Ruisa

A couple of first timers from Chicago, IL (USA) planning to visit France. Do not have a clue as to what, where, when, why... all we know is that we want to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in France and we also would like to see Italy while there. Please, help and advise. All we know so far is the airport - CDG. Anything economical or affordable will be appreciated. Thank you very much!

wanttogo

If you only have seven days, I would spend all of them in Paris. You could take a couple day trips out of the city to visit smaller places like Giverney, the Champagne area or
the fabulous palace and gardens at Versailles. Save Italy for
your fifteenth anniversary (or your eleventh). Ir is worth your while to keep checking on airfares-I did and it really worked out well for our upcoming May trip to France.

Pat

ellen75005

I agree with Pat, especially if the 7 days include travel days. There's so much to do in Paris and in September the weather should be good for exploring. You'll want to save time for people watching in outdoor cafes and you won't want to be rushed which you'd certainly be if you included Italy.

Trains in France are a quick and easy way to travel. I'd take a day trip or two just to get a taste of France outside of Paris.

If you give us more information, such as what you consider "economical and affordable", you'll get a lot of advice here.

Paris is my favorite city on earth; you won't regret spending your anniversary there!

Ellen

StuDudley

You never stated how many days you are allocating for this trip. Kinda hard to advise without knowing that - except save Italy for another trip unless you have 3 weeks or more.

Stu Dudley

StuDudley

Oops, you had 7 days in your title - I somehow missed that.

Just stay in Paris with a day trip to Versailles. If you have a full 7 days on the ground and like to spend all day sightseeing and "moving around", then perhaps 4 days in Paris & 3 in Provence and depart from Marseille.

Stu Dudley

justineparis

Wow, I have lots of idea.. first of course is that 7 days is only enough to visit one major city,, Paris or Rome,, so since i am biased i vote Paris .

Secondly, what is your hotel budget,, I stay in clean, centrally located , air conditioned hotels for about 100 to 140 euros a night. I have stayed in cheaper places and a few more expensive places too.

Thirdly, get a guide book, a good basic one to start,, just go to a library or second hand store,, the hotel and restaurant prices may be out of date, but the sites don't more and the history about them remains the same.

I also highly recommend Fat Tire Bike Tours, they are great. I am alot older then you and I have taken all their tours over about a 5 year span of visits to Paris.. and they are fun and easy enough for anyone. Just google their website,, its run by Americans , so no language issues at all. The bike tour to Monets Gardens was my favorite,, along with the Night Bike Tour..

Read forums, they are great for tips and insider information. I haven't waited in long lines at any museum for years,, since learning the secrets( which are not so secret) to using alternate entrances, or buying passes or tickets online ahead of time.