Hello - I will be in Paris for work from 22-27 July, and I decided (rather last minute) to take a few days of leave while I'm there. I only have five days and would like to make the best use of my time. My initial idea was to take a train from Paris to Geneva, and spend two nights there, and then move on to London for two nights before returning to Paris to fly back to the U.S. However, after seeing how long the train ride is to Geneva, I thought it would probably be best to visit only one place and stay a little longer. I am torn between a visit to London, Geneva, or Marseille. I have never been to any of those three places, and I would love to visit each one but considering the limited amount of time I'll have I think I'd better choose just one. I would love to hear any suggestions anyone may have to help me make a decision. Thanks all! Cheers,
Vernetta
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Well here's a silly question: Why don't you just take your vacation days in Paris?
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC, USA
3 posts
No, that's not a silly question at all. I've been to Paris before so I would rather take the opportunity to visit nearby places that I have not yet seen. :-)
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3131 posts
Well the Olympics are starting in London on July 27 so even if you can get there you might not be able to find lodging. I'd head to Switzerland (Lausanne and along Lake Geneve, wine regions etc. not Geneva) but that's just me. It's only a 4.5 hour train ride. You could do a triangle to Lausaanne and Basel and back to Paris. You even have time to get into the alps if you want, but maybe you prefer cities?
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC, USA
3 posts
I actually found lodging in Notting Hill with one of the University's that rents out space during the summer months, but I am not interested in dealing with the madness of the Olympic Games. Visiting the wine regions in Switzerland sounds like a wnderful idea! I will look at the train schedules to Laussanne and Basel as you suggested. Thank you!
Posted by
Marin, CA
527 posts
Alsace is fun. Colmar and Strasbourg with cute wine towns in between.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3131 posts
Last Sunday's NY Times Travel Sectoio had a great article about the time Charles Dickens spent in Switzerland in lausanne. Great photos of Lausanne and the Lavaux wine region above the lake. http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/travel/following-dickens-through-switzerland.html?pagewanted=all The author of the article rented an eBike to tour the vineyards. Sounds like fun. haven't been to Basel but it looks very interesting in th etravel shows, like Richard Bangs 'Adventure with Purpose." Lots of history and art there, going back to Roman times but also some very new.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
I would consider doing Marsielles and surrounding area. 5 days is plenty to get a real nice feel for the area. With the TGV you're door to door in a couple hours, you could stop in Aix-en-Provence for one night, go down to Marsielle for 1-2 nights, and then finish in Cassis for 1-2 nights. All 3 places are very different yet only 30 minutes away from each other by train. Or you could spend the whole trip in Marsielles and just day trip to either location if you don't want to move hotel rooms. If you start leaning this way let me know and I can provide you with more detailed recommendations.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
You state that your work schedule is July 22-27. It has been mentioned that the Olympics commence July 27. If you could take your free time prior to business, in my opinion, there is no contest. London is the most wonderful city in the world. I would fly into London, spend your 5 days, then Eurostar to Paris and fly home from Paris on the 27th or 28th.
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
Spend a few days in Normandy. Roeun, Giverny, Honfleru, Caen, Bayeux and Omaha Beach and the Cementary.