Hi everyone -
I am trying to figure out how to spend roughly 30 hours between my arrival in France and an opera at Versailles. I am leaning away from spending it in central Paris because I will be in Paris later in the trip for at least 7 nights. Spending the day at Versailles would be another obvious choice, but I'd be there on a Sunday, when it is most crowded. I will be at Versailles on a Tuesday later in the trip for another opera, and figure that may be a better day to go.
Here are the specifics:
- Sat May 17, arrive from USA around 10 am at CDG
- Sun May 18 performance at Versailles at 8:00 pm
- Mon May 19, depart for the Loire... returning to Paris a week or so alter
In terms of how to fill the time between arriving at CDG and going to Versailles, I am considering:
- Chantilly, except I'm worried that Chantilly + the Loire might be a few too many chateaus
- Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau, but out of the way
- Giverny - while I do love gardens, the crowds sound overwhelming, especially on the weekend
- Chartres or Amien
While I know many people like to take it easy there first day or two, I anticipate being already on France time when I arrive--I've done this in the past without a problem and don't need a particularly easy day. In terms of things to do, I like nature, culture, history, food.
Advice would be greatly appreciated. This one is stumping me a bit.