lisadrew

My parents (both 60 something) will be taking the train from Paris to Nice this August and would like to spend 2/3 nights somewhere en route (either somewhere the train stops or a place which is not on the train route but which can easily be reached by public transport from a train stop). Ideally it'd be a town of historical interest, with nice leisurely walks, local shops etc rather than a big city, but obviously with enough to keep them busy for 3 days. They have not yet booked the train so if there is more than one train route, they will make their decision based on the stopover. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

altamiro

Avignon jumps to mind immediately.

Echnaton

What about Beaune (Bourgogne)?

It is a medium-sized town, full of most romantic wine caves. The medieval hospital (Hotel-Dieu) is spectacular. You can do tours in the surrounding villages and vineyards.

http://www.beaune-burgundy.com/

My next thought would be Avignon. Avignon is a larger city, but has a compact historic core. Its main attraction is the Papal Palace (where the pope's resided when they had to leave Rome) and the famous bridge.

http://www.ot-avignon.fr/index-en.html