Paris.Burgandy.Maastricht.San Sebastian

It's not your "ambition" that's the problem. It's that you have destinations that are far apart and not well connected. An example I saw years ago on another travel board for the US comes to mind: Telluride, CO and Sedona, AZ are very worthwhile destinations - and getting from one to the other is a trip in itself, as there is no easy or fast way. Either you allow enough time for long trains rides with multiple connections, or allow time and money for flights (again with connections likely) or you allow the money for a rental car with drop off fees (fees for picking up a car in one country and leaving it in another can be very high). Since you have picked somewhat unusual destinations, you must have a specific reason for wanting to go to these places. If you give more details, others can say which places are "worth the trip," given your interests.

Thanks for your thoughts. I've been to all the cities I described except for Beaune, which was highly recommended by a friend. I tend to stick to metropolitan areas and thought it may be good to check out a smaller village in the French countryside, which is why I was trying to squeeze it in this trip. Though doing so seems impractical since it makes connections to international locales very difficult. Given that I have to get from France to Spain eventually and Beaune makes that complicated, I was wondering if it would be worth the hassle or if I should just spend more time in one of the other cities. I've never rented a car in another country, though it seems like it may be helpful in this scenario. Is it cost prohibitive? Is obtaining an international drivers' license a quick process?

Again, Beaune is a fine place - if you are nearby (it's less than 3 hours from Paris by train). But, since you are already seeing some far-flung places, it makes more sense to see small towns and rural areas near your definite destinations. For example the Basque country has lots of villages you can see from San Sebastian (in both France and Spain), and from Maastricht, you can see small towns in Belgium or Germany as well as the Netherlands. Rick's books on both Spain and France each have the same information about the Basque country, including villages in both countries; for Maastricht, you'll have to look at Lonely Planet or Rough Guide (and you should look at their Belgium and Germany books as well as their Netherlands book). Also, Beaune is a small town, but it's not a tiny village. It seemed maybe one-half to two-thirds the size of Maastricht (I saw each as a daytrip - Maastricht from Aachen, and Beaune from Dijon). Once again, I'll use a North American example. If someone going to Seattle wanted to go to a smaller place and asked about seeing Victoria, BC, you'd probably say that makes sense. If someone going to San Francisco, but no further north, asked about seeing Victoria, you'd probably recommend something closer - not because Victoria isn't nice, but because of the fact that there are lots of nice places are a lot closer and easier to visit from San Francisco than Victoria is. And if someone wanted to see a "village" from Seattle, you wouldn't pick Victoria, as it's still a city.

I don't drive, so I've never rented a car in Europe either (well, technically, I twice took trips to Italy with a driving friend, so he rented and drove the cars and I navigated). Renting a car and returning it within a country is not that expensive, although of course the cost per person depends on how many people are splitting the rental. There is usually no extra fee for picking it up in one city and returning it to another, within the same country. You also have to figure the cost of gas, tolls, and parking (all higher to much higher than in the US). BUT, returning a car to a country different from you pick-up country costs a lot (I've seen quotes on this site of about $500). To get around this, you can drive to a border town and take a train for the last bit, or make a loop trip. I know the International Drivers Permit is needed for Italy; I don't think it's needed for France, Spain, or the Netherlands. It's merely a translation of your US license into multiple foreign languages, and does not substitute for it, but supplements it. You get it at AAA offices for $15 (even if you're not a member) and it's good for a year. (I got one for Italy just in case, back when it was $10). Whether you get an IDP or not, you bring your US license, which is valid as a tourist; you don't need to get a special European license. There are warnings on other threads that some websites are promoting "International Driving Licenses," and that these are scams.

Last year we took the train from San Sebastian to Bayonne. We then drove to Dordogne which we loved staying in Sarlat. We then drove to St Emilion to visit the wineries and returned the car in Bordeaux. Finally we took the TGV to Paris.

I actually see this a little differently. Beaune is well worth a visit, we liked it very much. The town is compact, the wall neat, vineyards all around and easy to cycle to and around. All in all - a very nice place. Its very easy by train from Paris. So, Paris - Beaune, easy. As quick as 2:13 on a one stop, no change TGV from Gare de Lyon, another 20 minutes or so with a change in Dijon. Beaune to Maastricht seems a bit convoluted but its really not so bad if you are good with trains and don't have too much luggages. It does take a few changes. 6:15 to 6:50 via Paris Lyon, RER to Paris Gare du Nord, to Brussels by Thalys, Brussels to Liege, then regional for the short hop to Maastricht. You may think its too much, but I'd do it. Plan ahead for cheaper fares on the TGV and Thalys. The real killer has to be the trip over to the far side of Spain. I'll leave it to others for the details but I'd guess that would be a good time to fly. Yes, the 4 places are well spread but I wouldn't write off Beaune.

I'm just wondering what the attraction is of Maastricht. I like the town well enough (my wife works there), and you could certainly do far worse... but it seems a bit strange to go that far out of your way to visit a tertiary city like Maastricht.

I'm just wondering what the attraction is of Maastricht Tom, Don't you realize that Maastricht and Limburg is the home of the Dutch high mountains? ;-) There's a nice waffel stand. Its close to Aachen. Its close to Thermae 2000. There's a very nice pancake mill in the countryside very near... what's not to like?