My husband and I are flying into Paris the first week of November, and since we've been a few times already, I'd like to spend out two extra days in another region. We will be depending on trains. Should we go to Burgundy (Beaune, Dijon) or Provence (Arles, Avignon)?
Some facts about us: I love food, which is why I would find Burgundy exciting, but I also am a fan of Van Gogh, which is why Arles would be interesting for me. My husband and I are young and love to walk around and eat affordably. My husband loves history, and I love quaint towns and beautiful architecture.
Which region would make the most sense for us, considering we only have a short time, it's going to be early November, and we won't have a car?
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
If for no other reason than the weather, I'd recommend Provence. I'm not a big fan of Avignon, but for 2 days, it would be worth it; you can also easily get to Arles.
Posted by
Washington DC
27205 posts
Personally, I'd find Provence frustrating for such a short amount of time, and you'll spend at least 6 hours on trains, traveling back and forth. Weather-wise, though, Provence sounds better.
Posted by
3122 posts
With only 2 days, especially considering how early it gets dark in November, I would take the TGV from Paris to Dijon.
https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv/route/paris/dijon
From there you can either connect to Beaune and make that charming town your base, or stay overnight in Dijon and visit Beaune as a day trip.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
On November 2, Provence switches to a winter schedule. Sites close earlier and bus service to some places stops. I imagine the same is probably true of Burgundy.
In terms of weather both can be temperate, even hot, in early November.
Arles is charming (and could make a good base), but there is not a lot of Van Gogh there.
Burgundy can be tough without a car, but if the weather cooperates you can spend a few days in Beaune visiting the countryside by rental bike and Dijon by rail. There's probably more to see easily in Provence without a car, but if you are only staying a few nights that does not matter.
Given that it is the off season you can make your decision about where to go pretty much the day before. Call ahead to your hotel of choice before you leave Paris.
If the weather is crummy, Lyon is fabulous and has a direct train to Charles deGaulle airport.
Posted by
620 posts
If based in Dijon, you could visit the excellent town, Semur en Auxois. Take the #49 bus (dep. 7am).
Note also that the most useful public bus in the area, the Transco #44 (aka the Burgundy Express) connects Dijon with Beaune and many points between= VG value at less than 2 euros, similar to say, vaporetto #1 in Venice.
For me Provence deserves more time during a season that is more conducive to sunny days (Spring or Fall).
Bon Chance Jenny.
I am done. The end.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I went to Burgundy in May and felt I was there at least a month early. It was cold and only a small percentage of restaurants were open in the smaller towns. The good was feeling I had the place to myself, the bad was the temperature and closures.
I think Provence in November is a much better choice. I'd probably fly from Orly to Avignon, then go to Arles by bus or train. Avignon is a transportation hub but I didn't like the town nearly as much as Arles. I felt Arles had the most to see and do walking around town: Roman theater, arena, baths, river, Van Gogh sites, big market day, museum, etc. There are many Van Gogh related sites around town. St. Remy also has a lot Van Gogh, but I though Arles had the better variety of other things to see and do. I rented a really nice Airbnb; top floor next door to the "Cafe Terrace at Night" on the Place du Forum for a very reasonable rate (around 50 euro per night) in September. You should be able to find similar, or better, in November.
Posted by
Washington DC
27205 posts
When you're talking about distances like this, getting specific about the time is pretty critical. What does "two extra days" mean in this case? Will you have one night at your destination, two nights or three nights? Departing Paris early in the morning and arriving back at night, or something else?
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
Provence is a lot easier than Burgundy without a car but your time is short. I might consider something closer. Beaune is a good base with a car but the town is not that spacial (though the Medieval hospital/hospice is worthwhile. Maybe Beaune with some kind of bus tour to outlying areas. I agree that Semur-en-Auxois is a nice stop. Also Fontenay Abbey is spectacular.