Ronda

We haven't traveled to Europe or France in a couple of years due to family issues (daughter had a baby - difficult pregnancy - my Mom is ill,etc.). My husband just came home and told me he is going to a conference in Paris in October and do I want to go? Well, YES.

We have been to Paris about 10 times and I never tire of it but hubby likes to get out of Paris. Lyon would be easy and we love the food. Would it be too late to do a wine region? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated to get my thought process going! We really just want to enjoy ourselves and not be running all over trying to see everything. If I can come up with a good plan, I might be able to get him to stay a little longer! He originally wanted to go to Italy after Paris but decided that was trying to do a bit much.

annhig

hi ronda,

good for you. I'd have said yes too.

how much of your trip is to be spent in Paris?

i don't think that your timing is too late to do a wine region, but October is the time of the harvest so some places may be closed to visitors while they get the grapes in. but somewhere like Lyon which is more a foody place would be great, and wouldn't need more than 3 nights.

it would probably be better than a place that is more concentrated on wine.

Ronda

Thanks Ann. Yes, at least 3 nights in Paris. Looking for a nice place to stay - between 100 and 200 euros. We have stayed near Rue Cler several times and the conference is near there but like to find a little different neighborhood. Marais too far and we have stayed there a couple times.

annhig

3 nights in Paris - you poor things!

the last couple of times we have stayed in Paris, once we stopped up to the east of the Luxembourg Gardens [not sure I'd recommend that if the conference venue is in the 7th, though it was near the RER stop which helped] and the 2nd time was at the Hotel Britannique in the 1st -

http://www.hotel-britannique.fr/

Very nice, very quiet, and very convenient for both metro and RER.

Ronda

That looks very nice and they do have availability. Thank you.

JeffTWA

If you are a Van Gogh fan take the train (about an hour) to Auvers and see where he died, Dr. Gauthier's(sp?) home and he and Theo's graves. An interesting town, time well spent if VVG interests you. Lots of renditions showing what he painted. Enjoy.

Ronda

Oh,that is a great idea. I am getting ready to order a couple of books from Amazon and one is "An Hour From Paris" with day trips. I think there are plenty of day trips we could take so hubby wouldn't have to stay in Paris the whole time and then when he is at his conference, VIOLA! I get to do whatever I want!!!

(Things are not going well with my Mom today so if I don't get back to this thread for awhile, please forgive me.)

Ronda

Hubby has not been to Giverny. Wonder what it would be like in October? I am also considering taking a tour to Mont St. Michele. I have always wanted to go there but thinking the weather would not be so good in October..or it could be great.

annhig

Ronda - would you have to book these tours in advance? if not, you can watch the weather forecasts nearer to the time. there is plenty to do in Paris if it rains.

hope things don't go as badly with your mother as you fear.

ira

Hi R,

Good suggestion from J.

Check the website to make sure that Auvers will be open the day you want to go
http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tou...s-sur-oise.htm

Have you been to Malmaison?

My trip report might be of interest to you.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=35136218

Ronda

Ann, there will only be one conclusion and it will be soon. She has had a very rough time. Thank you for your good thoughts.

Ann, I was thinking the same thing. Book a hotel in Paris and if the weather is nice, take day trips, if not, hit the museums and cafes!

ira, I will take a look at your trip report. And that hotel you always liked was???

annhig

Ronda - we'll be thinking of you both.

Ira's hotel is the Bonaparte, n'est-ce pas, Ira?