We just decided to book a trip to France for the first week in November. We've been to Paris a few times, but definitely want to spend at least part of our time there. We'd also like to pick another spot, train ride away for perhaps a few nights. We have 6 nights total, arrive in the morning to CDG on a Wednesday (nonstop from Boston) and our return flight is at 2:30pm from CDG. Two of us, couple in 60s-70's, relatively good shape, happy to walk even in the rain, will pack relatively light and don't mind walking some distance with luggage. Interested in museums, historic places, outdoor walking/light hiking, vineyards... but we don't have any set goals and don't feel like we have to cover any specific lists of sites for this trip, so here are my questions:
1. Given arrival time/departure time, does it make sense to continue traveling from Paris upon arrival to another destination for 2-3 nights, then return to Paris for the end of the trip, or the other way around?
2. Any suggestions for where to head, relatively easy train journey from Paris (i.e. less than 2hours, no more than 1 change) maybe where there's slightly higher chance of better weather in November?
3. Any favorite, fun places to stay within Paris? We love the Latin Quarter but would be up for exploring a different area. Stayed in the 10th in March and that is less appealing to us. Would like cost to be ~250/night or less, am fine with either hotel or apartment.
4. Any suggestions for a fun, experience that might be splurge, either restaurant or day tour, to celebrate a birthday?
Thank you.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3292 posts
I’d recommend Lyon or Strasbourg after staying in Paris. Both cities offer many great sights and terrific food. The “vibe” in both places is quite different. Both are 2 hours or less from Paris and both offer direct trains to CDG as well. By taking the train to the airport for your last night in France, you avoid the hassle of early morning metro/RER or taxi to the airport.
If you’re in Paris for the birthday, dine at Le Train Bleu to return to the days of La Belle Époque for a unique and special dining experience.
Posted by
OP
267 posts
I like the idea of Lyon, we've been to Strasbourg several years ago but never Lyon. We're torn about whether to start in Paris, or end in Paris. My slight preference is to end there, so that we don't panic about possible train strikes/delays returning for our plane and also because since we arrive into Paris in the morning and most hotels don't let you check in until 2pm or later, might as well use that time to continue traveling to wherever we choose. On the other hand... hotel prices in Paris appear to be higher on the weekend, so we could have the first 3 nights in Paris...
As for Lyon, I'm looking at SNCF-Connect for train possibilities. Can anyone give me a primer on the different types of tickets? I'd rather save money by booking in advance but if changes aren't allowed and flights are delayed, then maybe it's too risky?
Are the tickets only goof for specific train?
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1380 posts
sanomh,
I second Strasburg/Colmar. And do Paris at the end of your trip for easier departure plans.
Posted by
Chicago
8599 posts
With such a short trip definitely start at your furthest point and finish in Paris so you don't waste the second to last prime vacation day on the logistics of getting back to Paris for your flight home. Strasbourg is a good choice this time of year if you are there late enough that their Christmas stuff is underway. Lyon is also interesting and exploring the traboules takes you out of the rain. both have wonderful regional food.
The Marais is a lovely area and Montmartre might also be nice since you have been in Paris before and being central is not important this time.
Posted by
Virginia
636 posts
Another vote for Strasbourg/Colmar. They are about an hour train ride from each other and they have many attractions to keep you busy. The morning that we flew in to Paris we took the Metro from the airport to the train station and then the train to Colmar. Very easy. Leave all your Paris days for the end.
Posted by
OP
267 posts
Thanks all for the replies. I think we've decided to just stay in Paris the 6 nights and possibly consider day trips. I'll start another topic to ask about day trips and tours.
We're thinking of this trip as a do-over for my husband who was very debilitated during our last trip in March and is now fully recovered so he's excited to do all the things he couldn't last time.
We're looking at the Marais area since we've never stayed there before and have heard good things. I have one hotel picked out (Hotel Riesner) which looks fine with good reviews, but am also considering looking for an apartment, given there are so many available (booking.com) but they tend to have short or no 'free cancelation' time frames so I'd really like to get a personal recommendation (will post separately too.)
We'll save visits to other destinations for a longer trip.
Thank you!
Posted by
Chicago
8599 posts
if you hadn't mentioned you had been before I would have suggested just staying in Paris and varying it with day trips if you wish. Here are some we have done:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/category/day-trips-from-paris/page/2/
Another one I'd recommend if you haven't done it is Auvers sur Oise where Van Gogh lived his last days. A great day trip and the town is well signed and you can get a map on arrival of key Van Gogh sites including the famous church and the field where he was shot and his and his brother's graves. We went on a Saturday when there was a direct train each way.
Posted by
OP
267 posts
Thank you Janet! I love your blog and had to smile when reading Guinguette - going back in time" we have Luncheon of the Boating Party in our dining room and love to 'duplicate' with family photos whenever possible.
I'll take a look at these great ideas for day trips. We went to Reims in March and did a champagne tour by van, which was very nice so I'd like to have a few of those types of tours to choose from, although we may risk missing out by not booking in advance, with only 2 of us, maybe we'll get lucky.