We’ll be in Paris for 10 days and are looking at a day trip to either Bordeaux or Lyon. We’ll be in France over from Dec 22- Jan 2. I know one day isn’t enough to fully do either but thoughts on one way or another? Thank you
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1682 posts
I wouldn't do either for a day trip. There are many other places closer...Giverny, Reims, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Versailles, Chartres, Chantilly, Fontainebleau, Epernay, even Rouen. With a TGV you can visit Bordeaux or Lyon and return in one day, but IMO they are too far and you would spend more time in transit (2 hours each way) and wouldn't have nearly enough time to do either one justice. The others I mentioned will not need as much time there as the two bigger cities. Even Rouen will take less time due to its more compact tourist area.
Also, the holidays may very well impact the train schedules and availability of sights to see (holiday closures). The closer sights may not have TGV trains there, but they are close enough (except Rouen which takes 1 1/2 hours) to get there in less than an hour. Have you figured out your plans for Paris re the holiday aspect? Most restaurants may be closed Christmas Day. Definitely use the search bar to find discussions about Paris at Christmas. There have been a couple of threads in the last six months or so.
I wish you good luck in your planning. I send a very early Joyeux Noel for your time in Paris!
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2486 posts
hey hey jakedimond15
i agree with Judy, too much train travel time and not much time to see & explore then back on train to paris. you really need to check what's open and what's closed during the holidays you are there. plus trains could be sold out for days with others & families traveling.
years back we double booked our apartment in venice to drive to lake garda for their annual wine festival, spent night on lake in nice hotel to enjoy with an overnight bag, drove back next evening and no worries. apartment was waiting for us, grabbed bite to eat and bottle of wine and relaxed on the balcony. worked out so well.
one post wonder here, which seem to be so many lately with thoughts of hop skip and a jump to travel. you're in another country and things can be so different. that's something for you and others to think about if you want to explore other places. if you do remember check-in is 2-4pm and check-out is 10-11am. enjoy the day romeing around, have a nice dinner, sleep and return next day. enjoy
aloha
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10848 posts
On top of it, you have less than 9 hours of sunlight at that time of year to visit France’s second largest city and its 9th largest.
Vaux -le-vicomte chateau is good at this time of year, as is Chartres. for day trips.
Posted by
38 posts
I've been to both cities. I don't recommend them as a day trip from Paris.