We have visited a winery in Chateauneuf du Pape and purchased wine from there and found it to be of good quality. The area around there is very interesting, but we tend to like out of the way places, and this area is not easily visited. We have visited more deeply the vineyards and wineries, etc. in the area of Bordeaux and found that to be a good experience.

Also, we have stayed in Vence for a number of days and were very tempted to buy several paintings in St. Paul de Vence, but sanity ruled and we came home unencumbered and without huge credit card debt.

Others in this group have traveled more widely in the other areas in which you are planning to visit. While we visit Switzerland quite often, Lugano is not one of the places where we have been.

Have a great trip!!

Gretchen from South Carolina