Hello, my husband and are are enjoying a trip in Paris now but would love to retreat outside of Paris for amazing food and wine. Something rural, with castles, able to ride bikes around and not too far from the city. We were thinking Bordeaux but heard it is very urban.
Any ideas? Thank you!
Bordeaux is pretty far south. Are you thinking of Burgundy?
Here is one that I am seriously considering for my next trip...Reims. It is the heart of champagne region. It is a 45 min TGV train ride away and the town is filled with little shops and cellars for champagne tastings. Haven't been there yet, but it is getting plopped into my next intinerary.
We can give more useful answers, if you clarify:
1) By train or car?
2) Give us some idea of what you mean by "not too far from the city"
Bordeaux is 4 hours from Paris, one way, that includes the time to get to the train station, wait for the train, etc.
Beaune in Burgundy (suggested above) is approx 3 hrs or more, one way, again including the time to get to the station, etc.
I'm guessing you want someplace closer than those? Please let us know and we'll try to help.
How about the Loire Valley?
It meets all your criteria...rural, perfect for biking, castles, great food and wine, not far from Paris.
James, Steve is too busy for a tryst while he's on vacation in Paris...too busy answering Helpline posts on his iPhone.
James, actually this is YOUR chance to connect with Steve. He's not that far from you! You could even meet him halfway--like in Saarbrucken. Go for it, buddy!
Joanna, we enjoyed a one hour train ride to the medieval town of Chartres which is home to the Chartres Cathedral. The cathedral has 150-170 medieval stained glass windows. The town is small and quaint--perfect for lunch or dinner.
I have also been to Amboise--also about 1 hr train ride. There is a beautiful chateau that overlooks the Loire River--I believe you can tour it. Leonardo da Vinci lived in Amboise in the Clos Luce Manor House. The house and the grounds are a museum depicting his inventions and etchings. Life-size models of his inventions, that you can actually "play with", are all over the grounds. Makes for a great day away from Paris.
Have fun getting out of the city.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau is less than an hour from Paris by train. Take the train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon. Rent bikes and visit the chateau and then go for a ride through the forest.
Fountainbleu sounds perfect! Any recommandations on places to eat or rent bikes?
Fontainebleau does sound really good, I'm interested in info on where to rent bikes too! We'll be there in a couple weeks.
According to its Web site, bike rental is available at the Fontainebleau tourist office.
I don't know anything about restaurants, but the tourist office site lists some.
Thanks Tim!
You're welcome.
My statement in a previous post about renting bikes, visiting the chateau, and then riding through the forest is misleading. I believe you'll need to take a bus from the train station to Fontainebleau and pick up your bikes there.
