Hi
Will have 3 days and 2 nights in July to spend outside Paris. I have been to Normandy. Original plan was staying in Avignon and doing sightseeing from there. Would a day trip to a beach be doable from there?
Where else would you recommend? Would like smaller places available by train.
Thanks
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
The Alsace region is beautiful if you haven't been there. Strasbourg is an easy direct train from Paris. Colmar is a little smaller and similar but a little less busy but requires an extra train connection.
Posted by
Chicago
8035 posts
We loved Burgundy and it is close by. Brittany is lovely -- we spent 5 nights between St. Malo and Carnac. Last year we went to Angers for two nights and then Nantes for 3. With so little time you could literally throw a dart at the map and put together an interesting visit around tht dart. We also love the Dordogne, but it takes more time and it is at the other end of the country.
Posted by
Washington DC
27062 posts
I can't imagine going all the way to southern France for just 2 nights. There are lovely places within an hour of Paris. I'd choose one of those.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
When most Americans think of a beautiful beach, they are not thinking of what you typically find in Europe. And I think it's a real mistake for most people to take scarce time out of a trip to Europe to relax on a beach. Unless you have time to burn (doesn't look like you do) or are looking for pebbles.
Now, don't get me wrong - there are nice beaches in Europe and spending time at them can be very pleasant. But there are much better beaches elsewhere that better match up with what's probably your idea of a nice beach (broad, empty swaths of sugar-fine white sand), in Florida, Southern California, Hawaii, Cancun, etc.
If you just want to use up a few days, I suggest you hit the Loire Valley and see the chateaux. Lovely, and nothing like them elsewhere.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Beaune and Colmar are served by rail. These regions even have early direct trains (bypassing paris) to deGaulle, which can facilitate a trip home.
There is coast in Provence, but probably not what you'd call a beach.
I do not see how 2 nights can possibly equal 3 days, except with Magical Thinking Math. But you can have a very rewarding stay in Beaune or Colmar on a 2 night stay.
Posted by
3 posts
I went to Dol de Bretagne. Small french village. Direct train from Paris. From there in less than 30mins you can visit Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo and Dinan. Love the spirit there. Amaizing local people.