Nous avons ma mère (72ans) et moi 11 jrs pour voyager . Nous sommes québécoises , nous avons réservé un vol qui atterrit à Marseille 1 octobre. nous hésitons entre la corse ou à Provence et ses régions . Nous louerons une voiture , nous voulons surtout connaître la façon de vivre des gens du peuple, pas trop grande ville , plutôt campagne et bonne bouffe .beau paysage et petit village typique.
Quoi choisir ? La corse ou Provence ?
Pour moi le choix est évident : la Corse ! La Provence est très jolie mais il n'y a presque plus d'authenticité dans la vie des locaux, puisque beaucoup de personnes venues d'ailleurs se sont installées sur la Côte d'Azur et beaucoup d'habitants d'origine ont quitté leurs villages...
La Corse a gardé son identité, son authenticité et les villages sont encore peuplés de corses surtout en montagne ! Très typiques, des petits restos corses (les restos "touristes" ferment à partir du 1/10 souvent), des chambres d'hôtes ou petits hôtels en montagne pour l'hébergement... près de Corte (l'ancienne "capitale" de la Corse) je connais une maison d'hôtes superbe....
Des paysages sublimes, à vous couper le souffle !
Je vous conseille de prendre l'avion pour Ajaccio ou Bastia afin de ne pas perdre du temps par bateau et de louer une voiture à l'arrivée... en 10 jours vous avez la possibilité de parcourir la Corse !
Depuis quand il faut avoir besoin d'un budget illimité, 6 mois pour un séjour en Corse ???? 😏 La majorité des touristes viennent pour une durée d'une à 2 semaines et avec un budget souvent assez "limite" donc 10 jours permettra de découvrir la Corse dans de bonnes conditions, surtout en hors-saison !
Certes la Provence est belle, mais vue ce qu'elles recherchent, elles seront bien plus enchantées par un séjour en Corse !
Je n'ai jamais visité la Corse , un jour sûrement .
Par contre j'ai passé deux semaines en Provence a rayonner a partir d'un même appartement . A moins de 100 km il y a plein de villes et beaux villages a voir . J'étais près de Aix-en-Provence. L'appartement ( gite ) tout équipé avec terrasse donnant sur un jardin me procurais le confort de la maison a un prix nettement moins élevé que l'hôtel sans être dans mes valises.
Merci Lili pour tes conseils et oui probablement que notre choix ira pour la corse .
Je pense arriver ajjacio et m y installer dans un gîte dans les environs pour qqc jours pour ensuite monter vers la haute corse et trouver autre gîte pour aussi qq nuits. J aimerais bien que tu puisses me donner le nom de l hébergement que tu me disais très bien. nous repartirons de Bastia .
Si tu avais à trouver les tops 5 de la corse que seraient-ils ? Merci Janika .
Je te conseille plutôt de choisir l'hébergement en chambre d'hôtes (avec petit déjeuner compris) et pour les repas la "table d'hôtes" le soir avec la chambre (si c'est possible) et un déjeuner libre selon vos excursions....
Déjà louer un gîte juste pour quelques jours, ce n'est pas facile à trouver (un gîte = un appartement/studio) normalement ça se loue pour par semaine !
Au fil de votre itinéraire, vous aurez le choix entre chambre d'hôtes ou des petits hôtels... plus adapté pour faire un circuit sans être obligées de faire des allers/retours donc moins fatiguant...
Je rejoins ce qui a été dit. La Corse a gardé beaucoup plus d'authenticité, en montagne, c'est sûr, mais aussi sur le littoral qui est bien mieux protégé qu'en France métropolitaine. Je sais aussi que celui-ci est sans cesse menacé mais j'espère que les Corses auront l'intelligence et le courage de le préserver. En une dizaine de jours, vous pouvez déjà bien apprécier les différentes régions de Corse.
Bonjour
Je vous conseille également la Corse, plus authentique et avec de magnifiques paysages. En plus, hors saison, vous ne serez pas gênés par les touristes et le temps devrait encore être correct. Il y a de nombreux petits villages typiques, vous ne serez pas déçus. Si vous voulez avoir un petit aperçu de la Corse, je vous conseille de consulter mon blog : http://roadtrippers.eklablog.com/corse-c18424326
Bon séjour en France ;)
J'ai regardé , un peu rapidement ton blog sur la Corse, très bien fait avec de belle photos. Bravo.
