I wanted to add, yes, the hotels and places to eat in the small towns and the countryside are usually much cheaper than in Paris. You often can get a lot more for your money by spending part of a trip outside of Paris.

Some people may think I'm nuts, but it is possible to see Versailles and Chartres on the same day, as Versailles is on the way to Chartres. I managed to spend about four hours at Versailles (which was enough for me--the gardens are magnificent, the palace interior not that exciting) and then get to Chartres in time for Malcolm Miller's afternoon tour (which I recommend highly, though I wish I'd brought binoculars).

Howard<BR>If you're going to spend 14 days in Paris I don't think 4 trips outside is excessive.<BR><BR>Chartres is a half day trip and it's not only about the cathedral but about the medieval area surrounding it. If you go to Chartres, a short train ride from Paris, call ahead and make sure Malcolm Miller is giving his tours. I think he gives two a day (not Sunday). One at noon and one at 2:30 and covers different topics each time. He is a fascinating lecturer and really makes the cathedral and its history come alive. He lives in Chartres and has made it his life's work.<BR><BR>Versailles is a half day trip unless you want to have lunch and spend a little time in town - which is pretty.<BR><BR>Long, long day trips are offered to Bruges (sp) but maybe you'd want to train out and spend the night. I haven't been there but have heard it's beautiful.<BR><BR>I've been to Paris more than 10 times but have only spent a week at a time there. I think two weeks without time outside the city is too much but it depends on your interests. If you are museum lovers, you won't see it all in 14 days.<BR><BR>I took my young son on a day long bus tour to the chateau country. We didn't spend enough time in my opinion, but for him it was very interesting and we had a wonderful included lunch in a flower covered bower outdoors. Magnificent!<BR><BR>You can also do this on your own by train. Needs some planning though and not as convenient. Access Cityrama through google.com and other tour companies. It gives you a good idea of what is around Paris and how far away it is. Then make your own plans by train or car.<BR><BR>Good luck

Take the train to Chantilly. Your paris visit pass and museum pass is all you need to do it and you will discover an enchanting chateau with amazing artwork surrounded by water just outside(1 mile)of a neat town. This is only a couple hours outside Paris. Best of all few tourists.

topping

About what is the cost to take the TGV from Paris to Avignon? My daughter and I will be spending a week there later this month. We were planning to take an overnight to Provence, but given some of these remarks, I am rethinking that plan.

Just to follow up on David's comments re: Chantilly. I haven't been there...yet, but am trying to go in April/May. My research indicates Chantilly is only 1/2 hour to an hour or so from Paris, not 2hours (David may have been giving a round trip estimate). Just wanted to clarify that a little, lest someone be discouraged by what may have been interpreted as a 4 hour round trip. Any more info on Chantilly and/or Senlis is appreciated. Thx.