Amboise or Paris???
 

Our itinerary for June has been

2 days Paris
2 days Dijon
2 days with a friend in the countryside outside of Grenoble
3 days Uzes and Provence

In Paris, I was excited about seeing the roses in the bagatelle again, seeing impressionist art, brocante markets. But I've been salivating over the pictures of Hotel Minimes and Clos Amboise in Amboise. Since we've already been to Paris, should we train to Amboise for two days for total relaxation and atmosphere instead? I think we prefer countryside and natural beauty. But I also like the above named things in Paris. Which would be best use of our time? What should we do?

How many are you and ages ?

Two of us, 42 and 49.

Why Dijon? Seems like you really won't have much time anywhere by the time you arrive and leave.

How many "nights" in each location?

Why not Dijon? Several Fodorites have loved it, and it looks beautiful.

Saturday morning arrive Paris.
Saturday night Paris.
Sunday Paris.
Sunday night Paris.
Monday morning train to Dijon.
Monday night Dijon.
Tuesday Dijon.
Tuesday afternoon train to visit friend.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at friend's.
Friday morning train to Avignon, rent a car and drive to Uzes.
Friday night and Saturday night in Uzes.
Sunday Uzes and Aix and then to Marseille airport hotel before flight out Monday morning.

So should we spend those first two days in Amboise instead? I'm very torn. It seems like we'd be sacrificing a lot of Paris plans for the chance to stay at a charming hotel. That seems silly. On the other hand, the slow pace of the countryside agrees with us. What to do?

Although I loved Amboise and Les Minimes(and the whole Loire Valley) I think with all the traveling you are doing I would just stay in Paris for those first 2 days. The train ride to Dijon is nice and not long from Paris. Might be more complicated from Amboise. Go to the Loire Valley on you next trip, and stay longer than 2 days!

And the same thing goes for Burgundy, definitely. You're not even tipping the iceberg with just 2 days in Dijon. That said, I like Dijon and it's museums. If you aren't totally sold on staying in Paris, you could go straight to Dijon for the 4 days, and see more of beautiful Burgundy, by taking some sidetrips. Admittedly, Burgundy is better with a car, tho.

In my heart, I know you're right, Sue. The problem is I get greedy. No matter how long my trip is, there's always something I want to add on. Yep, I'll put Amboise on my "list" for future travel.