Hello,

I'm going to be going to Paris for ten nights in the middle of March. This is my first time to France. I know this is a somewhat broad question, but we're trying to figure out where to spend the rest of our time outside of Paris (we figure 4-5 nights in Paris).

One of our thoughts was Normandy/Brittany, while the other thought was going east and doing Dijon or Alsace/Rhine area (or both). Because of the time and distance, we figured the south of France will have to wait until another time.

Would love to hear any thoughts on these ideas or others, considering the time of year, etc. We were not planning on renting a car but was not sure if one of these options may require it. Any advice would be appreciated; thanks.

All of your choices are good, but I wouldn't rule out the south. With the fast TGV, we have gone south for 3-4 nights easily.

Another choice would be The Loire Valley. I guess it depends what you want to see.

As far as renting a car or not, driving in the countryside of France is quite easy. The big cities, not so easy. So taking the TGV and picking up a car at the station on your arrival is a good option.

Good luck.

It's less than 3 hours on the TGV to Provence. Weather there in March is likely to be a lot more pleasant than in Normandy/Brittany or Alsace.

I would rent a car no matter where you go in France, unless your focus is just on big cities, where a car is useless.

Rent a car in Paris. Drive to Normandy to see the landing area and the Bayeux tapestry. Go to the Loire to visit a chateau or two. Come back via Chartres, and rather than stay the last night in Paris, stay close to CDG and return the car the morning of your departure. Even if you have to return it before the office opens, there will be a slot in the office where you can drop off the keys. Use AutoEurope or Kemwel for your rental.

You might get some ideas for Normandy from these pictures, starting with 034:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7624436592493/

Here's Chartres:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7623401029366/

and the Loire:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7624575935008/

I agree with TPAYT, consider the Loire Valley. I love Amboise and Chenonceau. But, honestly, I could happy in Paris the whole 10 days.
I also love Reims in the Champagne region.
Enjoy the planning!

Thanks for the suggestions. Some of the people I'm traveling with would like to go to Burgundy and Strasbourg. We were thinking of training to Dijon and then after a few nights renting a car to drive to Strasbourg. Is there someplace else is Burgundy we should visit, or anywhere along that drive we should stop? We're looking to spend a total of 4-5 nights in those areas before returning to Paris. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.