Loriinthedesert

Hi everyone!

I just booked a last minute fire sale to London from USA and I only have a month to prepare before we go. I am really excited. This is our third trip to London but this time we will stay a week. Last two times were two days before we went on a cruise. We will not do a cruise or any other places to stay this time. Just a whole week in London.

We are wondering if it is possible to take a day trip to France. Not Paris because it is too big and not enough time to explore plus too long round trip on train for Paris.

What we are hoping to do is see some charming villages along the coast of France, maybe in Normandy. I don't know where/what is the fastest way to get there(train or ferry) and enjoy all day exploring and take a night train/ferry back. Can this be done? Which village(s) do you recommend or not?

I want not to waste time going places and use the time to see places that are worth it.

THanks!

Robespierre

Normandy is further than Paris from the UK, both in distance and (particularly) in travel time. The only practical way to spend a day in France is to ride the Eurostar train to either Calais or Lille.

Here's a map that lays out the choices for you: eurostar.com/UK/us/leisure/destinations.jsp

Timetables are here: eurostar.com/pdf/timetables/timetables_english.pdf

Loriinthedesert

Thank you, Rob for your reply. I appreciate this very much.

Ok, I didn't know it is too far/too long to get there.

I looked up Lille & Calais but there's little info. I don't know whether either town is worth a visit.

Anyone knows about these towns?

Any other places that is better for a day trip within England or France or even Belgium?

I noticed that the train link Rob gave me shows that we can go to Brussels within 2 hours train ride. Is Brussels worth a look?

I want to look at different options and hear feedback about this before we decide what.

Thank you all so much in advance.

KL467

Normandy is in northern France and is a great place to visit. The name of a GREAT private tour guide in Normandy is Ellwood von Siebold. www.ddaybattletours.com or [email protected].

socialworker

Stonehenge and Bath are both easy day trips from London. There are no, doubt, many others within England. Your idea for France may work if you are willing to pack an overnight bag and "double dip" for hotel payments....

emily71

I've done the London to Brussels daytrip. Most of the tourist sites are near the Gran Plas and can be seen in a day, with time left for a meal or shopping. Be sure to get a hot waffle and/or some Belgian chocolate.

However, if given the choice between Brussels or Paris for a daytrip, Paris wins every time. The travel time is just 1/2 hr more than Brussels and IMHO, there is lots more excitement.We went to Paris for a day and were able to tour Notre Dame, walk down the Champs Elysees to the Arc, see the Eiffel Tower as well as walk around some back streets and stop in some cafes. It allowed me to concentrate on the things I wanted to see on my next trip to Paris.

I would go to Rick Steves webpage and read his Paris for 1 day itinerary.

Robespierre

Or, you could go to Robespierre's webpage and read his Paris for 1 day itinerary.

http://tinyurl.com/5zdysu