We are signed up for the Oct 22-28 Paris tour. Either before or after (or both) we will want to spend several days seeing other areas of France within easy reach of Paris. I'm thinking Brittany (Mont St Michael, St. Malo, Dinan). My husband is thinking Normandy (the WWII cemeteries and museums, Bayeau). We prefer to only use public transportation, so no car rental. But maybe we're tunneling our vision in our research. Since it will be fall, perhaps changing tree colors/foods/activities particular to fall should be considered. Does Brittany or Normandy offer any such special things? Are there other areas within similar train distances that we should consider? Thanks for any info you can provide.
Posted by
Paris
7312 posts
There are some extensive forests in Normandy (around Lyons) and Brittany (west of Rennes) but they would require a car and they are well away from the coastal areas you are planning to visit. Also, fall colors are nowhere near New England-spectacular.
Posted by
Chicago
8599 posts
We have been in France in October many times and with the exception of an exotic planting here and there the foliage is not spectacular -- mostly yellows fading to brown. There were a couple of spectacular trees in Park Monceau and one or two here and there, but France in our experience doesn't offer spectacular fall viewing. Paris is bookended by two forests and there are many national parks not too far a drive away, but I doubt it is worth it.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
In the city itself the chestnut trees drop crisp brown leaves into small parks. Not a colour treat but allowing a delightful crunch under foot.