interesting stopover near CDG

Laurel: Am I right in presuming you will be going from Colmar to CDG by car? And that you are returning that car to CDG? If so, that means that from wherever you decide to stay near CDG for your last night, you will have to get to the airport and return your rental car and manage to be in time to check in for your flight. That would make me very nervous. Anyway, that's the way you want to do it, so have you thought of Fontainebleau? It's south east of Paris but easily reached from Colmar and I think from Melun, north of Fontainebleau, it is autoroute driving all the way to CDG. Something to think about anyway,

Norma,
Thank you for that suggestion. We did actually on a previous trip drive right from CDG to Fontainebleau and loved it, but that's still farther than we wanted to be from the airport for all the reasons you mentioned. We had thought of returning to that area and visiting Vaux-le-Vicomte, but first wanted to check out whether we could find an interesting site nearer to CDG. Yes, we plan to be driving and returning the car at the airport.

Laurel

I stayed in Senlis the night before my trip home from France. It's not a walled city, but was quite nice and very convenient to CDG. I believe that Rick recommends it as a final night location in his book. Pam

Pamela,
We took Rick's suggestion and stayed there once, and I agree with you that it was very nice, cute town and interestingly mixed cathedral, but this time we were hoping to find something southeast of the airport, as we'd be approaching from Colmar the day before.

Thanks for your suggestion,

Laurel

Maybe Meaux?

Maybe Meaux indeed! I just checked Rick's France book and Lonely Planet, and neither has an entry for Meaux. Could you tell me something about it, please? Have you been there?

Thanks!
Laurel

No, I haven't been to Meaux but have certainly passed the signs for Meaux on the highway many a time. I can't find my Eyewitness France Book (curse you, whoever borrowed it and did not return it!) but my Traveller's Atlas France has an entry for it and it does seem interesting. There is a Bishop's Palace with gardens by Le Notre, so that in itself sounds worthwhile. There is also a 13th century Gothic Cathedral. If you google Meaux there are some interesting hits and info on nearby sites of interest to American travellers.

Norma,
Thank you so much! I think Meaux's our answer! We love gothic cathedrals and were not even aware of that one. The bishop's palace too and garden by Le Notre are wonderful pluses. We did Google it and find a panoramic sweeping view particularly appealing. The location is great as we'd been thinking of stopping at Reims again, and that would work well if we get an early enough start from Colmar the day before. We really appreciate your suggestion.
Laurel

You are welcome. Don't forget to have some Meaux Brie. The best.

Stayed in Meaux. Because of the proximity to Euro Disney depending on the time of year it can be hard to find accommodations without reservations. As we found out.

Thanks for that thought, David. Was the town of Meaux itself crowded for getting around, or just the hotels? The town sounds like one we'd like to see, and its placement is certainly convenient, though we are still open to other suggestions. If we stay there, we'd certainly plan to reserve in advance.