I am a single girl in my early 30s looking to spend about 2 weeks (flexible) alone in France this July. I am thinking of renting an apartment for about 6 nights in Paris and then would like to travel to 1 or 2 other cities. I will not be renting a car - I will be travelling by train. About 5 years ago, I travelled through Europe with a friend and in France stayed in Paris, Arles, Nice and Chamonix (with side trips along the riviera) - aside from Paris, I would like to visit somewhere new. I would appreciate some suggestions of cities to travel to that are: -1- accessible by train
-2- easy to get around in using public transportation (or by foot). Thanks so much!
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Consider using Bordeaux as one of your anchor points for flights, along with Paris. You can then consider a loop that could include any of these possible points: Le Mans, Nantes, Tours, Orleans, Blois, Bergerac, Sarlat, Cahors, Toulouse, etc. I would opt for maybe a couple or three days in a smaller town like Blois or Cahors, sort-of in between the two... As for Paris, maybe this apt??:
http://www.jeudeclefs.com/index.php?th=136&date=20110706
Posted by
OP
Hamilton, ON, Canada
9 posts
Thanks for your suggestion - a friend has suggested another route . . . Paris to Lyon to Strasbourg back to Paris. The train connections between these cities seem okay. Paris to Lyon about 2 hours. Lyon to Strasbourg about 5 hours.
Strasbourg to Paris about 2.5 hours. Does anyone have any insight as to how easy it is to get around in Lyon and Strasbourg by public transportation? After spending 7 nights in Paris, would 3 nights in Lyon and 2 nights in Strasbourg work well? Any other help would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10527 posts
Why not consider Dijon? The Duchy of Burgundy rivaled the Kingdom of France for a long time. The city is historical, filled with art, and Beaune is a short distance for a side trip.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1259 posts
Hi Megan. Many great places in France, hard to give a preference. To your question, yes, both Lyon and Strasbourg are easy by public transit. Lyon is a large city with good public transit; Strasbourg has a tram system, but is also small enough to be walkable if you like walking. Suggest you check Rick Steves France book, both Lyon and Strasbourg are covered as well as many other great places. Enjoy!
Posted by
San Francisco
14795 posts
Megan, Well, I would choose three nights at least in Strasbourg after spending all that time in Paris. Next to Paris, Strasbourg is one of my favourite cities in France. As pointed out, the tram system is efficient in getting around the city. But, if it's your intention to do a ton of walking in Strasbourg, you can....it's a very walkable city. From the train station, it's a short walk to the old town. It's a very historical and lovely city. Take the TGV from Paris to Strasbourg, it's under 2.5 hrs. A side trip from Strasbourg using the regional train is one to Obernai, very characteristic of Alsace. If you intend to go up north to the Nord Pas-de-Calais area, such as to Arras, the TGV has a direct connection, Strasbourg-Arras, without having to go through Paris.
Posted by
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
I'm traveling alone for part of my trip - I'm actually at the Paris airport awaiting my train to Strasbourg. I'm staying in Colmar for a few nights and then onto Beaune to explore that area on my own. Happy to report back my experience (oh, and I'm 36) with Colmar and Beaune (I'm planning a day trip to Strasbourg).
Posted by
OP
Hamilton, ON, Canada
9 posts
Sounds like there are plenty of things to see in Lyon and Strasbourg and lots of day trip possibilities. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! Bob - Yes, I do have Rick Steves' France Book, but he makes almost every place sound wonderful. It is too hard to narrow it down without some other opinions! Ali - Yes, I'd be interested in hearing about your travels. Thanks again.