Je ne suis pas du tout plage et bord de mer ou balade en bateau. J'aime alterner mes visites entre petits villages avec musées et châteaux ou édifices historiques qu'on peut visiter ou pas. J'aime aussi parcourir les grandes villes entre mes visites de villages.
J'ai déjà visiter la Provence et plus à l'est la Côte d'Azur, 2 endroits que j'ai adorées et où j'ai rencontré tout cela.
La Corse ne se limite pas du tout aux plages et ballades en bateau d'autant plus qu'à partir d'octobre c'est une de plus belles périodes pour visiter la Corse, très peu de touristes, des températures agréables, des routes calmes, .... Une autre période superbe : avril à juin !
Il n'y a pas de châteaux en Corse mais beaucoup de vestiges anciennes (tours génoises, sites préhistoriques, sites romaines, ...), des musées, des multitude de petits villages de montagne (les corses sont des montagnards d'origine donc l'authentique est à l'intérieur de l'île), ...
Il n'y a que 2 "grandes villes" Ajaccio (65.000 hab.) & Bastia (44.000 hab.) + Corte (ancienne capitale de la Corse - 6.800 hab.). La population de la Corse entière = env. 307.000 hab. (estimé en 2009) !
Il faut aimer aussi la nature, qui est grandiose en Corse !!!!
La Corse est appelé dans le monde entier "l'Ile de Beauté" et je t'assure que ce n'est pas exagéré !
A lire vos réponses , je ne crois pas que la Corse me convienne dans l'immédiat . Je ne suis pas nature . Il y a aussi beaucoup de régions en France ou dans d'autres pays européens qui correspondent plus a ce que je cherche .
Bonjour
En effet, si vous avez une préférence pour les grandes villes, les musées et les châteaux, la Corse n'est peut être pas l'endroit idéal (même s'il y a de très beaux petits villages et monuments historiques). Il y a de nombreuses régions en France qui correspondront plus à vos attentes, vous n'avez que l'embarras du choix 😄
I'd love some destination suggestions for a road trip from Nice to Livorno by car, including the routes, tolls to cross, distance, and estimated travel time.…
Hi there,
I need to plan a trip to mainland France for the first time with my family (my partner and our two kids, aged 16 and 5). We arrive at Paris Orly on the evening of JANUARY 12th and leave on January 30th.
Do you have any city recommendations to visit during this period, or hotels you’d suggest?
We’ll be traveling by train and would like to spend at least 4 nights in each city.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Delphine
I want to rent an economy-class car in France for 12 days. I checked prices on several sites mentioned in this forum, and they’re pretty comparable—around 350 € or $470 CAD.
Strangely, Auto Europe is showing prices between $300 and $330 CAD for an economy-class vehicle. That seems too good to be true. What do you think?
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Corsica for 12 days:
- One week in Ajaccio
- One week in Porto-Vecchio
I’m renting a car at Ajaccio airport.
Any special visit ideas?
Thanks
Hello,
I’ve visited Corsica several times with our kids, and we loved the warm welcome and friendliness of the locals as we explored many villages. We’re originally from the JURA region.
Now that we’re retired, we’d like to live somewhere between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio.
Which village or town would you recommend for a peaceful and welcoming lifestyle?
We’ll be back from a river cruise with a stop in Strasbourg for just the afternoon and evening. We’d like to spend the afternoon in either Colmar or Kaysersberg and then return to Strasbourg for dinner and a stroll afterward. I’d love your advice on which spot—Colmar or Kaysersberg—you’d recommend. I’ve noticed there’s a bus line 145 that runs from Colmar to Kaysersberg, taking about 40 minutes and costing around 5 €.
Is there a train or another way to get directly from Strasbourg that’s quick and affordable? I think a taxi would be pretty expensive. The issue is we don’t have much time—our flight is the next morning. We’ve already visited Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr about 10 years ago and loved them all. Our river cruise covers the Main, Rhine, and Danube.
We’re really looking forward to seeing places in Germany, like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, among others.
Hi there,
This question is for a friend who lives in Munich and needs to come to Paris in May 2027.
Could you share any tips on the easiest way to get to Paris (flight or train) and then to La Défense Arena?
