Honeymoon - South of Italy/France (October)

[AdvocatusD]

Looking for some advice chaps.

Getting married end of September and will be whisking my beautiful bride away on honeymoon. The big question is where! She wants somewhere hot (preferably with a beach) and I want something with culture, great food and just general awesomeness.

We're considering the South of France and Italy.

I was thinking of perhaps even taking one of my cars there and touring the region while we're there, avoiding airports and the like.

We'd have two - three weeks and we'd like to stay in nice hotel (but not silly expensive, so I think that rules out 5 star ones).

What I am worried about is the weather. Is it 20 degree plus in Italy and France in the first couple of weeks of October?

What would you all recommend we definitely do or see, stay or pass through, while we're there?

Looking for as much information as possible!

[CraigW]

I wouldnt worry about stars, they very often reflect the fact that a hotel has a conference room etc. not conducive for honeymoon! You'll find loads of people reccomending varying chateau's etc but I would..

look on www.mrandmrssmith.com and www.chicretreats.com and you'll find a plethora of places to try, all of which will be that bit more special than run of the mill eurocrap and have the extra which will make it a memorable stay.

I'd actually phone both of them and describe what you want and some rough idea of budget and I bet you'll find something that you'll love.

I drove through france down to monaco in my old 911 a few years ago staying in these places and it was one of the best hols I have ever had.

best of luck.

[Puggit]

I'd head down to Calabria or Sicily if you want that kind of heat in October - even then it will be undpredictable.

There's a few threads on Sicily on here