Where to go in Europe this summer?

[hesitantbride]

DH and I are invited to a wedding in France, just south of Paris, this summer in July. We are just starting to think about what kind of trip we would like to plan in conjunction with going to the wedding.

We lived in Europe for a time, so here is where we have traveled:

Austria
Switzerland
France (really only Paris)
Belgium
Slovakia
Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)
England (mostly London but some other cities as well)
Poland
Hungary (Budapest)
Spain (mostly just Barcelona)

We haven't been to Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Germany, or some of the other northern parts of Europe. We haven't been to Greece, though DH has been to Croatia (and didn't like it).

I am thinking I would like to go to Scotland, but where else did you love in Europe that you might suggest? We like doing driving trips, if that helps at all.

[Deleted]

If you've only been to Paris, I would consider doing a trip to the south of France - Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco. STUNNING area, one of my favourite places in all of Europe. Plus you can easily drive or train there from Paris.

[gt7301b]

I'd go to Greece. Santorini is my favorite place in Europe.

[fromage]

If you want to do a side trip in France, I'd go to Alsace. It's beautiful, has good wines (especially lighter wines, whites, pinots and rose), and is not too crowded in July. The south of France in July is a mad house (although august is worse) and while the beaches are beautiful, they're super crowded and the traffic is horrendous.

If you want to do something beachy, I'd second Greece. Santorini is beautiful. Don't spend too much time in Athens. 2 days tops. I'm also really surprised your husband hated Croatia. We went a few years ago and loved it. I will say our experience was unique. We went with a hiking group and hiked around the islands with a local guide. He knew just where to take us, plus the majority of our days were hiking and drinking beer. It was really really beautiful though and we'd love to go back.

[Deleted]

We really enjoyed Normandy. But we're WWII history nerds.

[kangaroo11]

We also liked Normandy. The Loire Valley was awesome and very drivable. We stayed in a chateau in Amboise and day tripped around the area for 3 days.

[urbancowgirl]

Jan 11, 2013 10:30:24 GMT -5 @lauriergirl28 said:

If you've only been to Paris, I would consider doing a trip to the south of France - Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco. STUNNING area, one of my favourite places in all of Europe. Plus you can easily drive or train there from Paris.

This! Or the Amalfi Coast/Capri in Italy.

[rosetyler]

I think I would take the opportunity to see more of France. Not sure how long you're planning on staying, but the Loire Valley is amazing with all the chateaux, touring the wine regions (Bourgogne and Alsace), Nice is lovely, Provence, Lyon is one of my favorite French cities. You could spend time in the Alps, and make a side trip over to Geneve in Switzerland. Annecy was one of my favorite historical towns in France - amazing medieval buildings, stunning mountain views. Le sigh. I love France.

[mrshandy]

Agree with everyone suggesting the rest of France.

I love Lyon (awesome food), Amboise, Loire Valley.

So jealous, this sounds like an awesome trip.

[cajunmom]

Scotland would be my top choice. Anywhere in Scandinavia would be next on my list.

[kangaroo11]

Summer in the south of Europe is hellish. I'd not recommend Amalfi/Italy that time of year between the masses of tourists and the heat.

From Paris, it's easy to go to the Netherlands and from there you could do Germany as well.

[hesitantbride]

Jan 11, 2013 11:29:01 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

Agree with everyone suggesting the rest of France.

I love Lyon (awesome food), Amboise, Loire Valley.

So jealous, this sounds like an awesome trip.

Yes, I feel indulgent. On the other hand, we have no kids and my job sucks, so things balance out in life, I suppose. Given our circumstances, travel is available to us and a luxury. But there are other things in my life that I don't have, that others would say make their lives really full.

[Deleted]

I vote for scandinavia

[perkyderky]

It's a big country so this may not factor into anything, but I would check the Tour de France schedule to see if the caravans might be a factor in any of your travels. Hours/a day can makes a big difference, especially in the smaller start/finish towns. (Unless you have an interest in cycling, then you might enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Tour!) Hope you have a great trip (and how fun that your friends are getting married in France!

[marie427]

Not sure on the driving distance, but how about Prague? It's my favorite city ever - we're going for the third time next month. I can't get enough of that city! I studied abroad there for a summer and it's great in the summertime. Hope you love great beer!