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First Trip! Week in Paris - day trip advise?

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Hello all! I’m traveling with my mom to Paris may 1-9 - first trip abroad for both of us. I had my heart set on doing more than one city/country during my vacation, but my mom is the “once I unpack, I’m not doing it again” type. I’m definitely considering a day trip to Belgium- either Ghent or Bruges. Really want to see the altarpiece. Need some advise from guys and gals who have been there - which would be better for a day trip? And how soon should I book train tickets?

It’s possible that next fall we might do the Netherlands- would it make more sense to do Belgium and the Netherlands together?

Or would a day trip within France be more feasible? Thinking Chantilly (originally thought Versailles, but from what I’ve read, it’s a nightmare. Or Chartres/Giverny and bayeaux to see the tapestry. Any feedback or help would be a huge help.

Posted by
7854 posts

You can go to Ghent in one day and back if you don't mind the 2 hour trip each way.
It does not matter if you wait til you go to the Netherlands next fall.
A day trip to the places you mention in France are feasible as well.
And Bayeux or Brugges would be the furthest of all . Go wherever you most want to go.

Posted by
4132 posts

For me, 2 hours each way is beyond my day-trip threshold. But maybe not for you.

Versailles need not be nightmare. Not that I am pushing it, just saying.

Charrtres/Giverny is not a place. They are two places, widely separate, both worthy day trips. Chartres is really worthwhile, especially if Malcolm Miller is lecturing there. Giverny is packed with people. See either by train from Paris, or both, (but not on the same day).

Bayeux is a bit far for a day trip—for me. Makes a great two-night stay though.

Posted by
380 posts

Since you've only got one week, give or take a day, I recommend daytripping close to Paris/home. I've been to Giverny first week of May and highly recommend that - the flowers were just incredible. I've been to Paris about 15 times, and I never run out of things to see or do. The website for Monet's house has a bloom schedule so you should check that out. I'm a big fan of Bayeux but not as a daytrip from Paris, due to the length of trip. You don't say how old your mom is; is she active/able to walk long distances and do stairs? I agree about passing on Versailles. I recommend you (and your mom) list your top 3 or 4 interests (e.g. Churches, art, museums, nature, food, music, history, wine and so on). Then build your trip around those top interests, making sure to focus on them. Then add in 2nd tier interests after that. Whatever you do, don't try to fit in everything, and don't feel like you have to do the supposed "must do's" -- focus on doing what really interests you and your mom. If your mom does have any issues with steps, you should consider taking buses vs. the metro, since most stations include lots of steps. Have fun planning - you'll have a great time! (Oh, and if you haven't booked a Paris hotel yet, I recommend doing so very soon)

Posted by
8060 posts

there are a couple of dozen great day trips an hour from Paris. I'd save the Netherlands for another trip. There are small cities quite distinctive from Paris: Rouen (totally different architecture), Reims (the Champagne houses). Chartres (the great Cathedral). Many interesting Chateux: Vaux Le Vicomte, Fontainebleau, Malmaison, Rambouilet, Ecoen etc etc.

And of course Monet's house at Giverny, Provins, Auvers sur Oise where Van Gogh finished his life -- just so many. Here are a few we have done in recent years.
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/category/day-trips-from-paris/

You can dramatically vary the scene with a few trips. Paris itself is full of things to see and do.

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