I don’t know anything about it, and my friend is just as lost when it comes to planning her trip.
Thanks in advance if you have any advice! :-)
We’re planning to spend a few days in Valencia and the surrounding area. Can you recommend the must-see sights?
PS: If you know any great restaurants, we’re all ears!
It’s official: our Lyon weekend is confirmed from June 12th to 14th (girls only, no kids!). Do you have any must-see spots to recommend? Are there any exhibitions happening around that time?
Which places do you suggest for going out and having a good time?
Hi,
Our son, currently in Central America, will board a sailboat on 04/16 to cross the Atlantic. He’s expected to arrive around 05/31 in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, and we’d like to welcome him on the day he arrives.
I’m looking for accommodation in the area for a few days around that date, from which we can explore the Camargue. We’ll be bringing our e-bikes.
Could you tell me which towns to look in and which areas to avoid, please? I think Port-Saint-Louis isn’t a great option if we want to avoid the toll for the ferry every time we leave by car.
Thanks for your tips.
Claire
PS: Are there a lot of mosquitoes in late May/early June?
Hi everyone! I’m Loubna, I’m Algerian. My friends and I are planning a trip to France, but we don’t know this region at all. Could you help us out? Thanks in advance!
Hi there, I’m facing a pretty big and important dilemma—I moved to Argentina (Buenos Aires) when I was 20, and now, at 30, I’m coming back to France.
I’m looking for a city to live in and build a life for the next several years. I’m a single guy, so that’s the context.
The thing is, I have quite a few strict criteria...
First and foremost, I *need* a city that’s bustling with people everywhere—I really don’t like quiet, small countryside towns.
Nightlife is super important to me, especially on weekends. It’s crucial that there’s a wide range of options for going out in the evening (mostly bars—I’m not really into nightclubs, but I’d like to be one day if possible).
The social aspect is the *most* important thing (honestly, the *only* thing that matters to me). I don’t care at all about living conditions, safety, cleanliness, or whether things work smoothly.
But I *do* need a place where people are generally "chill"—not cold, rigid, or overly professional, with social norms that don’t make my head spin. I know I’ll never find the same Latin vibe here in France, haha, but I’m trying to survive anyway.
In France, I’ve always lived in Essonne (91), around Bures-sur-Yvette / Les Ulis / Gif / Orsay, etc. I *hate* it—way too quiet, empty streets, and zero activities that suit me. There’s not a single proper bar in any of the surrounding towns, just PMU tobacco shops, and nightlife is nonexistent.
I went to Hossegor once with friends—great vibe, nightlife, bars, beach, etc. But I’m guessing it’s *super* expensive to buy a place there, close to the action (and I’m not even sure if it’s a nice place to live overall).
When I came back to France, I spent 3 months in Paris because I thought it would obviously be the closest to what I was looking for. I still have horrible memories of it—it haunted me so much that I had to escape the capital in a hurry... And I was (I think?) in one of the best neighborhoods for my tastes: Belleville.
So here I am, going in circles because I don’t know enough about French cities. All my friends love quiet, small provincial towns or even living alone in the mountains.
A couple told me about Montreuil, but they were there a long time ago, so I don’t know what it’s like now. They said there was activity, that the city was pretty big, and that there was a good nightlife scene (bars, nightclubs, all kinds of outings), plus the metro (which would make it easy to get to Paris or for people to come to Montreuil from Paris).
So, for now, Montreuil is my only option, but I’m scared and would love other opinions (on Montreuil and other possibilities).
Sorry for the novel, but this is *really* important to me—my future depends on it, in a way ^^'
Thanks so much for reading and for any help you can give!
Hello,
At the beginning of June, we’ll be spending a few days in Sardinia. We’ve decided to return via a detour through Corsica and want to make the crossing from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio (2 people and 1 car). There are currently two companies, Moby Lines and Ichnusa Lines, that operate this route. Unfortunately, we don’t know either of them at all. The prices and crossing times are pretty much the same, and we’d like to choose the most reliable one (punctuality/risk of cancellation for a booked crossing) and, if possible, the more comfortable of the two. Could you share your thoughts on either company to help us decide? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Have a great day.
I’m thinking about planning several short trips in France outside peak tourist seasons, especially in spring and autumn.
