My husband and I are taking our first Europe trip in early May - 8 days. We've booked an apartment in Paris but would love to see Provence. Is it worth it to go for 2 nights? We don't want to rent a car...where should we stay for home base and what towns are "must see's"? Thanks.

Since this is your first trip to Europe, I would probably stick to Paris. You are only going to be there 8 days,and there is so much to see in Paris and the surrounding areas.

If you want to take a short trip outside of the city, I would suggest a day trip to Giverny.

I agree. A week for your first trip to Europe will seem short enough. Provence, even on the TGV is a couple of hours away and you'll take up precious time with getting back and forth. There are great day adventures out of Paris. Giverny is certainly worth it. There is also of course Versailles, Chartres, Rheims; you could even book a long day trip to see Mont St. Michelle. I visit Paris frequently and in periods of 8 days and I'm busy every day. Enjoy it!

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm starting to rethink the Provence part and plan more day trips. Would you do Giverny and Versailles in the same day? This site has been very helpful.

It would be difficult to visit Versailles & Giverny in the same day. I would suggest you visit them on different mornings. Plan to arrive when they open & stay away from Versailles on the weekend. I was there on a Sunday & it was mobbed. Both are easy to visit via public transportation.

I suggested Giverny because I think it is a nice break from the city atmosphere of Paris. The train stops in Vernon and you can take a bus or taxi to Giverny. After wandering through the gardens, you can visit the small town while waiting for the train to take you back to Paris.

Versailles is another great choice, but I would suggest spending an entire day. There was so much to see, and even though it was very cold and the fountains were not running, it was amazing.

I think you should look at all the sites suggested, as well as researching some on your own. You don't have to decide before you leave if you are going to take a side trip. You may want to wait until you get to Paris and see how well you do with jet lag. Everyone travels differently, but my preference is to go at a slower pace and absorb the city, rather than run from one site to another. I always want to leave something for my next visit!

I'm in agreement with ltr. Only eight days and you have an apartment, sounds wonderful but you will never see it all. Paris is a feast for the eyes, the stomach. If it rains you have a luxury of a "home" to dine in. (I took the train to Brussels for a day.)

Thanks for all the wonderfully helpful suggestions. I will look into all the places suggested on this site. We do have a six hour jet lag to contend with, so you're right....will probably want to slow down a little. The apartment is in the Montmartre. Should be lots of fun.