France vs Croatia vs Greece

[Godofwar]

We were lucky enough to do California last year and while we had an amazing time it was so busy, came back knackered!

This year we would like to try somewhere a bit closer and have came up with the above three. We have all been to France separately previously but there is just so much to do and would like to do it together!

There are three of us including a 16 year old. We enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxing. Teen would love a few nights by a pool too! Where would you choose?

You need to specify which areas of Greece and France and what makes you tick regarding what to see and do.

I doubt you “did” California. It’s rather large.

Um Ok 🤷‍♀️ we did ‘do’ California but I didn’t want to get into it as it’s not was I was asking 😂 anyhoo…

With regards to what makes us tick and specified areas that’s really what I needed help with. Greece and France are also rather large and I was hoping someone could help me narrow it down. We enjoy visiting historic sites and the usual tourist attractions but would also enjoy a few nights beside a pool for our teen 😊

If you're tied to school summer holidays, Greece could be really hot, so I'd be a bit wary of choosing it for that reason. No shortage of historic sites in Greece provided you pick the right part. Also no shortage of lovely beaches.

That’s really helpful thanks. We are indeed tied to the summer holidays and I had no idea it was hotter than the other two places given we’ve never been. Definitely something to consider. I wonder if anyone could advise on the difference between similar temperatures in California given it’s a dry heat and Greece is more humid. Does it really feel uncomfortable?

I am tied to school holidays as well.

Croatia is beautiful and lots to do. Sea is crystal clear. Plenty of water sports to keep teens occupied. My two loved it.
we go to France quite a bit and again my two have always enjoyed it. Have spent time in the Nice area and Perpignan so beautiful weather, lots to do. Spent more time in Brittany / Loire area when they were little as weather not as hot.

Have only ever been to Corfu and it was August and absolutely Boiling so sight seeing was hard going as we just melted. We are looking at Greece again this year though.

We ended up extending our Italy holiday last year and driving down to Croatia through Slovenia.

It's absolutely stunning on the Istrian coast and we definitely want to explore it more. Plenty of castles and beautiful cities to explore, diving and boat trips etc. Beaches are rocky though if that's something you aren't keen on.

It was quite a bit more expensive than I'd expected though, they now accept both the euro and local currency, not sure if that had a effect last year. However I was very surprised at how much basics, food and drink cost in Greece last year too.

@Godofwar If you go to a Greek island in the Cyclades then you’ll find the daily winds cool down the heat. I’ve been to six different islands over various Augusts and found the heat perfectly manageable. Naxos has some great historical sites plus beautiful beaches.

DC was in Greece last year when it reached 40 degrees in August. Fortunately on a boat. Not great for sightseeing. Personally I’d go to France. Brittany has sea breezes. Or Normandy. Both have beaches, ancient history, great food and half a chance of bearable weather. In July 2025 we are going to Iceland. Indoor and thermal pools available.

Greece can be exceptionally hot in July/August. We were in Crete in August 2021 and temperatures were 46 degrees for 3 days. You certainly couldnt sight see and many sites actually closed due to the temperature. Also last summer Rhodes suffered terrible fires. I adore Greece but will avoid in July/August.

With France it's important to appreciate that the climate varies significantly according to region. The climate in Normandy is similar to the South of England, so hot and sunny weather is by no means guaranteed. If you're on the Mediterranean coast, the chances of hot and sunny weather in July and August are very high. I would say that if you're on the West coast in or south of Vendée you'd be unlucky not to get hot and sunny weather in July/August. Not sure about Brittany.

It can be changeable in Brittany and Normandy but it’s much better for sightseeing. Anywhere around the Med can be fierce heat in July/August now. For me, it would spoil a holiday. More than a bit of rain for a couple of days.

In France, if you like historical places, somewhere like Nimes/Avignon. Lots to see in terms of history - amphitheatre in Nimes or Arles, Pont du Gard, Palais des Papes - close enough to the beach if you want to go but far enough away to avoid the hordes. Personally think Uzes would be a lovely area to be based, but have only camped in that region so no recommendations of hotels or villas unfortunately! Could potentially be very hot in school holidays though.

Personally, I love France. Can’t go wrong there.

Last year we visited Corfu, Greece (in early June), and that was also wonderful. I didn’t care for the food or wine, which always left a lot to be desired for, but the views were stunning and we were never bored. Corfu also has a beautiful town.

One thing I HATED about Corfu was how every European would light up after a coffee or meal. The cigarette smoke was just relentless.

Coming from America this really made an impression, as you have to search hard to find that level of pollution.

Having kids in our group, we found this especially hard to get over.

Oh, god, no! Greece is WAY WAY WAYYY hotter.

I'd vote Croatia and the Dubrovnik area . Maybe a tow centre with some time on an island or in two different locations. Dubrovnik is like a walking museum. Beaches nearby.

Croatia also very hot.