Hello. I'm going on vacation to France for 7 days in March, arriving Saturday morning and departing a little over a week later Sunday morning. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good itinerary? We're planning on spending 3-4 days in Paris, but not sure where to go after that (rather take the train than rent a car). We're young and on a budget, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Stay in Paris. I would not try to go anyplace else. 7 days is perfect to explore the city.

One thing I have learned is the more you try to see the less you will see.

We went to Paris a few years ago. We rented a car in Paris and drove down to Chartres...the cathedral is magnificent. We then headed to the Loire Valley where we visited friends and the area around Blois, Chambord and Amboise. We really enjoyed that area and the chateaux. We drove back to Paris, dropped off the car and spent a few more days there.

We always enjoy splitting our time between the countryside and the cities, and this itinerary was perfect for us.

Agree with Eric--stay in Paris and "maybe" take one day trip to Versailles or Chartres.

Hi sm,

You will probably find that a week in Paris is barely enough.

However, you can visit Versaillles, Chartres, Malmaison as day trips.

If you google the names you will get directions by train or bus from Paris.

I wouldn't stay in Paris the whole time. I think your idea of 3 days is fine.

Here's what we'll be doing in a few months:
- Fly into Paris Saturday (on Icelandic, so it doesn't get in until early afternoon). Air France shuttle bus to Gare Lyon rail station in the 12th arrondissement. Three nights in a nearby hotel (there are a bunch, in all price ranges.)
- Tuesday: Morning bullet train (TGV) from Gare Lyon to Avignon. Rent a car. Five nights at a B&B (again, there are places in all price ranges), driving around Provence on day trips.
- Saturday: TGV to CDG airport. Overnight in Iceland.
- Sunday: Putter around Reykjavik(sp?). Do the Blue Lagoon hot spring; fly home in the late afternoon.

Stay in Paris. For your first time. Versailles is really a half day trip if it is in the spring, so is Fontainbleu. We have been to paris many times and we always spend 5-7 days there.

Hi Balto,

This is your first visit to France?

First in many (many!) years. My wife was there more recently.

I should mention that I'm not much of a city person. Three days is the longest I'd want to spend in ANY city... unless it was as a base for day trips into the countryside.

Ah, that explains it.

>>>Three days is the longest I'd want to spend in ANY city..<<

Paris just ain't "any" city.

Stu Dudley

"Ah, that explains it."

Ira-

What explains what?

Staying in Paris for the entire period (whether it's your first, second, or third time in France) strikes me as way too limiting.

Can you imagine a Frenchman who has never seen America spending his entire vacation in New York City or Washington? I'm sure it happens, but I wouldn't recommend it.

>>>Can you imagine a Frenchman who has never seen America spending his entire vacation in New York City<<<

Yes I can !!!

The OP is going in March - not the best time for Provence, Dordogne, Brittany, or other places "out in the Country". He/she will only be there for 7 days, which usually really means 6 full days. With day trips to Versailles or Chartes, he will be very busy for the entire vacation.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo(San Francisco), Ca

>...explains what?

It's not your first visit and you don't care for cities.

>Can you imagine a Frenchman who has never seen America spending his entire vacation in New York City?<

I could easily do a week in SF, LA, NO, Ft. Lauderdale, DC, NYC or Boston.

I have even spent an agreeable week in Tucson, AZ.