Sorry about that, It got send without me completing it. We are renting a car and driving throughout the country and ending in the French Alps. We were going to end in Paris but I just thought why not stay and see Paris first. Since many people talk about leaving the city first I wanted to make sure I am not missing something. Thank you.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Carol, in my opinion it is always better to tackle the big cities first when you are still fresh and "raring" to go. It is also nice to finish the trip in a relaxing, picturesque locale where you can just wind down before coming home. Sounds like a wonderful trip. Enjoy!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Totally agree with Kathy, I would definitely do Paris first.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Were you planning to rent a car for Normandy (which would be a good idea btw), there might be an argument for heading to the coast in the car directly from the airport. Since that is not you, working off your jet lag in Paris is almost certainly the best option.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
It's also better to not drive until you've recovered from jet lag and have a good night's sleep.
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
I would definitely spend a 3 or so days in Paris first, then pick up the car and go onto see the rest of the country. Starting out in Paris without a car gives you a few says to get thoroughly un-jetlagged before you start driving and has you in Paris when you are really fresh. If you do Paris last, you run the risk of being worn out when you get there and it will be a bit on the overpowering side of things.
Posted by
OP
Lynn, MA, USA
104 posts
Thank you I think that I was hoping to read that people voted for starting in Paris. So it feels more exciting to plan. One question down, 1001 to go. I have read three books and just ordered the RS DVD series for France. I am really starting to get a feel for the distances and the must see destinations. Thanks for all your advice.
Carol
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I'd start in Paris, for the same reasons others have mentioned. I no longer like to fly in and then immediately get a car, as it's too tiring. And I also find that after a long trip, which is usually spent in rural France, I don't want to finish in a big city. It happened again this Spring, where after a month in France, almost all of it in rural France, we finished up with a night in Bordeaux (that was fine), and 2 nights in Paris (which I didn't particularly enjoy; I really wanted to be back in the countryside).