We have 8 full days in Paris from 28-Aug through 5-Sep (Wed through Wed). We have been to Paris 3 times before for a total of 25 days. We have seen the major attractions multiple times so on this trip we want to split our time between doing new-to-us things in Paris and taking a few day trips. At this point in our planning, we would like to visit Chartres, Giverny and the Champagne area.

Given the time of year, are there any days of the week that are either better or worse for some of these trips? I’m thinking weekdays are usually a better option for day trips but we may not be able to avoid the weekend for one of them. Should we definitely avoid any of these places on the weekend of 31-Aug to 01-Sep?

Our group has discussed actually spending one night in the Champagne area to see Reims, Epernay and some of the rural areas on the Route du Champagne. We really enjoy renting a car to drive through vineyards and visit small towns looking for adventures that we would never be able to do using public transportation. I can’t seem to find when the vendage might start this year but it will probably be after we are there. One thought is to take the train to Reims, see what we want to see in Reims and spend the night there. Then early the next day rent a car and see as much of the Route du Champagne as we can before turning the car back in at Reims and catching a late train back to Paris. Another option is renting a car in Paris for the two days.

Please let me know your thoughts on the good, the bad and the ugly of our ideas for this adventure.

I don't know of anything special on those dates except there is a soccer match in the Reims stadium on 8/31 (vs Lillie). and that weekend, the traffic is going to be bad as it is the last weekend to return home before school starts (which is 9/2, I believe, around Paris and Champagne region). This can really affect trains that are perhaps longer distance, but probably not that local runs (like to Chartres or Vernon). It might affect the TGV from near Reims to Paris (as that train probably starts farther east, I'm guessing). In short, you need to have reservations in advance, probably, if you want to do the train that weekend. I know I was taking a TGV from Tours back to Paris on a Sunday that was the end of some holiday period and it was completely sold out. I'm just guessing, though.

It's possible the vendange is that early, actually, it was last year and I think there are some prediction it could be by early September, if not earlier.

Personally, I'd think it a lot easier to take the train to Reims, sightsee for a day and then rent/return car at Reims. The fact that it is the weekend before school starts is just one reason for that thought.

Hint that worked for me: If you take the train to Giverny (town is Vernon), to avoid crowds take a taxi to the grounds and go to water feature first. Then return to the home and garden. Take the taxi driver's card so you can call for pick-up when you get tired

From Epernay, capital of Champagne wines - there is a lovely wine road following the Marne River - numerous ordinary Champagne producers - keep going east and you're in Paris.

Christina - thanks for all the good info. As much as I would like to actually go to a soccer game in France I think this is not the time to try it - need to concentrate on champagne for this trip. And I think I'm hoping the vendange has started when we are there. It should be fun to see right?

TDudette - thanks for the tip. Exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for.

PalenQ - thanks for the info. Really looking forward to driving through the country and seeing what we come across. We've stumbled across some fun experiences doing this kind of thing.

geetika - thanks for all the recommendations. Like most places, there is so much to see and so little time to see it. I know we are going to have to make some tough choices on what to see and what to miss.