Hi!
We are looking at a touring holiday, renting a car, staying in B%26amp;B type accommodation Dec/Jan.
We would like to avoid driving in Paris, but would like to go to the Champagne region/ Loire Valley.
Does anyone have suggestions about the weather/too many places being closed/ needing to book ahead. We would like to be reasonably relaxed with our itinerary, but only have 5 weeks. Many thanks
dogparktraveller
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Northern Europe is not recommended for its weather in December or January. Wet, cold, grey, misty.
Once you have seen Paris head south for Provence by train and explore that area where, although the weather might be cold you will at least get some sun.
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Au contraire - I would avoid Southern France (far too many people congratulating themselves for getting away from the poor weather around there!) Northern Europe is great in winter. Yes, it%26#39;s cold, yes it can be grey, but it can also be incredibly clear blue skies and bracing fresh air - not the kind of winters you would be used to in Aus unless you%26#39;re from Canberra (and if you are from Canberra, similar weather but not as cold).
I spend every Christmas in the Loire Valley. Not only would you have the %26quot;different from home%26quot; winter weather, you will benefit from thing like the truffle fairs, incredibly cheap (almost local) oysters, hotels that aren%26#39;t full and locals having time to say bonjour.
You will need to book ahead for individual places you REALLY want to go to just to be sure - some hotels do shut in winter, as do many B%26amp;Bs (the main reason for this is that B%26amp;Bs have so many visitors who turn the heating up to %26quot;tropical rainforest%26quot; they can no longer afford the bills.) If it%26#39;s a case of deciding the day before which town to visit you should have no problems, but remember that it gets dark early, and finding a hotel after dark is always a demoralising experience (and slightly panic inducing if youre still at it at 10.00pm!)
Most of the big tourist attractions are open all year round, including xmas day. You%26#39;re not likely to get snowed in anywhere (and if it does snow, the locals go slightly loco) so you wont have problems getting around.
As long as you have good socks, you%26#39;ll be OK
Simon
http://daysontheclaise.blogspot.com/
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Simon,
Thankyou for your reply.Coincidentally I do come just near Canberra SO very used to cold windy weather!
We had XMas in Lucerne last year %26amp; travelled Switzerland totally by train Dec/Jan, but we feel a car would be better for France.(With good socks!)
We want to explore the Loire Valley and the Champagne regions mostly and possibly down into Tuscany region towards Rome. Regards Lorraine
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Wiz,
Once again I completely agree with you comments. The winter is a great time to avoid the throngs of tourists which now descend upon the Loire Valley in warmer months. The days are shorter in winter but so are the lines and swarms of tourists.
Upon my next visit (late next spring probably) to my old stomping grounds (Tours), I shall invite myself %26quot;pour boire un pot%26quot;.
Hope you%26#39;re there.
Sarastro
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The Champagne area is very, very quiet in January in particular - I would perhaps go there at the start of your trip in December, and perhaps consider combining it with Alsace. Alsace is famous for its Christmas markets and is a buzzing area in December - again, very quiet in January with probably several places closed. The Loire sounds a good place to go in January, especially if you want to see the great châteaux.
It%26#39;s along way down to Tuscany/Rome by car and you will need to cross the Alps (Mont Blanc or Fréjus tunnels unless you go right down to Nice/Provence and through that way). I%26#39;d just suggest you watch for Alpine weather problems before you head down there.
Enjoy your planning and have a great trip!
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Sarastro:
As soon as I can sell my house in Australia, I will be there for good. Even if I don%26#39;t sell soon, late spring is the start of the renovation season so I will probably be there anyways.
Drop me a line closer to the date
dogparktraveller:
I tend to wear my apres-ski boots and 4 season socks. once the feet are warm, the rest is a mere formality.
Simon
http://daysontheclaise.blogspot.com/
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