We are renting a car at CDG and driving to Beaune. My husband would like to stop by Versailles on our way out of Paris.
Is this a good idea? How much time would be enough to see Versailles?
We are staying one night in Beaune, and then on to The Bernese Oberland for 3 days.
Thanks!
I don't think it's a great idea, especially since you will be in Beaune for such a short time. But I won't say it's a mistake, since it's not impossible and is pursuit of something you obviously want to do.
The case against it goes like this. Your drive to Versailles will likely be in heavy traffic, and then you'll need to deal with parking etc. You can spend as much or as little time there as you like, but many people spend most of a day.
Then too, the drive to Beaune is not short. And you will probably be at least a little jet-lagged, making everything less fun and more work. It's just a whole lot of logistics on that first day, after a long jet ride.
There's not a whole lot that is like Versailles, but there are some wonderful sightes enroute to Beaune, such as Vezeley or the Fonteney Abbey. The La Rochepot castle, just south of Beaune, is worth a visit too. And Beaune is really nice.
Have a great time!
Sandi,
I agree with Adam. It sounds like way too much for one day. If I were making this trip, I would plan to arrive in Beaune early enough to see the town and enjoy the great food and wine of Burgundy.
Hiya Sandi!
While I haven't been to Versaille yet (I leave for France tomorrow so hopefully I will go this time), I spent a night in Beaune on a RS tour a few years ago. I loved it so much and wanted to spend more time there (even though it is pretty small, it's a great little village and I wanted to take some time there to rest between cities) so I'm actually spending 3 nights there this trip, that's how much I love it. I know it is probably not an option for you with such a tight schedule but if you can, try to at least stay there on a Friday night so you can be there early sat. morning for the cute and colourful market in the small town square.
D-
Thanks for all the replies!
I was afraid that Versailles would be too tight for us......I just don't want to give up any of our Paris time (we will have been there 3 days) for a day trip.
I guess it is just a reason to go back to Paris again someday!
Thanks again....
Hi Sandi..Is there any particular reason you are renting a car at CDG? We photograph in France almost every year. We start in Paris and then drive south, but we pick up our rental car ar Orly Airport. It is a lot easier than getting it at CDG. You will have to drive the Periferique ring road around Paris unless you are going way around. This road is really busy and hard to drive if you are not used to it. If you get your car at Orly , The A6 is easy to get on. We always take our own GPS and when we get the car, my husband puts a marker down before we leave the rental car place. That way if you are returning the car to the same place it is easier to do.The Burgundy area of France is lovely. You should consider an extra day there around Beaune if you have time . If you want some ideas on where to stay send me a PM.
We are returning the car to CDG b/c we will be flying out of CDG at the end of our trip.
What is the best way to drive out of CDG towards Beaune....it will be a Monday morning....
Sandi, I don't think this is a good idea at all. First of all, never rent a car at an airport or in a major city unless you want to spend your entire first day getting lost and frustrated.
Are you skipping Paris entirely? That would be a shame. From Paris, Versailles is an easy RER train ride. It requires a full day, a hard full day on your feet fighting loads of crowds.
Beaune is also on the train line and easy from Paris. Once you are there and ready to leave Beaune, which is easily visted on foot, then rent your car. It will be much easier to get out of Beaune than CDG.
The RER is also cheap and a great way to get to downtown Paris from the airport or to any of the train stations if you are leaving right away.
Hope this helps.
Katherine
