AnnaDK

We have 3 days/2nights to spend outside of Paris in late March. We live in NYC so we'd really love to get outside of Paris (we've been before) and explore the country for a few days. Any suggestions? We can rent a car or take the train. We're looking for a great locale to explore and relax in. We've considered Reims but are worried it may be too touristy and that there is not enough to do for 2-3 days. Your ideas for fabulous trip itineraries outside of Paris are much appreciated!!!

rosemaryoz

Have you been to the Loire Valley before? This is one area that definitely has many things open in winter, and the setting is beautiful in all seasons. You could take a train from Montparnasse or Austerlitz to Blois, then pick up a hire car, and explore the chateaux - Chambord, Chenonceaux, Cheverny, Amboise. Plenty of lovely B&B's along the way eg La Pilleboudiere in a tiny village called Oisly. it's a dot on the map, but it is central for those chateaux I mentioned. You could do a loop and then take the train back from Blois to Paris.

madamtrashheap

Reims is lovely and offers enough to see/do/wander around/sit and watch the world go by for 2 days, especially if you want to do some Champagne tours, however you could also consider spending your extra time in:

Chartres (easily reached by train, stunning cathedral, pretty Old Town area, small Fine Arts Museum)

Lyon (go nuts on food and wine, wander the Old Town and the New Town, wander the food market at Halles de Lyon and get lost in the cheeses, take the funicular up to Notre Dame, visit a few obscure museums)

Troyes (pretty medieval town, small but perfectly formed, colourful half-timbered houses, large cathedral of St Peter and St Paul linked to the forming of the Order of the Knights Templar).

As you have 2 nights, that's really only 1 full day plus a little on arrival day, allowing for time to get back to Paris on the 3rd day.

avalon

If you are willing to rent a car, I'd do the Loire. If not then I'd do lyon as public transport is great and it is easy to get around. Lots of great food and musuems. I especially like the area with the painted buildings a sort tram ride from the center. The tour of the Hill that works and the silk weavers is very interesting and the Hill that Prays has 2 grat churches to tour and great views.

AnnaDK

Thanks so much for the great advice. We are now also considering Brussels instead of staying in France. Any thoughts on whether this is a better option?

Michel_Paris

Bruges better than Brussels IMHO

A good base in Loire:

http://www.bonlaboureur.com/

Very close to one of nicest chateaux in the Loire.

grandmere

Strasbourg, just over 2 hrs. away on the TGV.