Between Lyon and Paris

Here's a suggestion: Because this is your first time to France and includes Paris, you'll want to spend an adequate # of days in Paris. Most people on this forum who go to Paris for the first time spend an absolute minimum of 3 full days in Paris and that's a minimum, many spend more. I'd recommend 4 or 5 full days. Anyway, first decide how many days for Paris. Next, because you're starting in Lyon and want to work your way north to Paris, the obvious thing that's between Lyon and Paris is the Burgundy wine region, including the Beuajolais wine region between Lyon and Macon and the rest of the Burgundy wine region from Macon north to Beaune and then northwest from Beaune out to about the town of Chablis.A rental car is best for exploring this wine region, going to wine-tasting, and so on. In mid-July the grapes should be started to grow bigger as they get to harvest size in September or October. People who go to the wine region earlier than July only see more leaf growth but not the grapes that come after the flowering.

If we knew what your time from would be and how you will be traveling we might be of more assistance. Also, what do you like to do? Do you prefer museums to the outdoors, culture to hiking, etc. If I was interested in art, I would head north. If I liked the outdoors, I would head south. Starting out in Lyon, a great city all by itself, is sort of a different starting point, but it does lend having a choice of where to go. If you have enough time you could do both. If you are short on time, say a week, and like art, museums, and culture, then forget the south and go north. If you are limited to train travel then obviously you will stick to the bigger cities more easily. The wine region is an easy choice if you have a car; very difficult to really see anything without one. That goes for both north and south. A little assistance with what you like really would make our recommendations more helpful.

Hi Megan,
I agree with Kent that hopefully you will be able to spend at least 4-5 days in Paris--more if possible! In January we used the train to travel from Paris (7 nights), Beaune, in Burgundy wine region (2 nights) and Lyon (4 nights.)

You have the advantage of spending time in the wine region when it's warm! It was cold there in January! If you're outdoorsy, there is a bicycle rental shop very near the train station in Beaune.

Have a great trip!

Michael, you're right. I'm going for about 3 weeks, mostly traveling by train. I definitely love history and culture, so outdoors/hiking types of activities would be low on my list, but I'm willing to try just about anything.

Then you are in for a treat; go north. Kent and Sharon have provided excellent advice that I can only echo. The Burgandy region will be outstanding this time of the year. You will have the opportunity to use bikes in the area easily and there a many set trails to use. Given your time frame I would also send you west to see the Loire Valley. Get a good guide book or two, and review some of the great chateaux and then choose which ones you will see. That would also lead to Normandy and the beaches so famous in WWII. Then it would be off to Paris and several side trips: Chartres, Versailles, and Reims, among others. From Paris you can see everything by train. The wine regions and the Loire Valley are more easily seen by car, but you will find several short tours you could join, the same with Normandy. Of course, I would plan on a few days in Lyon first because it is such a great city. I am talking in really broad brush strokes, but you will have a great time.

If you plan to spend more than a few nights in Paris I recommend renting an apartment. Definitely allow enough time there. My first visit was for 5 nights and it wasn't enough. My second visit was for 10 nights. I think for a first visit 4 nights should be your minimum. Bon Voyage!

History-and-culture sights in Burgundy (besides the small towns): I'd suggest a visit, perhaps even overnight, to Vezeley, and a day trip to the Fontenay Abbey near Montbard. And of course everyone's favorite, Beaune.

Read up on these sites before you go and decide for yourself.

If wine is not your thing, give it a miss, but the whole scene is very accessible.

I think Beaune is a must. I like the Loire too but I would try to see more sights on your way to Paris. If you make a sharp turn when you leave Lyon you can head for the venice of the alpes, Annecy. I've been there in summer and it is fantastic. This lake side town has canals running through it and you can enjoy some time on the lake with paddle boats or rent a tiny motor boat. Beautiful view of the alpes, eat fondue, check out market day... it's the good life. You can easily get there by train from Lyon.
Enjoy!