We will be traveling to France this summer and have rented a house in the Champagne region just south of Reims. We arrive at CDG airport one full day and night before we can check in to our house. Four of our party of six have never been to France, and I would like for their first night to be spent in a charming, small town. Beaune is almost four hours away, but that is my ideal. We will all be spending 5 nights in Paris after our house rental. Any ideas?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33553 posts
Well, from Texas, you'll be used to long distances.... Beaune, half way to Provence, is not exactly on the doorstep of Paris, as undoubtedly you know. At least its a straight shot, barring traffic. Or you could take a train - reasonably frequently. Nice place though. Then Beaune to Reims will be a challenge. Don't forget to allow for jetlag...
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10547 posts
You could try Beauvais or Chantilly.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
In a word: Chartres. Wonderful, charming, small town along with the cathedral. Easy, short trip from Paris by train.
Posted by
OP
Lockhart, Texas, United States
5 posts
I had discounted Chartres since it was in the opposite direction of Reims, but having looked on via Michelin, I saw it was "only" 1 1/2 hours from CDG and 2 hours from Reims. We have been to Chartres before, but only to visit the spectacular cathedral there, and didn't explore the town itself. The other four of our group would love it. Thank you for this great suggestion.