Outside of Paris in December

Old May 7th, 2013, 07:17 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Outside of Paris in December

Would you do it?

If we can get time off, I'm thinking about a short trip to Paris with a visit to Pierrefronds and Reims. In Reims, the cathedral is the main draw.

I realize that this might not be an ideal time to visit, but I would like to hear about any visits to less urban France in the winter.

I will have to say that I'm still cold from a visit to St Denis a year and a half ago. That place really holds a chill.

But seriously, I rather like winter travel, even if St Denis is probably the coldest building I've ever been inside of in my life.

I'm just wondering if the setting for Pierrefronds and the outskirts of Reims will be too barren to enjoy for a brief visit of maybe two nights.

Thanks.
tuscanlifeedit is offline  
Old May 7th, 2013, 08:05 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think Paris itself in December will be fantastic as the city will be decorated for the holidays and lots of good shopping will be on offer. I think any outside of Paris trips will be more impacted by the weather as you will be outdoors more, less of the culture, more of the nature. Don't know of Pierrefronds and Reims... Any indoor sights there?
travelingnomad13 is offline  
Old May 7th, 2013, 09:18 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stay in Paris - nothing's equal in December. Done that twice - and will do it many times more. We were in Pierrefronds & Reims in June '11 & it was kinda cold and dank.

Stu Dudley
StuDudley is offline  
Old May 7th, 2013, 09:38 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yeah... that is a bit of what I thought.

But we have been to Paris fairly recently, and I'm looking for an idea to spice it up enough to help me justify the return.

Although we went to London in October and February, so why not? I could still do a day in Reims, for the cathedral and a couple of church/museum visits.
tuscanlifeedit is offline  
Old May 7th, 2013, 10:37 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Having been to Reims, I'd prefer to stay in Paris too. However it is very close by train.

Schedules here:

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?
RonZ is offline  
Old May 7th, 2013, 11:03 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We went to Strasbourg one December and enjoyed it a lot. It will be chilly too, however.

The TGV is only 2 1/2 hours from Paris to Strasbourg, and the contrast is interesting.
Leburta is offline  
Old May 8th, 2013, 12:58 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Would highly recommend a day trip to Strasbourg before xmas - great decorations everywhere and xmas markets give it a festive feel. We spent 4 days there in 2008 before xmas and would do it again in a second.

Here is our trip report and photos:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-france.cfm
jamikins is offline  
Old May 8th, 2013, 01:31 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Strasbourg: I hadn't thought of it. I do have Reims on my list because I love cathedrals. Actually, I'm mad for them.

I'm afraid that for a quick trip across the Atlantic, Strasbourg might be a bit too far from Paris.

Anyone been to Fontainebleau in the winter?
tuscanlifeedit is offline  
Old May 8th, 2013, 01:53 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was in Paris the first 2 weeks of December 2012. The first week did a daytrip to Reims and the second week a daytrip to Strasbourg.
I would chose Strasbourg, even with the 2+ hour train ride, because it is so unique for that time of year. We left Paris around 8 AM and returned around 9 PM. We had plenty of time to see the city center, Christmas markets and have a nice lunch (plus it snowed a bit!)
We enjoyed the Reims cathedral and a Ruinart champagne tour but that trip can be done any time of year.
Judy is online now  
Old May 8th, 2013, 04:39 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd choose Strasbourg over Reims in a heartbeat. It's a beautiful city. The cathedral is amazing. I think it was the tallest building in the world until about 1870. Have lunch at Brasserie Flo.
RonZ is offline  
Old May 8th, 2013, 04:39 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Chartres Cathedral via fast train from Gare Montparnasse. Good guides are still there in December with more time for you
Parmenter is offline  
Old May 8th, 2013, 07:04 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Tuscanlifeedit,


Chartres sounds like a solid suggestion.

Also would recommend a book – PARIS TO THE PAST: Traveling Through French History by Train by Francophile Ina Caro which describes many day trips from Paris on public transportation. Includes suggestions for an excellent lunch at most destinations.
latedaytraveler is offline  
Old May 8th, 2013, 07:37 PM
  #13  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi

We've been to Chartres, and that is another reason why Reims is on my list.

I hear that many love Strasbourg, but I'm still skeptical about at 2+ hour train ride each way. Reasons:

1. This would be a very short trip in its entirety. Probably 6 nights maximum.
2. I'm old and of middling health.

But if the trip happens I will consider Strasbourg.

latedaytraveler: the book is now on my list. Thanks.
tuscanlifeedit is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CathDowling
Europe
8
Nov 18th, 2015 07:11 AM
cloying187
Europe
14
Sep 20th, 2012 04:43 AM
JMK38
Europe
6
Jan 31st, 2008 09:16 AM
lranaeg
Europe
17
Sep 19th, 2005 10:06 AM
Fairhope
Europe
9
Feb 19th, 2005 12:26 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -