Paris and...?

I think both are rewarding destinations and very different. Depending on when in the spring, the weather might incline you towards the more urban choice. But its really up to you - a question of what you want to see and do. France's great rail system give you other choices too. You could go to Lyon or Provence - actually a quicker trip than Amsterdam - and fly home from either. Alsace or Burgundy are also within reach question. For Normandy, Alsace, Burgundy, or Provence, a car will greatly extend your reach. Your call!

my votre goes for Versailles, Loire Valley and/or Fontenbleau. Save other for another trip.

I agree with JS, you are in Paris- see more of France rather than squuze in another country or two

Except that she has already been to Paris, so maybe another part of France would be good? It's true that Provence is a short (3 hour I think) TGV train ride away. Four days in Provence would be captivating, and well worth your time, especially if you love France like me!

My vote would be Normandy/Loire valley. You can easily do a driving loop through these two destinations and wind up back in Paris for your flight home.

I agree with both Tom and JS. I would do either Paris, Normandy and the Loire valley OR stay in Paris the whole time and do day trips to: Fontainbleau, Versailles, Giverny, and Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Thanks for your input, everyone! You're right, it does make sense to devote our time to France-- the Loire Valley/Normandy loop was our original thought, too. Although, I must say I got enticed by a great houseboat rental and the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. They'll be there for another trip!

I would spend the 4 nights in Paris and go to Amsterdam for the other 4 nights taking the high speed train. In the spring Amsterdam is very nice and you can visit the Kerkenhof gardens and see the tulips in full bloom. I was in the Loire Valley and Normandy this past may and the Loire Valley was fine if you like visiting large Chateau's. I prefer being in the city and Amsterdam is in my top 5 favorite large cities in europe.

Byron, your idea really appeals to me. I'd love to visit a chateau or two, but when you get right down to it, we're suckers for cities. Thank goodness I've got plenty of planning time to go back and forth on this. :)