I will be flying in and out of Paris in November for 3 weeks. I am considering a few nights out of the city, perhaps a 3-ish hour train ride. Beaune is a possibility, as I love wine &'architecture. It is under 4 hours train from Paris. Open air markets are another one my interests.
I do have a RS France book. I am seeking personal advice on a spot to vosot. Thanks on advance.
Three hour train ride can take you to a few places,, Amsterdam,, London( only 2.5 hrs) , Tours, Rouen, Amboise , ( all less then three) so you its a toughie!!! What a fun problem to have.. lol
You could also fly to Nice in one hour.. and visit Monaco, Eze, Cannes from there as daytrips. Won't be beach weather but still nice places to visit.. I enjoyed the open air market in Nice.
If you are drawn to Beaune, it would be pleasant for a quick visit. If the weather is good you might rent a bicycle, but call in advance because the rental shop might have odd hours in November.
If the weather is not so good, you might consider Lyon instead.
Both are fairly described in RS France, but bear in mind that there's less going on in November, less daylight and shorter hours.
As a bonus, there is a direct train from Dijon to Charles deGaulle bypassing Paris that will get you to the airport by about 9:30 AM for your departure.
Lyon has a great Sunday market and wonderful restaurants! You could make a stop in Beaune on the way...Beaune is charming but small. I think that Lyon has more to offer. We stayed at Hotel la Residence--an easy walk from the Perrache train station. There are also some nice hotels near Place des Celestins.
Brussels and Bruges is also a possibility.
Lots of options from Paris!
Strasbourg is another option -- 2 hours and 20 minutes from Gare de l'Est via TGV. If you're going late in November, the Christmas market will be open. If not, it's a lovely town to stroll with lots of interesting things to see. And Alsatian wine!
If you decide to go to Beaune, you might want to coordinate your trip (either to avoid or attend depending on your love of crowds, etc.) with the annual Hospice de Beaune wine auction and related festivities that take place during the third weekend in November.
