Deciding between Auxerre/Vezelay vs. Dinan/Fougeres/Mont St MIchele for a 3 day quick drive from Paris
May 11th, 2004, 07:25 PM
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Deciding between Auxerre/Vezelay vs. Dinan/Fougeres/Mont St MIchele for a 3 day quick drive from Paris
Hoping for inputs from those who's been to both areas to help us decide. We realize Auxerre is a two hour drive whereas Britanny is twice as far, but which area has more charm, comfort & wow factor.
We are looking for small touristy town atmosphere to relax, dine & stroll. We've been to Dijon/Beaune & the Loire area in previous trips. Thanks.
We are looking for small touristy town atmosphere to relax, dine & stroll. We've been to Dijon/Beaune & the Loire area in previous trips. Thanks.
May 11th, 2004, 07:49 PM
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No contest...Mont St Michelle.
You bypass a lot of gorgeous scenary and serious charm in Normandy on the way. Normandy is a lot more than just the landing beaches and the Bayeux tapestries. Consider Honfleur, Deauville, Trouville,Cabourg. Great beaches, horse country, beautiful gardens....just a great area to hang out in.
You bypass a lot of gorgeous scenary and serious charm in Normandy on the way. Normandy is a lot more than just the landing beaches and the Bayeux tapestries. Consider Honfleur, Deauville, Trouville,Cabourg. Great beaches, horse country, beautiful gardens....just a great area to hang out in.
May 11th, 2004, 07:56 PM
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Since you've had a taste of Burgundy and the Loire Valley, I'd suggest heading for Brittany. It is indeed charming, and driving distances are shorter than you might expect; you can see quite a lot in 3 days if you center on one area. The resort town of Dinard might suit your criteria quite nicely; it's opposite St-Malo and not far from the medieval town of Dinan. I'd suggest taking the TGV from Paris to Rennes and picking up a car, then heading for Dinan/Dinard, then Fougeres, and finally Le Mont St-Michel. If you stay one night near Fougeres (or Vitré
you could visit the Mount on the following morning and then return to Paris from there via the autoroute.
you could visit the Mount on the following morning and then return to Paris from there via the autoroute.
May 11th, 2004, 08:31 PM
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Thanks LynFrance & Underhill!! We are planning to visit Dinard/St Malo/Vitre as well as Caen & Honfleur if we make it to Cabourg.
We actually have a reservation at a Best Western Hotel Montgomery in Pontorson(boondocks?)for 2 nights and a beachfront hotel in Cabourg (Le Grand)for the 3rd night. We are not so sure about the hotel in Pontorson. Can anyone suggest a better ACCOMODATION IN NORTHEASTERN BRITANNY?
Thanks again.
We actually have a reservation at a Best Western Hotel Montgomery in Pontorson(boondocks?)for 2 nights and a beachfront hotel in Cabourg (Le Grand)for the 3rd night. We are not so sure about the hotel in Pontorson. Can anyone suggest a better ACCOMODATION IN NORTHEASTERN BRITANNY?
Thanks again.
May 11th, 2004, 09:44 PM
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Undoubtedly Brittany has the biggest wow! factor, but it is a lot further. Highlights out of those towns you mention are Dinan & Honfleur. St Malo, Mont St Michel, Fougeres also great - but to fit them all in 3 days including driving to & from Paris might be a stretch.
Auxerre doesn't have the small town atmosphere you say you're looking for, but Vezelay and adjacent St Pere do. Not too far away is Semur-en-Auxoire, also worth a look.
Auxerre doesn't have the small town atmosphere you say you're looking for, but Vezelay and adjacent St Pere do. Not too far away is Semur-en-Auxoire, also worth a look.
