reco's for overnight trips out of Paris in October

Chartres and Reims would be excellent choices, and Epernay could be part of a Reims trip. Mont-St-Michel might be too far for an enjoyable overnight, you'd spend a lot of time getting there and back, but I haven't done it so can't be sure.

Another you might consider is Bayeux, an easy train ride, with the great tapestry and cathedral, and a tour of D-Day sites (see innumerable threads on this board for recommendations). Another in the same direction would be Rouen. But I wouldn't try to see Rouen, Bayeux, and the beaches in just a one-night trip.

There's so much in the Loire Valley that a one-night trip seems insufficient, but people do make one-day trips there on the TGV with a tour. For me, the Loire would be worth at least 3-4 days, but I wouldn't take that time out of a first-time 2-week Paris trip.

I do think you're wise to consider one or two overnight trips to places like these, instead of day trips. You'll get much more out of them. If you're in a hotel in Paris, you could probably leave most of your luggage with them and travel light.

Strasbourg has good wine, but go just a bit further to Colmar to be in the center of wine country. Ditto Dijon and Beaune, which needs a short connection form Dijon.

Chartres is probably best as a good day trip from Paris.
For overnight I would look at ...
1) Reims/Epernay
2)Tours/Loire Valley
3) Rouen
4) Strasbourg (perhaps a little too far)

Don't overlook London, a little over two hours away via the Eurostar but the cheaper tickets are probably gone since they went on sale 6 months prior to your travel date. We enjoyed Bayeux, a magnificent cathedral, the famous tapestry of the 1066 Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror, and about 30 minutes by car from the D Day beaches and museums.

Great comments all. Many thanks. Loads of options so we will make final decisions once we are on the ground. Cheers.

I would most definitely recommend either Strasbourg or Colmar for an overnight visit from Paris. They're a bit far for a day trip but worth an overnight and you could stay in one and visit the other. Both are worth spending time in and easy to get to on the train.

Hi K&M, I'd suggest a day or overnight to Chartres, Amboise, or Reims. All are short, easy train trips.

Chartres Cathedral is wonderful. Try to book a tour with Malcolm Miller.

Amboise is a very nice town and one of my favorites. Be sure to see Leonardo Da Vinci's house and the castle. It's also a good base for visiting Chambord or Chenonceau.

Reims Cathedral is worth a visit, as is the Surrender Museum. Also, do a champagne tasting (there was a recent thread on this).

Have a great time in France. Lots to do and see!

Hi,

For an overnight visit I suggest Strasbourg. Take the early TGV from Paris Est, you'll be surprised how short the ride duration is.

Thanks Donna, thanks Fred. We like the suggestions and excited for the adventures.
Cheers, K&M