I apologize for lack of some information. I have been asked by a friend on behalf of her daughter and son-in-law. They will have five days after visiting a friend in Paris and want to spend them in a "charming" town outside of Paris that they can reach by train. Alas, I don't know their general interests and the travel dates. They are in their thirties, have traveled (she lived and worked in China for a while), but want a low-key vacation because of the little one. I gave recommendations for the Loire Valley and the Alsace region, but without mentioning specific towns except for Saumur, Strasburg and Colmar. Do any of you have experience traveling in France with a a child of that age? What other areas have I omitted? Low-key is the theme here, but of course with some things to see and/or do. Thank you for any help.
Posted by
11159 posts
What about Normandy and Brittany? Lots of countryside and beaches. tell them to look at Honfleur, and Bayeux in Normandy and in Brittany, Dinan, Quimper, Vannes.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Bayeux would be wonderful, i love that town. But there are many nice towns right outside Paris to also consider. St Germain-en-Lay is lovely, with a chateau, a really good outdoor market 2x/wk, lots of fun shops and cafés and restaurant. Super easy to get to from Paris on the RER. There’s also Giverny, Senlis, Sceaux, St Nom-la-Bretèche, Versailles, Fontainebleau… and so many more.
I love the Loire Valley… especially Amboise and Tours.
And then there’s Beaune in the Burgundy region…
My favorite of all in France though is St Rémy-de-Provence. A super charming, wonderful town in Provence. Take a 3.5 hr TGV train to Avignon, then a rental car or taxi to St Rémy appx 20 min away. Provence is super fun to tour by rental car but i could also, very happily, spend 5 days in St Rémy without leaving.
Posted by
Chicago
8060 posts
St. Malo, Lyon (I know it is a big city but its historic center is small walkable and charming and it has the Traboules), Senlis -- (train and bus), Crecy la Chapelle, Rouen (city but quite different from Paris)
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
646 posts
You are all so kind. Thank you for all the suggestions. I love Bayeux also, as well as St. Remy de Provence. (I had forgotten how easy it is to get to with the TGV), and Brittany is special to me because DH has family there. I will make a list of all the places you all have recommended and send it off to the couple.
Merci!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Sounds good Judy! We stayed at Hotel du Soleil in St Rémy. I highly recommend it, it was bliss. Reasonably priced, super nice rooms and bathrooms, very clean, excellent breakfast buffet included, free pkng, beautiful grounds, easy walk into the center of town and a really nice pool.
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2427 posts
What month? That could make a big difference. If July/August, it will be swelteringly hot and humid in Provence, for example, and that could make for a cranky little one.
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
646 posts
I just found out it will be April or May.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10226 posts
April or May of this year? If so they had better make reservations ASAP.
Posted by
Chicago
8060 posts
We stayed in St. Malo in May a few years ago. There is a sandy beach a toddler might enjoy (obviously too cool to swim).
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
646 posts
Thank you again. Yes, I have warned them it is late for getting places reserved, but they are young and hopeful. Bonne chance a la famille!