Need recommendations for first timers, we are starting in Paris then have four days to tour France. It is myself my sister and mom, it is the first time in France. I was thinking two days in Colmar and then two days maybe in Provence, any ideas on hotels as well.
I will be the end of April beginning of May. I have May 4,5,6,7, and on the 8 going to Paris for one night and our flight leaves from Paris back homem
I was thinking Bordeax for the 4 days and visiting St Emillion. Would the Loire Valley be close to Bordeax?
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1972 posts
Train from Paris to Colmar. Stay in the Alsace region all four days and rent a car in Colmar and tour many of the villages in the region including Colmar. You won't be disappointed.
Take a look at this link:
Posted by
Franklin, TN
232 posts
With just 4 days you won’t have time to do both Colmar and Provence. You would lose a whole day just connecting the two. You might be able to do Colmar and Dijon or Beaune, or Colmar and Reims. I’m assuming you are returning to Paris? But staying all 4 days in Colmar wouldn’t be a bad idea either. You could base there and do a day trip to Strasbourg. I actually haven’t been there, but just looking at the map - that’s a good idea.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1575 posts
I, too, think that if you only have 4 days you would enjoy the Alsace Area without spending your days in long transits. You could do more Paris and Environs. I don't think most people realize that Provence covers 12,124 square miles. If you want to visit that area you should plan at least 2 weeks. I took a 3 week Alumni Tour and we just touched the highlights. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5877 posts
You cant tour France in 4 days. You have time to visit one place for 3 nights in either Colmar or a very small part of Provence before returning to Paris on the night before you go home. OR you could spend 4 nights in one of those places on arrival, before returning to Paris for the remainder of your trip.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
651 posts
To get the best advice from folks on the Forum, it helps to indicate what time of year (and which year, sometimes) your trip will be, why you have chosen France, what your interests are, whether you intend to rent a car, etc.
Posted by
Chicago
8812 posts
If you are spending some time in Paris -- 4 or 5 nights I hope and then have 4 for the rest of France, you need to start with your furthest point first and you should not attempt more than one other area. So arrive in Paris and train to the other place:
Strasbourg, or St. Malo or Tours -- whatever region you want. Get settled in that place. the first day.
Then if you can rent a car, you can tool around the region. If not, you use local transport or day tours. For example on our side trip to Montpellier, we visited Carcassonne by train, and Sette by train but for small villages, a famous abbey and a hike in an interesting geological area we booked a day van tour which was excellent.
In St. Malo we walked to St. Servan, we took a bus to Dinan and a boat to Dinard. We did one night in Carnac and a hired a guide to take us to the neolithic sites since we didn't have a car.
Then return to Paris and spend your time there before flying home. You need to be in the town of departure before a high stakes flight and you don't want to waste the second to last day of prime vacation time on the logistics of getting back for your flight. The first day after landing ia. waste anyway so use it to get to your furthest destination.
France is a country of interesting regions. Pick one with only 4 nights 3 days.
Posted by
Franklin, TN
232 posts
Oh yes! I agree. Land in Paris and head to Colmar or wherever you decide. Finish up in Paris. That will give you more uninterrupted time in Paris.