Paris and then Side Trip

Amsterdam is a fine choice, but you know from Paris you could really head anywhere you like.

A friend of mine makes it a point to punctuate every trip with two or three days in a second destination that is markedly different from the first. Like, Umbria followed by Latvia. Or Burgundy ending in Bilbao, Spain.

It strikes me as a clever way of extending the travel experience by adding something that deliberately contrasts with the main destination, though I have never tried it myself.

In January, I'd stick to cities.

London would be a very easy side trip to Paris. You can take the Eurostar, going from city center to city center, in a very short time.

Would the side trip be in the middle of the time visiting your friends or at the end of the trip? If at the end, you might want to consider flying into Paris and home from wherever you go.

I also vote for London,, amazing museums.. and only 2.5 hours away,, city center to city center. LOok at booking Eurostar as soon as possible as prices always go up as date draws closer. Also look at mid week travel, its often cheaper to travel on a tues wed or thurs,, and stay over a sat night if you can.. Play a bit on the Eurstar site.

You could spend a few days in the Loire Valley, but you would probably want a rental car to get around. You could also explore the Normandy region (also by car), but someone from CA may find the weather there rather intolerable in January (cold, windy, wet).

RE Amsterdam: I'm pretty certain Thalys takes longer than 3 hours to reach Amsterdam from Paris, but I could be wrong. A small portion of the Rijksmuseum remains open while the rest of the facility undergoes renovation. As another poster noted, many of the most famous paintings are still on display... however, if this is the main reason you want to visit Amsterdam, I'm not sure I would go out of my way until the rest of the museum re-opens. Even lingering over the exhibits more than I usually do in a museum, it took me less than an hour to see everything. But Amsterdam itself is a beautiful, well-kept city, and a delight to walk around anytime, Rijskmuseum or not.

I'm impressed by Adam's friend going to Latvia! My daughter in Law is from Latvia, and is heaven on earth! However, London and Paris is a delightful trip! I did that trip in October, and would love to take the same trip again! You will have a great time no matter where you go!!

Don't know if you are into wineries, however, I would hope on the train, go to Avignon, rent a car and tour the Rhone wine country--which also has many Gites you can stay at, or chambres de hotes.
Nimes, Aix, Utz, are all close by too.

As you know, the Rijks museum is undergoing major renovations. Actually, many of their paintings are on exhibition here in Paris until 7 February 2010, at the Pinacotheque de Paris, a fairly new museum near the Madeleine: pinacotheque.com If you go to this museum, better order your tickets online or face waiting outdoors in a long line.
As for Amsterdam, it's one of my favorite cities. Last time I was there in January, there was a major storm which blew over trees etc. Not much fun.

Since you are going in January, I would also recommend London. There are lots of things to do, particularly if the weather is not so great. You can visit many museums, go to the theatre, take walking tours, etc.

I like Amsterdam (have been 3 times), but was there once in February for business and it was not so pleasant in the winter. I think part of Amsterdam's real charm is walking along the canals ... not so pleasant when it is cold and windy. I'd save Amsterdam for a trip when the weather is warmer.

If London doesn't suit, check out discount airlines. From Paris, you could easily take a flight to almost anywhere in Europe.

Amsterdam is a great city. Check to confirm if museums are closed. Great walking/biking city. food is good. Shopping fun. You could also do 2 days Amsterdam and 2 days
Zandra
King of Prussia