recommendations! We do love sitting down with a bunch of travel books and websites and plotting our trips, but I'm just hesitant to do that for a trip abroad and with so much other planning going on. So we'll have to figure that part out.

Thanks again!

TheCheeseWench · November 2015

We just got back last week from our HM in Belgium and France (Champagne and Paris). I second the Airbnb. We saved a ton. We chose to stay in a flat in Montmartre to avoid touristy hotels. Champagne (mauriel-sur-Ay) was nice because it was a nice bit of "downtime" after Belgiu,m but before the "GOSEEDO" of Paris. It was lovely renting a car and bouncing around from town to town visiting the various Champagne houses. Many towns are only 5-10 minutes drive apart, so we just stayed at one B&B. Be warned that it will be a very restful stop depending on which part you stay in, as many things close down early for the night. Also it is only a 1.5 hour train from Paris.

Budget definitely depends on your booking choices. I had a travel agent help with flights and logistics (she's a BFF and was our minister so I have trusted her expertise for years) but we did the airbnb stuff ourselves. If you are not comfortable with that, use an agent.

South part of France I love Nice, Albi, Toulouse was a good hub city to train to and from. Auch was nice.

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