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Help with France trip itinerary using trains and buses

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My husband and I ( 80+ and 70+) are planning trip to France in April this year. We will be using public transportation throughout the length of our stay. We live half year in Spain and half year in the USA. We like to explore other countries, their culture and immerse in their customs as possible. We like small towns but without a car I see this may not be possible all the time due to transportation not being available. The purpose of this trip is to take it easy, enjoy France!
The following is our tentative itinerary. Please comment and make suggestions as needed.

We will start in Paris and we already secured an apartment close to the Sorbonne.

7 days in Paris. Besides Versailles we would like suggestions for another side trip.

4 days in Amboise. Side excursions to the Castles. Here I would like recommendations about which train to take from Paris. The TER has a direct train to Amboise from Gare d’Austerlitz. The TGV has one change in St Pierre does Corps, connecting with a TER that take us to Amboise. Which one?

3 or 4 days in Bordeaux to take one day tour of St. Emilion. Train to Sarlat.

3 or 4 days in Sarlat. I would like to see a goose farm if possible. Any suggestions?
Transportation from Sarlat: what is the best way: go to Toulouse, Carcassone, Arles, or any other suggestions would be appreciated! We also thought maybe to go to Lyon ? We are not sure at this point. From here we are planning on going to Malaga where we live. Train or plane?

Thank you for your time! Carmen.

Posted by
2468 posts

Carmen,
Sounds wonderful to spend so much time in France. The side trip I would suggest would be to Chartres because it is one I myself would like to make. The Cathedral is magnificent and a guide that everyone raves about is Malcolm. Others will have more specific information. I have not done this yet. I believe the town is a fairly quick train ride from Paris. I don't know the specific train.

Posted by
118 posts

For day trip from Paris I would highly recommend Provins which is just over an hour by train. Lovely walled town with lots to see.

The TGV from Paris to St Pierre des Corp is only an hour - but not sure on connections to Amboise from there
I would check the SNCF website
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Your itinerary looks excellent

Posted by
2916 posts

I'll second Provins from Paris. Senlis is another possibility, although I don't know how public transportation from Paris to Senlis is. Another option is Chantilly, and from what I remember it was easy to get to by train.
As to Sarlat, that whole area is not great for public transportation, but if any town will have decent public transport, it will be Sarlat. Visiting a goose farm may be difficult; finding goose products in Sarlat will not.
All in all, I like your itinerary.

Posted by
10176 posts

I would imagine a tour of a farm could be arranged via the tourist information office or even if you talk to the different farmers who sell in the Wednesday or Saturday market in Sarlat.

Posted by
8 posts

Thank you to all for the great suggestions. Thinking about it and doing my homework I think Sarlat is out. I think that we may want to venture to Carcassone from Bordeaux instead. Thank you all again.

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