My husband asked what I want to do for my mid November birthday. Hmmm, go to Europe.
Plan on a ten day trip and thinking of Paris.
We were scheduled to go to the south of France in September, but a family obligation took precedence.
Decided to defer until next year.
We have not been to Versailles, so a day trip would be nice.
We spent a week in the Loire Valley a few years ago.
I am concerned that ten days in Paris may be a bit long. Looks like some of the Christmas Markets open mid November.
I am open to any thoughts and suggestions. THX!

IMO 10 days in Paris would be great -- including day trips like Versailles, Chartres, Fountainbleau, other Chateaux, heck -- even Disneyland LOL . . . or you could do a few days in Paris and a few in London

We spent 2 weeks in Paris on our third (?) trip there, vanne49. We took guided day trips to Bruges, Loire Valley (which you have seen), and evening in the Eiffel Tower. We did DIYs to Chartres, and Versailles. I later traveled solo to Giverny and Bayeux.

Of course, there are hundreds of galleries, museums, parks, markets and landmarks in Paris! You can click on my name for TRs...older but much is timeless! And search for others' TRs as well. Happy birthday! Please report back.

Congratulations on the big birthday, 10 days in Paris would be a perfect way to bring it in! We’re just starting to plan 8 nights Thanksgiving week…

Where else in Europe have you visited? Do not like the Christmas markets in Paris or London for that matter.

I would devote three days to see some of the countryside. You can go in any direction and find wonderful things.

Thank you for your kind responses and well wishes!
Our travel in Europe/Etc includes: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany (several visits for Christmas markets),
Switzerland, France, UK-Scotland, Ireland, London, Armenia, Turkey.
Bucket list: Scandinavia, some Slavic countries, more of the UK to include countryside, Estonia, Santorini
Most of these destinations are Spring and Fall (for weather and we do not travel to Europe in the summer) and I would want at least three weeks in some of the multi country destinations.
I have been looking at trip reports and into what is happening in Paris in November.
I welcome any comments.

HB--I too am a November BD and as I like to say at my age a one day celebration is not enough I need to do a month in Europe! Every other year it is Paris! On about my 5th trip did a month in November 2021 and did all the top sites and about 10 little but incredibly fabulous towns around Paris. Quick trip for a week in April 2022 and just wandered. November 2023 I basically did one ARR a day. I am going back in April 2025 to hit Amiens, Reims, Rouen, Giverny (always) but focus of the trip is to see Notre Dame. Fortunately the Christmas Markets do open at the end of November. I went to about 5 last year and frankly and they were virtually the same. If i had to do one it would be the one at Hotel de Ville for the whole area vibe. One absolutely incredible Christmas event was at the Chateau de Vicomte outside Paris. After traveling for 60 years, it was one of the most fabulous sites and events I have been too. I will be going back in April 2025 to see it in its everyday glory!

Oh my, more great information in planning this trip,
the Chateau de Vicomte looks fantastic. Reminds me a bit of the Biltmore in Asheville at Christmas, but more elaborate. We are still weighing spending the 10 days in Paris with day trips or 7 days in Paris and 3 days “in any direction”. My husband rolls with anything, but did comment that it might be nice to spend the time in Paris with day trips and not be rushed to do everything like we have in the past.
If we spend the whole time in one spot, it may be best to look into airbnb. I do like boutique hotels and breakfast in the morning. We are Marriott people with lots of points. Often do four nights with the fifth night free. We have both recently retired and enjoying the freedom with a bit less schedule driven choices.
I know that time is ticking and I do need to move forward. It will be interesting to see if the volume of travel will be less because of the recent influx of visitors to Paris for the Olympics???
My guess is that the Christmas markets in France are much different than the ones in Germany.

In a bit of a quandary, plan to fly to Paris on 13 Nov and back to US on 25 Nov. I have a flight on hold in and out of Paris using points. That said, just thinking of spending a week in Paris on either end of the trip and spending three days (as previous mentioned by a Fodorite) elsewhere and book the home flight from there. Thought of Brussels, open to any thoughts or ideas. DH is good with staying in Paris and maybe do a day trip or two as previously mentioned.
Appears to be plenty of availability in Paris for the November dates. Any suggestions for an Airbnb or small hotel? Last trip we stayed in the 16th Arrondissement.
Appreciate any help, thx.

Brussels and Paris work well together - there are direct high-speed trains from Gare du Nord in Paris (Eurostar and TGV Inoui) to Brussels-Midi and I think it's about 2 hours. Plus a 3 day trip will give you the best of what Brussels can offer without rushing you. Brussels does a mean line in museums and is also a good foodie destination (not just frites, waffles, chocolate, beer, but also the restaurants are excellent).

Lavandula

Moving forward!
Flight booked , leaving 12 November and returning 25 November flying in and out of CDG.
We are seriously thinking of going to Normandy for the first two nights after arriving. The remainder of our holiday in Paris. Neither my husband nor I have been to Normandy. Ten days in Paris and after scouring “what to do in Paris” during November, not sure that we have enough time
We usually stay in boutique hotels, Marriott (points), or B&B. Wondering if for 10 days we should consider an apartment. Thoughts?
We are looking at arr 6,7,8, and 16 (eastern section).
I would like to do a cooking class. Cook’n With Class seems to keep popping up with great reviews. I am interested in either a lunch or dinner class and maybe a separate croissant class. Any suggestions?
The third Thursday is the Beaujolais Nouveau release, looks like Paris celebrates.
I am still doing my homework, but sure appreciate all of your suggestions and past experiences.