Hi all

I'm going to be spending the first couple of weeks of September in France. I've never been to France before and would like some advice on the best way to do my itinerary. I plan to arrive in Paris on 1 September then I fly out of Rome on 30 September. So I need to be moving from France to Italy by 17th at the latest.

I prefer to do less places and take more time in them. I want to travel around using public transport only. I am a single 30 year old female travelling alone. I really enjoy history as well as beautiful scenery etc. I'm happy to join short tours as well.

I've already booked six nights in Paris straight up and plan on doing a day trip to Versailles. I've seen some companies also do day trips to Mont St Michel - is this worthwhile?

I'm tossing up between visiting the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and Lyon regions. I want to spend a few days at least on the French Riviera before moving into Italy, so I don't think I can reasonably do all three.

Any thoughts on the minimum amount of time to spend in these places? Is it really possible to get around the Loire Valley based in Orleans by public transport?

Thanks in advice for your advice/help!