Aix-en-Provence -- Beaune/Dijon .." Weekend" visits while in Paris?
Feb 26th, 2011, 06:46 AM
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Aix-en-Provence -- Beaune/Dijon .." Weekend" visits while in Paris?
Spending a month in Paris...May-June and thinking about taking 2 short visits away from the city. Want to research these areas BEFORE we leave, but deciding to GO when we get
to Paris.....TRAIN TICKETS/hotels/ car (needed to drive around Burgundy area) etc...... also, weather (Beaune/Dijon area).
Would YOU (Fodorite's) combine the 2 areas via TGV ??? or keep them separate?
Going to Aix would be just to see the city.....enjoyable for a few days?
We have traveled in Provence, but have skipped seeing Aix on previous trips.
Beaune/Dijon area....have not explored, but want to see some of the countryside.
Will appreciate any input/advice ....especially making the decision to GO after we arrive
in Paris. Thanks for your help.
to Paris.....TRAIN TICKETS/hotels/ car (needed to drive around Burgundy area) etc...... also, weather (Beaune/Dijon area).
Would YOU (Fodorite's) combine the 2 areas via TGV ??? or keep them separate?
Going to Aix would be just to see the city.....enjoyable for a few days?
We have traveled in Provence, but have skipped seeing Aix on previous trips.
Beaune/Dijon area....have not explored, but want to see some of the countryside.
Will appreciate any input/advice ....especially making the decision to GO after we arrive
in Paris. Thanks for your help.
Feb 26th, 2011, 08:26 AM
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Shops in both Aix and Dijon will be closed on Sunday & the cities will be rathar "dead" then, compared to Saturday. There are a few more things open on Sunday in Beaune.
I would do each as a different trip. You may not have time to drive through Burgundy if you visit both Beaune & Dijon and arrive in the area on a Saturday & return on a Sunday.
Stu Dudley
I would do each as a different trip. You may not have time to drive through Burgundy if you visit both Beaune & Dijon and arrive in the area on a Saturday & return on a Sunday.
Stu Dudley
Feb 26th, 2011, 09:14 AM
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I would also recommend a separate trip for each area. I have spent time in both Dijon and Aix and loved each one. Countryside around Dijon is lovely. Aix has a wonderful market on Saturday and it spreads out over a large part of the town. You can sit in a cafe on the Cours Mirabeau and enjoy watching the action. (My favourite spot is at the juice bar, near the big La Rotunde fountain). Cassis, which is very picturesque and not far from Aix is a great place for a waterfront lunch. I also like Marseille.
Feb 26th, 2011, 11:45 AM
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If you really want to see Aix, that will work, but there are other places a bit more convenient for a weekend trip (like Avignon) due to the train lines, but it would be okay.
I would never combine Dijon plus Beaune plus Aix in one weekend, I don't see how you could even do that. Besides, I didn't think Dijon was on the same train line, although I know you can go that way if you want, but it's a bit longer, isn't it. In any case, how could you even do all that in 2-3 days, visit three cities (two of which are fairly large).
I like Aix, it is pleasant for a couple days, sure. They have a good market and a nice small museum, interesting cathedral and some other beautiful buildings, as well as just pleasant to walk around.
I would never combine Dijon plus Beaune plus Aix in one weekend, I don't see how you could even do that. Besides, I didn't think Dijon was on the same train line, although I know you can go that way if you want, but it's a bit longer, isn't it. In any case, how could you even do all that in 2-3 days, visit three cities (two of which are fairly large).
I like Aix, it is pleasant for a couple days, sure. They have a good market and a nice small museum, interesting cathedral and some other beautiful buildings, as well as just pleasant to walk around.
Feb 26th, 2011, 12:35 PM
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Thanks for replies...more than likely we were planning this trip during week...not on a weekend.
Did not plan on visiting Dijon, but know that the TGV stops there...would then rent the car & head towards
countryside & Beaune.
Aix.....is it worth the time/$$ distance/etc just to see a lovely town & sit at a cafe on this trip vs if we go back again to the general Provence region (maybe in 2012??) and make it part of that trip? Have spent time in Avignon & that area on previous trips.
Ira...tell me what you like about Lyon?
Burgundy/Beaune...3 days/2 nights to get a good overview???
Did not plan on visiting Dijon, but know that the TGV stops there...would then rent the car & head towards
countryside & Beaune.
Aix.....is it worth the time/$$ distance/etc just to see a lovely town & sit at a cafe on this trip vs if we go back again to the general Provence region (maybe in 2012??) and make it part of that trip? Have spent time in Avignon & that area on previous trips.
Ira...tell me what you like about Lyon?
Burgundy/Beaune...3 days/2 nights to get a good overview???
Feb 26th, 2011, 12:59 PM
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>>more than likely we were planning this trip during week...not on a weekend.<<
the heading on your post said "weekend"
Of all the cities & towns mentioned here - Dijon is my favorite - followed by Aix.
