Where to go, What to do--further along this time
It's amazing how much there is to consider before taking a trip overseas, or an extended vacation anywhere for that matter. First you need to determine your approximate departure and return dates, then keeping those in mind (and, hopefully, you have some flexibility), you have to choose your flights and possibly trains. Next you need to decide whether you will base out of one or more cities--this depends on the sites you have selected as definite "must sees"-- and whether you can manage with public transit, will need to let a car, or use a combination of the two. And, of course, you have to choose your hotel(s), and any tours you'd like to take (some have to be reserved well in advance).
Ok, this time around I probably won't be needing any side tours, but I will still look to see what is available. And, if on my own, I will probably base totally out of Montpellier. There is plenty to see there, and there are several sites and cities within easy day trip distance by train.
This time last year I was rapidly throwing together an excursion to Scotland. This year it's the South of France, well south west. And already in the little dark cavern in the back of my head where I refuse to listen to reason, someone is starting to calculate how long it will be before I have enough vacation accrued to maky my next journey--originally Greece, but such plans can change. My roommate is considering Japan, and I am his usual travelling companion, though that too could change.
So, where will I go when I get to France? Well, last time I posted, my preliminary list of possibilities was Rocamadour, Toulouse, Albi, Nimes, Avignon, and, of course, Montpellier. All, except for Rocamadour, were easy day trips that I could make by myself if I had to. Though I much prefer to have a travelling companion--it's just more fun to have someone along to share discoveries with--I also know that I can't assume that will always be the case. Rocamadour (and Sarlat as well) were inconvenient by train and so I had already decided they would have to come off my list if I was flying solo.
The list has changed a bit since then. Friends have made better suggestions, and after some research, I agree with them.
Arles and Carcassone have been suggested. Even though we will be spending time in Carcassone as part of our trek, I had already considered the possibility of spending more time there. It just didn't seem like the Explore group that will be leading our trek had allotted enough time to fully explore the city. Nice to know that at least one of my friends had the same thought. Arles is a good substitute for Nimes and Avignon, and a place that I had not yet considered.
Other suggestions were Paris (of course) and Mont St. Michael--for my writings, my friend said. I had already decided that I would, if there was time and I happened to be flying in or out of Paris, take in one or two sites or museums. However, it wasn't all that important and could wait for another trip. But Mont St. Michael--there is a place I have always wanted to see. Yes, I know, most girls dream of Paris. Well, I never said I was normal. Still, Mont St. Michael is on the exact opposite side of France from Montpellier, so I have to be reasonable and realize that I will have to save that treat for a future trip. It does have an interesting history though.
So, my new preliminary list, and it's probably close to being finalized, is Sarlat and Rocamadour (if I can hitch a ride with a friend who can drive), Carcassone, Montpellier (we'll be there after all), and possibly Toulouse and/or Arles.
Another possibility, though whether there will time this trip is Aix-en-Provence, the home of Cezanne. And possibly a hike up Mont Sainte-Victoire (which definitely requires a car). I doubt there will be time for a hike, well, that and we will have just spent 5 days hiking through the foothills of the Pyranees. Somehow, I have a feeling that we might not all be in the mood for another climb.
So much too see, so much to think about and so little time.
And now I also need to decide if I want to fly straight into Montpellier or if I want to fly into London or Paris (and right now London is the better deal) and take a relaxing train ride to Montpellier. I actually don't mind the idea of taking the train, but I would prefer to be accompanied by one of my travelling companions. We haven't all finalized our travel dates yet, so we have yet to see what will coordinate and what will not.
More later.
Ok, this time around I probably won't be needing any side tours, but I will still look to see what is available. And, if on my own, I will probably base totally out of Montpellier. There is plenty to see there, and there are several sites and cities within easy day trip distance by train.
This time last year I was rapidly throwing together an excursion to Scotland. This year it's the South of France, well south west. And already in the little dark cavern in the back of my head where I refuse to listen to reason, someone is starting to calculate how long it will be before I have enough vacation accrued to maky my next journey--originally Greece, but such plans can change. My roommate is considering Japan, and I am his usual travelling companion, though that too could change.
So, where will I go when I get to France? Well, last time I posted, my preliminary list of possibilities was Rocamadour, Toulouse, Albi, Nimes, Avignon, and, of course, Montpellier. All, except for Rocamadour, were easy day trips that I could make by myself if I had to. Though I much prefer to have a travelling companion--it's just more fun to have someone along to share discoveries with--I also know that I can't assume that will always be the case. Rocamadour (and Sarlat as well) were inconvenient by train and so I had already decided they would have to come off my list if I was flying solo.
The list has changed a bit since then. Friends have made better suggestions, and after some research, I agree with them.
Arles and Carcassone have been suggested. Even though we will be spending time in Carcassone as part of our trek, I had already considered the possibility of spending more time there. It just didn't seem like the Explore group that will be leading our trek had allotted enough time to fully explore the city. Nice to know that at least one of my friends had the same thought. Arles is a good substitute for Nimes and Avignon, and a place that I had not yet considered.
Other suggestions were Paris (of course) and Mont St. Michael--for my writings, my friend said. I had already decided that I would, if there was time and I happened to be flying in or out of Paris, take in one or two sites or museums. However, it wasn't all that important and could wait for another trip. But Mont St. Michael--there is a place I have always wanted to see. Yes, I know, most girls dream of Paris. Well, I never said I was normal. Still, Mont St. Michael is on the exact opposite side of France from Montpellier, so I have to be reasonable and realize that I will have to save that treat for a future trip. It does have an interesting history though.
So, my new preliminary list, and it's probably close to being finalized, is Sarlat and Rocamadour (if I can hitch a ride with a friend who can drive), Carcassone, Montpellier (we'll be there after all), and possibly Toulouse and/or Arles.
Another possibility, though whether there will time this trip is Aix-en-Provence, the home of Cezanne. And possibly a hike up Mont Sainte-Victoire (which definitely requires a car). I doubt there will be time for a hike, well, that and we will have just spent 5 days hiking through the foothills of the Pyranees. Somehow, I have a feeling that we might not all be in the mood for another climb.
So much too see, so much to think about and so little time.
And now I also need to decide if I want to fly straight into Montpellier or if I want to fly into London or Paris (and right now London is the better deal) and take a relaxing train ride to Montpellier. I actually don't mind the idea of taking the train, but I would prefer to be accompanied by one of my travelling companions. We haven't all finalized our travel dates yet, so we have yet to see what will coordinate and what will not.
More later.
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