Going in August - 3 of us - me, my husband and my 13 y/o daughter. Flying in and out of Paris. I know return from a different place would have been better but I scored mileage tickets. Itinerary: Paris - 3 nights Amsterdam - 3 nights Basque area - 5 nights (we are visiting family there) Then, back to Paris and flying home. We have three more nights. The question is whether we should try to go somewhere else or spend more time in Paris. Other options we have discussed are Barcelona, Normandy/Brittany -but 3 nites seems tight, or somewhere else in France - likely south. Sadly, I booked an apt in Paris and cannot get another night there. We will be flying btw some places - but no tix purchased yet, tho' I am getting nervous and would like to finalize things soon.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Just to agree with the other replies: spend more time in Paris. Particularly since you have to fly out of there, arrive a few days early. In addition to lowering the stress of departure (by already being in your departure city), going back on the same trip will feel like a second trip. This means you'll be "old hands" at Paris for the second stay, and this should be particular fun for your daughter.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Definitely more time in Paris, and staying in another neighborhood would be fun.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Three extra nights in Paris sound good. If you want to stay somewhere else, Bordeaux or Toulouse would be on your path from the Basque country to Paris.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
I would work out a timetable for your trains/planes and then see how much time you really have in each place, using actual train/flight schedules. for instance When you arrive in Paris, you will wait to collect your luggage (unless you are flying with hand luggage only). Then you have to get to your hotel. If you take train (from CDG), allow a reasonable amount of time to wait for the next train, then to get from the train station in Paris to your hotel. If you are taking only hand luggage, you may still have to check in on a European flight - often there are stricter limits on pieces and weight. Also bear in mind that you are likely to be very tired after the long flight/s and jetlagged, so your first day and perhaps your second, you won't be at "full speed." My instinct tells me that your 3 "extra" days will be eaten up going from place to place.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
You could spend the other 3 days in Paris, just in another apt or hotel in another neighborhood. It's fun to try different areas of Paris and you could plan your sightseeing days based on what's closer to your accomodations for each 3 days.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Three nights is only 2 full days, I think Paris is worth more then 2 full days .. there is tons to do , I have taken an 11 yr old and 13 yr old there and we had no boredom issues at all. I would not jump around any more then that..