Travelling with family in the fall and am looking for a city worthy of making a home base for at least 6 nights. There will be a couple of day trips involved, but limiting distance due to 2 small children. We've been all over Normandy, Provence and last year went to Bordeaux/wine country. Do not want to hotel hop this trip, but want to see what we can and enjoy our vacation. Any suggestions?? We'd like to start or end the trip in Paris for a few days as well.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Have you been to the Burgundy or Dordogne region? For Burgundy, you could stay on the outskirts of Beaune, or in the city if you prefer. In Dordogne, I stayed in a small town on the outskirts of Sarlat. Both areas have a lot of day trips.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
As I read this, you are seeking a city big enough to keep you all busy with just a few day trips. I do not think that Beaune, or for that matter Burgundy, is for you; the interesting attractions are spread out.
The obvious city that is not on your "been there" list is Paris. Paris is Paris, obviously, and the rail connections make many interesting day trips possible.
If Paris is out and you just want an interesting city, I'd suggest Toulouse, Montpelier, Lyon, or Perpignan.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7027 posts
The OP has two threads on the same subject running at the same time (https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/should-i-rent-an-apartment-in-reims-metz-or-dijon-which-city-is-better-for-family-stay). In her other post she states that they are finishing their trip in Paris after the 6 nights she asks about.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
She asks about Metz, Reims, or Dijon. The north can be bleak in November. I'd head south, as suggested by Adam.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
80 posts
Yes Adam you're correct I'm looking for a city big enough to spend a few days in and not get bored and take some day trips that are not too far since we have the kids. I'd like to rent an apartment this time instead of hotel hopping. We've been to Paris many times and will be ending the trip there for our last 3 nights. I was just trying to tackle a region or two that I haven't been to yet. Picardy, Champagne, Burgundy and Alsace are all still on my bucket list of places to go.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
Kate, Metz and Dijon are similar in size and interest, but you'll find a few more museums and historical churches in Dijon. As I said earlier, it can be gray in November, and you might find six nights too long in either city. I've stayed in both. You may need to move up in size to a place like Strasbourg to stay for six nights.
Posted by
Williamstown, MA
260 posts
How about Lyon? It's a really lovely city, with wonderful and famous food, roman ruins, gorgeous river. From there you could do day trips to the alps. I would think kids would love that.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
80 posts
Thank you all for your help. After looking a little more on the map I narrowed down 4 cities I'm interested in renting the apartment in that would be a good base for us to take a few day trips from but am having a hard time deciding amongst them. Please let me know what you think about Reims, Colmar, Beaune and Orleans for our 6 night stay. I'll definitely look in to Strasbourg again, but the train fare from there to Paris is more than any other city I'm looking at and the apartments are more as well.