France - Paris and countryside
 

My family is planning a trip to France this summer. We are starting in London b/c we have friends there. Then we want to see Paris and then go somewhere in the countryside. We only have 7 days (that includes arrival day) arriving on Thursday and going back to London on the following Wednesday. Seeking advice on how many days in Paris and how many in the country. Seems like we don't have enough time to get to the Dordogne area - which people seem to love. Any suggested itineraries are appreciated.

No, you do not have anough time. Paris, on its own could use up your time +++. I'd do an even split, with open jaw flights and the Eurostar between the two cities.

Look at Paris and figure out what interests you. We can help. If you think you need more, how about a day trip to somewhere like Versailles. Palace and huge gardens. Or, if champagne ios your things, the cellars in Reims, or...

hi, paris is fantastic,
if you want to go to the countryside, it really depends how far you want to travel. for example 30 mins south by train (from gare de lyon) you can go to bois le roi( the woods), fontainbleau (castle) , however, if you want to go further afield, i would recommend the Vandée, (its called the green venice), a beautiful place, lots of isolated houses, where you need a boat to access (lots of small canals), you can take a private tour along the canals. for outdoor activities its a great place, fishing, hiking etc always surrounded by beautiful scenery

So many options...what are your interests??

I think you could do an even split and spend the rest of the time in:

1. Burgundy - lovely villages and vineyards

2. Alsace - lovely villages and vineyards

3. Provence - sunshine, lovely villages

4. Brittany - seafood, beaches

5. Normandy - yummy food, WW2 sites

All of these area a few hours train ride from Paris

jamikins is right - there are many options which are closer to Paris than Dordogne. I would add

6. Loire Valley - gorgeous castles, vineyards

7. Champagne - vineyards, caves

And you will find yummy food EVERYWHERE.

I looked up ironfever's hint to the Vendee, which appears to be a rather quiet and non-touristy region. I found this picture gallery:

http://www.heinzalbers.org/vendee.htm

Thanks for all of the great suggestions - I'll do some research into these areas.

The Vendée is interesting, but hardly the most picturesque part of France. It's certainly not very touristed, though, which makes it attractive in some respects.

At any rate, with only 7 days, I would go to Paris and maybe take a day trip or two: Chantilly and Senlis, Versailles, Fontainebleau, Auvers-sur-Oise, Giverny....