Paris to Beaune? Then what?

I'd appreciate some advice, especially on getting to Beaune from Paris.

Frequent trains from Gare de Lyon to Dijon, then change to TER train to Beaune.
You could also put Alsace in the mix.

Have you been to Paris before? You have only 1 full day there, which IMHO isn't enough. I'd add those 4 nights to Paris.

Dijon itself is very nice, as is Alsace. If you've previously covered Paris.

Thanks, Carolyn. We were in Paris 3 years ago and will be there for about 4 days total during this trip.

With 4 nights, either Champaign or the Loire are within reach. The drive to the Loire is on the long side, but you could shorten it if you take the train (transfer in Paris) and rent a second car there (which you will want).

But, may I propose a different direction? Spend those night in Lyon. It is a fabulous place, very French, and the city will make a pleasant contrast to the bucolic charms of Burgundy. And by the way, Charles deGaulle (or Paris) is just 2 hours by TGV.

September is an ideal time for your trip, have a blast!

Adam, thanks very much for your post. We're actually now leaning to traveling from Beaune to Reims for 1 or 2 nights. I haven't checked transportation yet but my preference would be to take a train from Beaune to Reims (if possible) and then rent a car in Reims. Off the top of your head, do you know whether trains travel between Beaune and Reims?

Your suggestion re: Lyon is intriguing and I will look into it.

Thanks.

I'm nearly certain that to get from Beaune to Reims by train requires you to transit Paris. Worse, you'll arrive in and depart ftom two different rail stations.

Daceman, as acraven notes Paris is the hub of the whole rail system and you have to get there to go back out. Personally I would drive this one, though it is quite possible to do.

However, might you consider visiting Reims as a day trip from Paris? Staying an additional day in Paris for that purpose, of course.

I think you'll find that is easier than making a big detour from Beaune. But perhaps you have more ambitious plans for Champagne, that a day trip would not satisfy.

By the way, it might interest you to know that Burgundy has its own sparkling wine, Cremant, if that is your thing.

Burgundy is fabulous. You have so very little time. If you are heading for Beaune, I'd spend two nights there max and then drive to another smaller base in Burgundy and explore Burgundy a bit. We loved Vezelay and Auxerre and stayed in a little inn in the Morvan Forrest to visit that area -- Moulin des Ruats. We spent a week based in Semur en Auxois and loved the area. Burgundy is wonderful; since you have chosen that, go for it.
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/category/burgundy/
If you want to do Reims coming back into Paris then drive so you don't have to train in and out of Paris, but given a short trip, I'd focus on the area you are in.

ACraven, Adam and Janettravels, thanks for your great advice. We've decided to stay in Beaune for 2 nights and travel (likely drive) to Auxerre, a village also recommended by a friend. And, regarding Reims, we may just do a day trip from Paris since we spend our first 3 nights in Paris. Sounds like a far easier trip from Paris via the TGV. We'll likely do some driving, but we'd like to limit it as much as possible.

Two questions: 1. Is it easier to rent a car from Beaune or Dijon? We were told that in Beaune, near the train station, we are able to rent a car. 2. I'd like to avoid driving into Paris from Auxerre; can I drop the car off in Auxerre and train it back to Paris?

Merci Beaucoup!

By the way, Janet, can you recommend a hotel in Auxerre?

You can certainly drop your car in Auxerre, but think about the logistics before you rent, because it may matter from whom you rent.

There are some auto rental agencies right near the train station in Auxerre, and some that are not. If that matters to you, you should reserve your car with an agency that will let you drop off at the train. But if you are dropping the day before anyway, you may not care.

By the way, I do not care so much for Auxerre. There's nothing wrong with it, but Jane's suggestions would be better, I think. A small town like Noyers (really pretty, but few beds) or Vezeley and the Cousin valley would be better if the idea is to get a taste of northern Burgundy.

I wouldn't characterize Auxerre as a "village," btw, far from it.

Thanks, Adam. I just sent an email to Rent A Car in Beaune, which is next to the Beaune train station. The only issue for me is whether they'll be open on a Saturday to pick up the car. Dijon is another option since it appears they also have an office there too. Your suggestion about drop off is a good one; thanks.

Regarding Auxerre or another village/town in Burgundy, that remains a work in progress. We want to see off-the-beaten-path parts of Burgundy but don't want to drive too much, at least on this trip, to accomplish our goal.

Another option while in Beaune, weather permitted, is cycling from town/vineyard to town/vineyard.
The Vineyard Way: Beaune to Santenay. The Vineyard Way is followed by a good towpath ride from Santenay along the Canal du Centre Greenway into Chalon-sur-Saône. At the end of the route you can load your rented bike on the train & head back to Beaune.
Cycling in Burgundy: http://www.freewheelingfrance.com/where-to-go/cycling-in-burgundy.html

Enjoy your trip.