Why Italy

What sites do you recommend in France and northern Italy?

Planning a family trip (2 adults + 2 teenage kids) in France and northern Italy. What sites, tours, activities do you recommend? Of particular interest are good tours/sites about WWII in the Normandy region, winery tours in Bordeaux and hotels/sites in the lake region of Italy.

Public Comments

1. If you are in Normandy area you MUST travel just a little further to Mont Saint Michel. Google it. We have been to so many different places all round the world and it is one of my favorite places. My wife has major health problems with breathlessness on the least exertion. I couldn't stop her walking a few steps at a time to the highest places on this historic island connected by a natural causeway to the mainland. I couldn't get her away and didn't want to leave myself. Of course you will visit Paris and the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre etc. Take a boat ride on the Seine from near the base of the tower. There is so much to see in Northern Italy too.
2. In addition to the spots mentioned below, you could also visit Givenchy gardens, Versailles (it's beautiful) and I really liked walking through Montmartre (in Paris) - the artist's area with plenty of good food. Your kids may be interested in EuroDisney which you can get to from Paris on the train. Mont St Michel for sure. For wine tours, you could check out the Frommers they have an online book, or you could check out the webpages for the Thirsty Traveler (a Canadian show), Valerie Pringle has left the building (I think she did a tour there). I would definitely visit Alsace region. If you google the region, there's a small town there that puts on an awesome wine festival, I can't remember the name of it... it borders Germany. There's also a Giant festival. here's the link http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/europe/france/giants_of_douai.php