the_red_skittle

I'm going to Paris to study for about 5 weeks. I'm reserving a week to go backpacking with my classmates afterwards. I also have Fridays-Sundays free. Besides the "biggies": Italy, France, England (?) where do you guys think are some "must visit" places in Europe? There are many places to choose from, suggestions would be nice. (it's my first time traveling to Europe)

I've always wanted to go to Greece, but since the Olympics are going to be held there, it might not be a good idea.

LindaW

The Jungfrau area of Switzerland (which you might be able to do on the week-end), Monte Carlo (again, a week-end trek), Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest (you couldn't get to all of them in one week but maybe 2).

ira

Amsterdam and Copenhagen

mgmargate

Having been to both Amsterdam & Copenhagen there are probably dozens of other destinations I would see first.

Kristinelaine

Prague is a must see for me. It is original (almost no war damage) and it is very compact and doable.

mgmargate

We went to Prague,Budapest,Copenhagen last summer.While Copenhagen was OK (Tivoli Gardens for the kids)it did not compare favorably to Budapest&Prague(imo).

Queenie

Make use of those weekends.

Get on the Easyjet website.
You can fly from Paris to Barcelona, Berlin, Nice, Milan or Naples for the weekend (Fri - Sunday) cheaply.

stardust

For a nearby weekend trip Belgium would be perfect. Have a glimpse of Brussels, but enjoy the beauty of Bruges. If you're able to go to Belgium between the 16th and the 26th of July, be sure to check out the city festival in Ghent, it's awesome and free!

mgmargate

WE loved Brugge,Brussells was like Copenhagen just ok after having been a lot of other places throughout Europe first.

platzer

" For a nearby weekend trip Belgium would be perfect"

Belgium is the single most boring country that I've ever visited (after Canada, of course). It's sandwiched between the Latin's on one side and the German and Slav's on the other. It has no distinct character of it's own. The country's national dish is steak and french fries. That about says it all.

z

There is so much to see in France. Go and see prehistoric cave paintings in Dordogne. Go to Normany visit D-Day Beaches, then Rouen and Giverny. Go to Strasbourg. Get to know Paris. We lived in Paris for 15 years, we still visit there at least twice a year and each time we discover something new and fascinating.

FauxSteMarie

Faux disagrees completely with the anti-Belgium post. She spent a delightful day in Brussels on a recent trip and was sorry she did not have more time. Bruges and the Battle of the Bulge sites are certainly on her itinerary for a future trip.

Belgium does not get nearly the amount of tourist traffic it merits.

Please remember that the entire continent of Europe is a museum. Just throw a dart at the map and from wherever it hits there are plenty of things to see and do for two weeks.

isabel

There is so much to see in France that I would probably do different areas of France for the weekends rather than flying somewhere else. While the airfare may be very cheap, you still have to get to and from the airports (at both ends) and even if the flight is only an hour or so, there's the time involved in getting there in time for the flight,times of flights may be inconvienient, etc. If you've never been to France I wouldn't waste precious time flying somewhere for two-three days. Loire Valley, Giverny, Normandy, Dijon, Lyon, Burgundy villages, etc. Plus with only five weeks you'll barely have time to see Paris. If you really want to add another country thoguh, I'd second the suggestion to go to Brugge. It's lovely and was only a couple of hours by train from Paris. I remember thinking you could do it in a (long) day trip if you needed to.

For the week after the course, if you haven't been to the "biggies" I'd choose one or two of them. I'd go with England or Italy depending on your preferences. Can't you get more than one extra week?

Grasshopper

For my long weekends, I would train to Lyon, Nice, Brugge, and Amsterdam. The Loire Valley is great, but difficult to enjoy well by train. I'd use the week long trip to get to Italy.

CafeBatavia

I vote with Grasshopper's great advice, but might be tempted to try the Loire Valley even without a car.

Iregeo

Southern Spain has a great deal to offer and is worth your consideration, too.

Nikki

While I love France, I wouldn't want to spend all my free weekends of this study trip traveling there. I would want to take advantage of this first trip to Europe by seeing a variety of places where different languages, cultures, and food can be experienced. I would use the cheap flights or other options to go North to England or Scandinavia, South to Barcelona or Rome, East to Vienna or Prague.

Ardfert

I believe the south-west corner of Ireland is well worth a visit and you will notice that a large number of people on this board would agree.A few days in Dingle or Killarney National Park or the Ring of Kerry have much to offer as regards scenery,good food,music and meeting people who have a great affinity for Americans.

earlxx

Visit Krakow and Prague. If you still have enough money and time go to Greece, Spain, Turkey, Belgium and Germany

the_red_skittle

thanks for all the replies. it certainly narrowed down the choices for me. i'm looking forward to having one of the best times of my life in Europe this summer!