abuster

I'm going to be in Paris for a few days in late October. I've been there a number of times before and so i'm renting a car and planing to spend about 4 days somewhere outside of Paris. I can't decide if I should go south or to Normandy or Champagne Country or elsewhere. I just want to relax and see a chateau or cave painting along the way. Suggestions of fav places to stay are welcome, as are any notions about a good itineary for a brief trip. I've been reading so much - my brain is overwhelmed with info I'd love to hear from folks with personal experience.

Underhill

With four days in Normandy you could see Rouen, Honfleur, and Bayeux. Four days would be overkill, IMO, for the Champagne region and not enough to head for Provence, given travel time.

DougP

My two choices based on your parameters would be the Loire Valley or Normandy. Although I know of no cave paintings in these two regions there is lots to see and do for four days in each of these regions.

Michel_Paris

Loire would be good possibility. You could see castles, old towns, caves (not paintings though), vineyards,etc...I spent 10 days and found it to be plenty, in 4 you could see the highlights. I used Green Michelin guide as my main starting point for info, as well as the Michelin map(s).
Mike

ira

Hi ab,

If it's caves you want; by train, you could be in Sarlat Le Canade, in the Dordogne, in about 5 1/2 hr.

See http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic

You can rent a car there.
(See http://www.novarentacar.com/) and visit Lascaux, among other places.

It will be truffle season as well.

See
http://www.dordognerental.com/idor.html

http://www.arachnis.asso.fr/DORDOGNE...S/msngrot0.htm

http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/

abuster

Thanks so much for your input - I think Loire and perhaps a slight venture into the Dordogne is what I'm going to do. Michel - your input gave me some great ideas. Ira, i appreciate the note about truffles and the websites. Best to you both.

Judy

Oh my goodness, I don't see how you could do both regions in 4 days! I think you need to choose one.