My friend and I are spending 8 nights in Paris late November into early December. We did a similar trip last year and it was wonderful. This time we are bringing our moms which we are very excited to do as Paris is one our favorite cities! We think we will mostly stay in Paris and take advantage of the many museums and the like since it will be cold and possibly raining. However, we may decide to do a day trip. Last year we did a day trip to Strasbourg which was great. We are thinking possibly Colmar which is similar. Any other suggestions? We love dining, shopping, the arts (already have tickets to the Paris Opera Ballet!). At the same time, our moms may not be up for walking all day especially in the cold which is why we're still on the fence if we should leave Paris at all. We're from Southern California so are spoiled with good weather.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1222 posts
KeilaC,
Central Colmar is fairly compact, so your moms should be able to walk around this charming area. Stopping for a coffee or aperitif to watch the world go by is a great way to rest your feet and be "French". Also, there is a free tram that goes around the central area. We took it a couple of times to get from place to place. (I don't remember the route.) Colmar would be a really nice day trip for the four of you. Get an early start. Christmas markets may have begun by then as well.
Amusez-vous bien!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2515 posts
You might look into Provins. It’s closer, about a hour away, but a change of pace from Paris.
Posted by
Boston
159 posts
Colmar is an excellent idea and the Christmas markets will definitely have started by then. The thing is, it's so different from Paris, it's like two trips in one. A win-win for your moms.
I'd buy your train tickets asap though. They're like airplane tickets in that they only get more expensive the closer to your travel date and they've been available for a while now. Also, when you go to buy them, try the group rates. Three or more travelers are eligible.
Try for an early train. If the moms get tired (it'll be a long day) they can nap on the way home.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7807 posts
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/recommended-side-trips-in-france-with-no-car
I like Colmar fine, but it seems too far for a daytrip. Presumably it requires a second, non TGV train from Strasbourg. That adds waiting time, as well as train time.
Posted by
Chicago
8498 posts
There are so many great day trips closer to Paris, I'd do one of those. One town we loved was Senlis (be sure to never go to a small touristy town on a Monday -- they shut down that day). Rouen is another interesting but quite different town. Auvers sur Oise where Van Gogh lived his last days is another great day trip.
Posted by
Atlanta
5165 posts
Colmar is a good option, even though it is a bit far for a day trip. Reims is a lot closer and can be quickly accessed by train. There is a great cathedral there where many kings of France were crowned, and the Museum of the Surrender where the papers ending WWII were signed. There are also some close, easy to get to, Champagne Houses to tour. Of course, you don't have to make a carved in stone decision now. Maybe decide after three or four days in Paris.