We are a couple from Canada coming to Europe for 3 weeks in April. We are going to start with about 5 days in Paris in the middle of April(to run the marathon) then not sure where to go from there.

We understand that the weather in may be quite cool or rainy at this time, so we would prefer somewhere that's a bit warmer! (get enough cold & rain in Canada )

Our tendancy is to move quite quickly, with only a few days in each place.

We have spent the last 20 years travelling extensively in Asia, and as a result, are not familiar with Europe at all.

I know this is a pretty general question, but would love to hear any suggestions of countries to visit on this short trip.

Also, is it better to rent a car for a few weeks or rely on the trains?

Thanks for any help.


"Chilly in Canuckistan"

Perhaps take the TGV (train) from Paris to Nice, and drive to Rome. You will get a taste of both worlds.

You can be almost anywhere in France and nearby countries by fast rail and almost anywhere within Western/Central Europe in the same timeframe if you are willing to fly and there are plenty of budget airlines available (www.skyscanner.net or www.whichbudget.com).

You could stick to one or two countries if you wanted to but quite honestly, not knowing <b>any</b> of your priorities or interests makes it very difficult, at least for me, to make specific recommendations without ending up wasting a lot of your time and energy as you reply that you aren't interested in this or that.

More information please.

&quot;<i>Any suggestions?</i>&quot;

Absolutely. Re-post w/ a useful title that tells readers what you want to know. 95% of the threads on here are asking for suggestions.

Something like &quot;5 days in Paris - then 2 more weeks. Where should we go?&quot;

BTW - even w/ only a few days in each place, 2+ weeks (after the Paris stay) is not long enough to go to a lot of different places. I'd concentrate on two countries at most.

Driving or taking trains entirely depends on where you end up going . . . .

Thanks for the input - and sorry about the generality of the post. As you could probably tell, I'm a newby here!

Interests are more with wonderful scenery - rather than history - not into museums etc.

Mainly looking for nice peaceful places with some interest, and slightly warmer weather at that time of year.

Because of your weather request, seems like heading south would be the obvious answer (hey i'm no expert &amp; welcome to Fodor's forum, by the way).

Maybe down to southern Italy, Spain, Portugal, and/or Greece?