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Paris to Amsterdam

Posted by (Oberlin) on

I am spending some time in France this spring - 69 year old female experienced traveler in good physical condition on a budget with more time than money. I still teach and one of my (adult) students recommended a day trip to Amsterdam that seems somewhat aggressive given train times for one day. What do you think?

Then from Paris after 7 days by train to Rouen by way of Giverny. Is there a place to stash my bags while I tour Giverny before I get the train to Rouen?

In Paris I am staying with a family in the 18th Air BNB - I find a single female has a safer time with a family stay. I have heard the 18th is sketchy but will not be out late. Terrace over a park, elevator, lovely flat and lovely room for me. Hope it is the deal it seems.

Have a Rick recommended guide for the cave paintings later in the trip. She got me a ticket for the caves. Some expenses are worth it.

Recommendations for food and activities in Aix en Provence ( the city) for 1 1/2 days? I pretty much follow recommendations of Rick Steves unless I get better or personal recommendations. Often I stay at places he recommends and am rewarded for early reservations. Any recommendations for Beaune or Annecy? Nice? Orange? Thanks. Barbara

Posted by
1450 posts

Amsterdam is 3 hours from Paris by high speed rail, so 6 hours round-trip. Amsterdam is wonderful but as a day trip from Paris it would make for a really long day. Still, it can be done and you can always sleep on the train.

Posted by
8554 posts

I love Amsterdam but would not do it without at least one night to stay there and 3 would be better. It is about 70 Euro if you buy Thalys tickets 3 mos out and get the bargain tickets; about 3 times that at the last minute.

Posted by
2487 posts

With the 07.16 you can be in Amsterdam around 10.45, and with the 19.47 you can be back around 23.30. So, it's doable. More or less.

Posted by
16895 posts

Yes, you can store bags at a café near the Vernon train station; see the bottom of p. 219 in Rick's France book.

I hope you will be in one of those towns an a market day - Sarlat and Aix-en-Provence both have great markets. If you're not going to Marseille, I'll mention that the recommended Patisserie Carthage (delicious Tunisian pastries) in Marseille also has a location in Aix at 14 Rue Paul Bert. I was craving Moroccan food and quite liked the look of Le Riad, but didn't get around to eating there, since I bought so much food at the market. FYI, Aix is short on picnic spots.

From Rick's Provence book, I was happy staying at Hotel des Quatres Dauphins (good value single room) and nearby, dinner my first night at La Brocherie.

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