France Travel Forum

I am not interested in visiting castles, love art museums, people places like cafes, parks, etc, like to walk and peruse streets and byways (safely) I was thinking of getting out of Paris and heading to a more laid-back locale where I would meet the typical French as opposed to the typical Parisian (As If anyone is "typical") Anyway, I am truly betwixt and between. Any advice? I love to discover places like Sirmione, Italy or Arezzo, etc. Confused in Cincinnati

Lyon is a city, Provence is a region - it is not really possible to make comparisons. Have you any thoughts as to where in Provence you would choose to be based in? That would make it easierto respond to your question.

try smaller towns like St Remy or St Paul Vence
usually the smaller towns provide authentic culture

There is no such thing as typical. Each individual is unique. You sound like you would enjoy a city more than the countryside so go to Lyon. If you want to meet people who are not dependent on the tourist industry, take your clothes to a laundromat and look confused. Several "typical" French housewives will immediately come to your rescue.

In Paris (or anyplace else), go to a tourist attraction and walk away from it two blocks in any direction and you will meet the people who live and work there.

That said, we prefer the Provencal countryside and small villages to large cities. It is a huge area of France so if you don't have a lot of time, you may prefer to either visit Lyon or in Provence visit either Nice, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence since they have all the things you seem to like. All are fairly large cities with much to do.

Whatever you choose, enjoy your trip.

Lyon is a great city. Great to walk through, and there is enough life for you to try to meet people. It is urban life. You will find some cafe and animation in evening to meet people. In Provence, except if you go to big cities, it is nice small villages,and a few big cities. Not sure when you plan to go there. In summer, Provence will be full of tourists, and might be difficult to find accomodation.But cafe will be busy in the evening.

By the way, yes, Paris life is not similar as rest of france (as general) and you are right to travel around. Quality if life is much better in other places, and people are more relaxed.

You have excellent and very wise answers and I have nothing to add. Your choice depends on your feelings and on your expectations.

You have chosen two wonderful regions.
Two years ago we spent a week in Lyon.
Grat walking city.
The Museum is a mini Louvre, and much more friendly.
The food is exceptional, and the city is so walkable.
Last year we spent a week in Avignon, and loved it as well.
Good central point to visit the region which is beautiful.
Gordes, Arles, Aix, etc.
Also good walking, and shopping.
Lyon edges out Avignon, but the environs of Avignon can't be beat

well simply Lyon is a nice city, and Provence is a nice region, big. so you answer yourself on what you like; as a whole is like city vs country. typical nothing is typical nowdays less and less so even in Paris they come from all over France ::)
the choice is back to you !