The idea would be to prioritize:
- fewer crowds at tourist sites
- more affordable accommodation prices
- a more local atmosphere
However, I also have some concerns about:
- attractions or restaurants sometimes being closed
- more unpredictable weather depending on the region
- less frequent transportation in certain areas
For those of you who’ve traveled in France off-season before, what do you think were the main pros and cons?
Are there any regions or specific times that are particularly worth prioritizing?
I’m looking for a ski resort in the Massif Central for a family trip—two adults and three kids (ages 4, 5, and 6)—for a week between late February and early March.
The main goal is to introduce my kids to skiing, so I’m looking for a resort that’s really "family-friendly." But honestly, almost every resort (Super-Besse, Mont-Dore, Lioran, etc.) claims to be family-friendly, so I’m not sure which one to choose. Plus, it’s not always easy to check the location of accommodations on booking sites.
For what I have in mind, we don’t need 30 km of slopes. What would be ideal, though, is a resort that’s mostly pedestrian-friendly, with lodging within a reasonable distance from the base of the slopes and a ski school available.
I’ve read some things here about places like "Chalmazel-Jeansagnière," but the thread is a bit old.
Hi,
We’re heading to Corsica at the end of July, and after a 4-night stay in Zonza, I’d like to head toward Cargèse or Porto to visit the Calanques de Piana. What’s the actual travel time? Maps says 2h40/3h, but I’m wondering if that’s really accurate.
How long does it take to get back to Ajaccio Airport afterward?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip to Normandy and, after reading quite a few posts here, I still have some questions about the most logical order to avoid spending too much time on the road.
The idea is to have a fairly smooth itinerary, taking the time to enjoy the places, over about ten days (possibly a little more), combining the coast and the inland areas.
I’m particularly wondering about:
– The best starting point (starting with Mont-Saint-Michel or saving it for the end)
– The balance between the coastline and more inland areas
– The areas where it’s really worth slowing down the pace
If any of you have done a route that felt particularly coherent, your feedback would really help me fine-tune the planning.
Hi,
I saw that the first tram from Pont du Garigliano leaves at 5:15 AM, and by taking the RER B at Cité Universitaire afterward, I’d arrive at Roissy at 6:30 AM—2 hours before my international flight.
Is this doable, or not? If anyone’s done this before, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks
Hi there,
We’re about to finalize a booking for late July near the Pink Granite Coast. We’re wondering about the traffic jams that could make our trip miserable, given how famous the place is—we’re excited to see it too. Could it get pretty bad?
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
In June 2020, my wife and I will be visiting Brittany and Normandy. We’d especially love to explore villages that aren’t part of the usual tourist routes. We enjoy traveling off the beaten path.
We’re reaching out to you all to share which villages we should check out in these two regions.
Thanks.
Here’s the account of the start of our 5/7-day trip in Normandy (then off to the neighbors in... Brittany):
Day 01 from Valenciennes to Mont Saint-Michel: Sunday, September 6, 2020.
After a detour through the south of Lille (picking up our son), we head southwest around 10:00 AM, taking the highways via Amiens, the Pont de Normandie, and Avranches to arrive at "the Mount" around 4:00 PM after 515 km.
Parking P3 (14.20 € for 24 hours) for residents and hotels, located 50 meters from the start of the free round-trip shuttle included in the parking price (not too many tourists at this "late" Sunday hour), and we arrive at the hotel around 4:30 PM.
Triple room with a view of the bay at Hôtel Du Guesclin for 1 night.
From 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM, we tackle the complete tour of the ramparts counterclockwise from the Porte de l’Avancée, via the Tour du Nord (near the abbey entrance), passing in front of the abbey to reach the Tour Gabriel, and back to the start: stunning, not crowded, great weather, and amazing views.
Dinner in the beautiful panoramic restaurant of the hotel, with a bay view at a "window" table (such a nice touch!).
Of course, the day isn’t over, and we can then wander through a deserted main street and its unique atmosphere (photos below labeled "night" even though it’s only 9:15/9:30 PM). What a privilege!
Day 02 from Mont Saint-Michel to Saint-Cast: Monday, September 7, 2020.
After a memorable sunrise over the bay and a sit-down breakfast, we climb the steps to the Abbey for our online-reserved time slot (9:30 AM, 11 € per person).
