I'm going to be visiting a friend in Paris and staying for almost a week, during which I expect to see the city and do a day trip or 2. However, before that I have 2 days to travel around myself. I'll be coming from Brussels and would like to hopefully see some of the coast. I also like art, history, nature, and good architecture, yet I want to be sure to have a contrast with Paris. Anyway, my 2 thoughts which are about equal in price and time are either to go to Rennes and St. Malo or to go to Nantes (plus somewhere else coastal). However, I'm up to any other possibilities as well. One thing I'm wondering is whether I could do a day trip from Paris into a place like the Loire or the coast. Also to keep in mind is budget traveling via trains and hostels. P.S. Since I'll be in Paris, of course any recommendations of things to see there are also welcome.
Thank you!
Posted by
california
288 posts
Hi Elena-I love St Malo-truly a unique experience. However, last September I was in Paris, and had a couple of extra days as well. Lisa Burros Hutchins, of YOUR PARISEXPERIENCE recommended I take a train to Annecy, southwest of Paris. The train TGV was about 3 1/2 hours, and I LOVED ANNECY. The lake is beautiful, the towm medival, and walking everywhere. It was warm-not sure when you are going-and I rented a bike, rode around the lake, swam, rented a paddleboat, and just walked the canal and took in all the sights. Very doable. I took a very early train, spent the night, and took a late train back the next night. A quick trip, yes, but I am returning to Paris in May, and including Annecy in my itin for a few days. Just a thoughjt.....
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh
33 posts
Thanks for the replies! Unfortunately, just when I decided to go to Rennes, I noticed that one of the nights was full at the hostel there, so now I'm actually thinking of doing Bruges and then Boulogne-sur-Mer for some water. Does it seem too rushed to do one day in each?
What are some good coastal towns in Bruges if I were to simply stay there for 2 nights instead and then day trip?