By 3 days/2 nights, you probably only really have 2 to 2 1/2 days & 2 nights, unless you leave Paris very early in the morning (like 7am), and return late in the evening (arriving back at 9:30 PM). I think that is enought time for Dijon, Beaune, and very little driving round (if any). We spent 2 weeks in that region a few years ago and drove more than we liked because some of the major sites were rathar far apart. IMO, the vineyards & wine villages around Beaune are nice - but not as scenic/nice as other vineyard areas we've visited in France (Alsace & Cote du Rhone, just to name 2).
Aix is a 3 hr TGV ride from Paris, and the last time we took this trip I think PREM tickets were around 40E each way. May/June is a nice time to visit Aix.
Stu Dudley
the heading on your post said "weekend"
Of all the cities & towns mentioned here - Dijon is my favorite - followed by Aix.
By 3 days/2 nights, you probably only really have 2 to 2 1/2 days & 2 nights, unless you leave Paris very early in the morning (like 7am), and return late in the evening (arriving back at 9:30 PM). I think that is enought time for Dijon, Beaune, and very little driving round (if any). We spent 2 weeks in that region a few years ago and drove more than we liked because some of the major sites were rathar far apart. IMO, the vineyards & wine villages around Beaune are nice - but not as scenic/nice as other vineyard areas we've visited in France (Alsace & Cote du Rhone, just to name 2).
Aix is a 3 hr TGV ride from Paris, and the last time we took this trip I think PREM tickets were around 40E each way. May/June is a nice time to visit Aix.
Stu Dudley
Feb 26th, 2011, 02:40 PM
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"weekend".....sorry about that.....
3 days-2 nights....trying to estimate how much time needed for that area.....
I agree reg Cote du Rhone area.....SCENIC!!!!!!
Aix.....have never been in Provence that late in the spring....that is why we're
considering that "trip"
Opinion --keep the 2 destinations as separate "get-aways" from Paris????
Any opinion on buying train tickets when in Paris vs trying to get them before we go??
We are trying to be flexible with our time (for a change)...instead locking in on certain dates
before we leave.
3 days-2 nights....trying to estimate how much time needed for that area.....
I agree reg Cote du Rhone area.....SCENIC!!!!!!
Aix.....have never been in Provence that late in the spring....that is why we're
considering that "trip"
Opinion --keep the 2 destinations as separate "get-aways" from Paris????
Any opinion on buying train tickets when in Paris vs trying to get them before we go??
We are trying to be flexible with our time (for a change)...instead locking in on certain dates
before we leave.
Feb 26th, 2011, 03:10 PM
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PREM tickets are quite inexpensive - but you often have to purchase them 3 months in advance - especially in May when there are many vacation days in France & in June when the tourist season starts. Purchasing them 3 months in advance reduces your flexibility quite a bit.
Stu Dudley
Stu Dudley
Feb 26th, 2011, 07:03 PM
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Buying train tickets for mid-week travel...when in Paris.....at least a week in advance....
what would be the "cost factor" vs. the PREM tickets bought in advance??
AND, keeping in mind the May vacation days.........particular train departures sold out.
Any thoughts...opinions...advice????
what would be the "cost factor" vs. the PREM tickets bought in advance??
AND, keeping in mind the May vacation days.........particular train departures sold out.
Any thoughts...opinions...advice????
Feb 26th, 2011, 07:25 PM
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Best thing to do is to play around with the PREMS vs 1 week in advance purchases yourself.
http://voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvH...mepageUK&WB=HP
Stu Dudley
http://voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvH...mepageUK&WB=HP
Stu Dudley
Feb 27th, 2011, 05:38 AM
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Getting good PREM rates right now....
Have never booked a PREM ticket, and know there is a lot of "talk" on the Forum reg
booking & printing tickets.
CAN they be booked/PRINTED using a USA address????
Have never booked a PREM ticket, and know there is a lot of "talk" on the Forum reg
booking & printing tickets.
CAN they be booked/PRINTED using a USA address????
Feb 27th, 2011, 07:21 AM
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>>CAN they be booked/PRINTED using a USA address????<<
Yep - but there is no need to put in a USA address, I think.
The things you can't do is:
1. Have them mailed to a US address (they did this years ago - but I don't think they do it anymore)
2. Pick them up at a train staton or SNCF boutique using a machine that uses a chip credit card. You probably don't have a chip card. Choose to pick them up via the attendant - in which case you will have to peresent the same credit card that you used to purchase them
On the web site, make sure that you don't get transferred to the Raileurope site. This used to happen (don't know if it sill does) if you put the USA in as your "home" to get an English menu. If so, say you live in England.
Stu Dudley
Yep - but there is no need to put in a USA address, I think.
The things you can't do is:
1. Have them mailed to a US address (they did this years ago - but I don't think they do it anymore)
2. Pick them up at a train staton or SNCF boutique using a machine that uses a chip credit card. You probably don't have a chip card. Choose to pick them up via the attendant - in which case you will have to peresent the same credit card that you used to purchase them
On the web site, make sure that you don't get transferred to the Raileurope site. This used to happen (don't know if it sill does) if you put the USA in as your "home" to get an English menu. If so, say you live in England.
Stu Dudley
