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14-days: CDG inbound/outbound, April

Posted by on

Hello all, my wife and I booked a roundtrip award flight on Delta One for an excellent value. Our travel dates at April 10th - April 24th. I've just received my RS France 2018 book, and I'm trying to accelerate my decision making process. I've visited Paris once for 3-days, and my wife has never been to Europe.

I'm torn between dedicating 14-days around France, or choosing one other destination for 3-nights to break up the trip (Such as Rome, or Barcelona). We're typically the city type, and enjoy checking out the local area's sites. I'm cognizant of travel time, and don't want to spend all my driving/changing locations.

Randomly, I considered transiting directly to Rome and spending 2-3 nights. Flying back in to Lyon, and making my way up towards Strasbourg (architecture, food), heading back through the Champagne region (I love Champagne), and ending with a week in Paris. Paris could be hub for day trips near the end of the trip (Versailles, overnight trip to Saint Michel). However, this largely leaves out Loire Valley and the South of France.

Ideas/Thoughts?

Thanks for your time!

Posted by
784 posts

I think you need to focus your trip on Paris and France. If the 14 days include your travel days, you actually have only 12 days. Trying to go to Rome or Barcelona is far too ambitious IMHO. I would fly into CDG, then head in either of two directions:

West, through Normandy, then to the Loire, ending in Paris.

Or, East, to Alsace, back through Champagne and Reims, ending in Paris.

This would give you 6 days of a leisurely trip through the countryside and another 6 in Paris, which gives you plenty of time to see the major sights as well as experience what Paris is really about, which is simply being there...sipping a glass of wine while enjoying world class people watching.

My travel philosophy is to always leave a reason to return, so don't try to see and do it all. Save Rome and Barcelona for other trips where you can give those locations your full attention and do them justice.

Posted by
11570 posts

I agree with the above poster. Stay in France to maximize your time and mostly, your experience. When you change cou tries, there is an asjustment to make in many ways. A week in Paris and a week in one of the following, Alsace can be easily be reached by high speed train from Paris to Strasbourg. Then rent a car and explore and/or stay in one of the beautiful wine villages such as Riquewehr. Or visit Champagne region, Reims and Epernay. Or Burgundy and it’s wine villages, all by train or rental car. We have done all three of these wine areas with a car but used the train to get to Strasbourg, stayed a few nights, then rented a car and stayed in a wine village. Or combine Alsace and Champagne as you mentioned. We went directly to CDG for our dlight home from Champagne refion. .

Posted by
166 posts

I agree with the above, when you change countries it takes more time out of your actual touring than you think. Since I am interested in Normandy I would spend the first 6 days visiting Normandy beaches, Mount St. Micheal, Monet's gardens, etc. and then spend the last 6 days in Paris enjoying my favorite city in the whole world. Your going to have a great time!!!

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