The "masked group" is quite large, though within normal limits, and the one-way Covid-marked route (with a small brochure) prevents crowds. No need to rush, and 1 hour 15 minutes later, we’re done. Sure, it doesn’t have the charm of a guided tour, but we’re not complaining about being there!
We pick up our bags at the hotel, take the shuttle back, grab the car at Parking P3, and head "south" to Dol-de-Bretagne, 26 km/25 minutes away.
Around noon, the small town is very quiet, and parking in front of the Saint-Samson Cathedral** is free. Across the street, the tourist office is generous with info and gives us a great walking map/circuit: Cathedral, a stroll near the ramparts, the historic center** with its typical shopping streets and half-timbered houses, all covered at a leisurely pace in 45 minutes. Then a picnic on-site.
It’s another 50 km/50 minutes to Saint-Cast-le-Guildo and the Armor Conseil agency for the apartment keys (Résidence du Casino, 72 m², 5th floor, 2 bedrooms, beach 20 meters away, insane morning and evening views, bed linen rental at Ohier 50 meters away, Carrefour City supermarket, and a bakery 200 meters away, plus a town center that hasn’t changed much in 25/30 years. Really, really nice.
After settling in, a short walk is a must up to the heights of the Isle neighborhood behind the seaside residence... memories. Strangely, the well-known Crêperie Bretan’Or seems to be closed, as does the venerable Hôtel du Centre et des Plages (formerly "des Voyageurs")??
And for this reunion evening with the resort, a great crêpe/galette dinner at La Régal’ette, just 100 meters away.
Day’s total: 12 km of walking for sightseeing.
I’m traveling alone from my remote Pyrenees home to Roissy Airport, arriving at Austerlitz Station. I’m a bit nervous about getting to the airport—could you suggest a route?
While you’re at it, maybe you could recommend a budget hotel near the airport?
I’m looking into a trip to Paris around mid-February. I’d love to know more about the temperature (weather) in Paris, museum access (closures or anything else), how easy it is to get around on foot (slippery due to ice?), public transport, etc.
Also, are there any events or activities I absolutely shouldn’t miss? I could adjust my dates based on what you know.
On another note, I’d love to catch a hockey game. Are there any around Paris? I’m happy to watch a few games no matter the level 🏒🥅
FYI, I’m not afraid of the cold since I’m from Quebec 😁😆😆🧑🌾
This summer, we’re planning a family trip to Corsica.
We’ve chosen Sari Solenzara because we want to combine: sea, mountain hikes, natural pools, canyoning, and peace and quiet. Does this choice seem like a good one to you?
Second question: which airport should we prioritize to have the easiest roads to access?
Hi everyone,
We’ve wanted to visit Alsace for a long time to see the famous and well-known "Christmas markets."
Apart from the one in Strasbourg, could you give us some tips on other markets (Sélestat, Colmar, Mulhouse)?
Also, any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, or things to see, etc.?
I know my question is a bit "basic," but we really need some expert advice.
Thanks in advance to all.
I’m planning to spend three days in the Annecy region. What would you recommend visiting? Just so you know, I love nature and enjoy walking, but I prefer hikes that aren’t longer than two hours.
My husband, our 1-year-old son, and I have decided to head to southern France in mid-September.
We don’t know the region at all—it’ll be our first time.
We only have 9 days, and we’re really torn between Provence for its gorgeous villages, its "slow" vibe, Provençal markets, flavors, and colors, and the famous French Riviera for its beaches, ports, and because it’s intrigued us for so long.
I found a beautiful place to stay in a *mas*, but it’s not in the region at all (it’s in the Gard).
My husband found a place he really likes in Saint-Aygulf, but before booking, I’m hesitating and wanted to get some advice.
Obviously, with only 9 days, we clearly have to choose. I thought about splitting the trip in two, but that seems like a bad idea for two reasons: first, we’re traveling with a little one, and second, if we spread ourselves too thin, we risk not seeing anything properly.
Since we don’t know the area at all, I’m worried the coastline might be too built-up with big buildings, etc., like Lloret de Mar (no offense to anyone who loves it—it’s just not what we’re looking for).
Anyway… what would you recommend for a first 9-day trip to the south?
Hi
Does anyone know a reliable and affordable shuttle service from Roissy airport to Lille train station?
I know there are TGVs, but we’d like to avoid a long wait at Roissy station.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
BD
