Barb

We will arrive in Paris CDG in mid-June for 3 weeks. We (2adults, 1 8yr old child) plan to visit Paris - 7 days, Normandy - 4 days,& Provence - 9 days. I need to know what order makes the most sense for avoiding crowds, practical routes, etc. I get such great advice from this website!I am trying to avoid Provence in July due to crowds/heat but I am concerned that the schedule may be too tight to fly in (from San Francisco)and then catch the TGV down to Avignon right away. Plus we might be totally exhausted! What happens if you miss your TGV reservation - is there a penalty to re-book? If we do Normandy last, is it too hectic to try to drive back to CDG early in the morning, including dropping off the car for a 1:00pm flight? We are trying to minimize the number of places we stay so I would rather not break up Paris into 2 visits. Thanks for your help!

Greg

If you don't wish to break up your Paris stay then I would go to Provence first - take the TGV from Paris and pick up a car at Avignon station. You will find it easier to co-ordinate your departure from the Normandy side. With a 1:00pm departure you will need to be reasonably close to CDG the night before - we have previously stayed at Senlis and found that convenient - 20 minutes drive from the airport. You could visit the chateau at Chantilly the day prior and end up at Senlis. There would be time in the morining for a stroll around the village etc Four days doesn't seem very long for Normandy - you may want to confine yourself to the eastern end - Rouen, Honfleur, Les Andleys, Lyons les Foret etc and Giverny of course. <BR>If you are driving from Provence to Normandy br aware that it is a long way - even by autoroute.

Marsha

I agree with Greg's advice - take the TGV to Provence (Avignon?) first and then work your way north. You will be exhausted after flying in from San Francisco, and you could rest on the train. I took my 8 year-old to France last year and was very careful to get her on the local time schedule right away. I think your child would like the Roman ruins in Provence and Les Andelys in Normandy. In Avignon, be sure to visit the gardens of the Palace of the Popes. If you want to visit the WWII Memorial Museum in Caen, there is a day-care center there. The graphic photos in the museum may be too much for a child. Although the other children were very young, my daughter enjoyed the babysitter and the change of pace!

Sue

I agree with Greg and Marsha, plus you can take a TGV directly from CDG and avoid the hassle of getting from the airport to Paris; you can get your tickets in the airport (English-speaking person) and be sure to ask for "Decouverte Enfants," which gives a 25% discount to children under 12 AND the adults traveling with them.

Barb

Greg, Marsha, Sue: Thanks for your advice! Sounds unanimous that we should head directly to Avignon from the airport. I found a child rate that is 50% off for children and accompanying adults, although I think you must purchase a card for approx $50 to use it. I am going to try for a reservation prior to leaving so that I have seats assured on the TGV. Thanks Marsha, for the advice about the childcare at the War Memorial Museum. We may shift our trip a bit to spend an extra day or two in Normandy.