After a week in Paris I am thinking about a 2-night break in somewhere easily train-able and am considering either Rouen or Fontainebleau.
This will be in November, brr, and I will need to get back to CDG for a Sunday morning departure.
I have not stayed overnight before in either place.
Any thoughts on what the pros and cons are of these options? Another place you think would be even better for winter strolling?
Early November or Late November (sorry for the asking details)....interested in Winter Markets? I'd consider Colmar if it's late Nov. There is direct TGV service to Paris in about 2 hours.
There are several markets in Colmar and it looks like they all open Nov 26.
We stayed in Rouen for a few nights as part of a larger driving trip through Normandy. Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect but we were quite glad we chose Rouen. We enjoyed the architecture, the history, the Joan of Arc connections, and the food. There was a good museum pass offer as I recall. After decades of cathedral gazing Rouen is now #1. In Fontainebleau we had a great day but saw only the chateau and the rental car drop office before taking the train back to Paris. Safe travels
avirosemail,
For a two night jaunt, I would go to Rouen. More to see than just a chateau as in Fontainebleau (IMO). The medieval town is a treat, plus the cathedral that Monet painted so often is gorgeous. The area around Rouen is pretty too. I believe you would have more to see and do there. We stayed over just one night as we were headed to Bayeux, but could easily have stayed another.
Happy trip!
We stayed for two nights this past spring, and thoroughly enjoyed Rouen as part of our bigger Normandy trip.
A city and a château are not easy to compare, but agree that Rouen offers more variety. Having enough time you can visit lovely Lyons-la-Forêt. I have visited it several times and know the surrounding countryside is scenic. There is a bus from Rouen to Lyons and takes about an hour each way and calls at other lovely villages too.
Rouen is a city, so it is better for fall strolling when the weather does not cooperate (which is often in Normandy in November). Great art museum there too (Musée des Beaux Arts).
Now, if you are more attracted by what Fontainebleau has to offer, there is more than just the castle: with 2 nights, you could easily plan side trips to Barbizon and/or Moret sur Loing. But they will not be at their best in November, typically.
Have you consider Chartres? It is on my list for my next visit and an overnite is recommended but perhaps 2 days might be too much.
Have you consider Chartres? It is on my list for my next visit and an overnite is recommended but perhaps 2 days might be too much.
I have spent several 2-night weekends in Chartres, mostly for R&R - and I strongly dislike 1-night stays anyway. It is a lovely place to be, but objectively, for a visitor coming from far away, you really do not need more than 1 night. It does not take much more than 4-6 hours to see the town including the cathedral, St Aignan church, and a stroll along the Eure.
Also tack on the Château de Maintenon if you consider doing Chartres. It's somewhat off the beaten path of international tourists. Whenever I am there I am one of the few...and walking through the grand hall alone makes me feel like royalty myself.
We actually spent the day in Rouen today! Lovely old city of many interesting well preserved buildings and walkways. Many eateries, marketplaces and all kinds of shops. Fun to walk the cobblestone streets and alleyways. The old town clock is wonderful. The cathedral impressive! So much history here! I could see staying a few days!
Thanks for your input, everyone.
I'm still not settled on what to book but it seems Rouen >> Fontainebleau in this instance.
But if the weather is likely to be blechy maybe I should pick Orleans for a break instead of Rouen?
Or with the TGV option I could even get down to Tours perhaps?
Are the Beaujolais wine release festivities better in some areas than others?
But if the weather is likely to be blechy maybe I should pick Orleans for a break instead of Rouen?
No weather would make me pick Orleans over Rouen. Orleans is only moderately interesting to me, with a second-tier cathedral and relatively few old streets. Besides, if the weather is bad in Rouen, chances are it will be close to just as bad in Tours or Orleans.
No idea about Beaujolais.
Orléans is of little interest. Most of it was destroyed. Rouen is a world-class city with some big-ticket items and some superb museums. Their Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc, if you're cool) Museum is fantastic and modern. Plus there's some excellent restaurants. The Beaux-Arts Museum is quite enjoyable. Really Rouen merits 2 nights.
You might consider Tours, or even Bordeaux. You can get to Bordeaux faster than to Colmar.
