my bf and i are staying in paris for 1 week. we want to take a couple of day trips and not feel overwhelmed this is our first time to paris. thinking about normandy? versailles? brussels? provence? interested in quaint/countryside areas.. but also need a little guidance based on where to go since it will be more chilly out. thank you!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Emily some of those trips you mention are not really daytrips. This time of year its dark early , and weather may be cool and or wet,, so Normandy isn't a great choice,, plus its not really a daytrip although one could do it,, its not practical. Provence is too far.
Brussel, well, I have done Brugges, which is prettier, but there again, this time of year it may not be ideal. Versailles is by far the easiest and cheapest. The train there is only about 5 euros and takes about 40 minutes. The weather may impact how much you can enjoy the gardens, but since its such an easy daytrip, just don't plan it for a rainy day,, you can decide in the morning whether or not to go. Since you are only going for a week I would only recommend one daytrip,, you really will have alot to do in Paris. The countryside is not so quaint in the rain,, what do you plan on doing... but, if weather is nice you might consider another daytrip to somewhere like Provins,, google it.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I totally agree with Pat. One week in Paris isn't even enough time for Paris.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
Seconding. Everything you list but Versailles is going to be several hours each way by train. Provence is wonderful but you're talking at least 5-6 hours of travel time by train, a bit much for a day trip. And it's hard to see a lot of the quaint/countryside areas by train, a lot of that is better traversed by car, which would take even longer. Versailles was crazy touristy in the summer, but hopefully by now it won't be. That would be a good choice. If you're worried about the cold, museums, museums, museums! I mean, you could spend days alone in the Louvre. Catacombs, tours of the cathedrals, the amazing medevial art at the Musee Cluny and so on. Paris also has excellent modern art and film museums. They have a sewer museum! Even in inclement weather, I think Paris has more than enough to keep you busy for a week, certainly for 6 days if you end up taking the trip to Versailles. Restaurants, cafes, shopping are all part of the Paris experience to break up the museums and the Metro can get you most places you want to comfortably so you won't be walking in the cold wet too much.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
2 posts
Thank you for all the input! I love hearing what you have to say esp. because you guys are from all different countries. I love that!! I do feel a little weight lifted off my shoulders knowing Paris for a week will keep us busy and we can plan to go to Versailles on a nice day. I will just have to plan another trip to France to explore more. Most likely in warmer weather! Thanks again.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Emily, This idea of taking a day trip from Paris totally depends upon the level of interest you have for a particular site and the r/t time by train. Bayeux and Versailles can be easily done as regards to time. What about Fontainebleau...the chateau? Well worth it in the historical sense and as an escape from Paris. Take the train from Paris Gare de Lyon. My second day trip from Paris was Fontainebleau, which to me held more fascination than did Versailles.