My daughter and I are planning a long-delayed trip to Belgium and France. (Thank you, COVID.) We plan to begin with a few days in Bruges, Belgium, then take the train to Paris and spend 5 or 6 days there. The next few days are still up in the air. We'd like to visit a smaller town within a two hour or so train ride from Paris and spend two nights there, before returning to Paris to fly home to the states. We're considering Rouen, but we're open to other possibilities. I'm looking for suggestions of other towns where we could happily explore for a couple of days. Thank you!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15380 posts
When are you traveling? What do you and your daughter enjoy?
Rouen is a good plan. You could also consider Colmar in the Alsace area or Bordeaux in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Both are about 2-2+ hour TGV train rides (fast train) from Paris but are very different.
I’d also consider arranging things so your last few days are in Paris. Maybe 3 nights in Paris after Bruges and 3 after your smaller town.
Posted by
Chicago
8948 posts
Do your smaller town between Bruges and Paris so you don't waste your penultimate day rushing back to Paris to be there for the trip home. There are tons of choices. Rouen is a big city but quite different from Paris and so a good choice. Auvers sur Oise is the town where Van Gogh lived his last days and might be interesting. Senlis is a medieval town not far from Paris. Strasbourg is a possibility as is Lyon. both larger cities with lots to see and do for that one full day you would have.
Posted by
OP
127 posts
Pam, we're traveling in late September, most likely. We enjoy museums, architecture, culture, outdoor activities, enjoying new foods and experiences - the whole deal.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1835 posts
Diane M,
Both Rouen and Strasbourg are good choices. Enough to see and do in either one to fill three days, and both fit your desire regarding distance from Paris. The suggestions to split or delay your Paris days, to finish up there, are good ones.
Posted by
OP
127 posts
I appreciate all the great suggestions! I've passed these on to my daughter, as well, and we're busy researching!
Since we want to buy a museum pass in Paris, we probably don't want to split our time in the city, but we'll consider the possibility of putting Paris at the end of the trip. Thank you!