My mom and I are going to France in Sept and have a couple of days left to fill. We'll be 3 nights in Paris, 1 in Reims or Nancy, 3 in Strasbourg, but can't decide where to spend the remaining 2 nights. As much as we'd love to get down to Provence, I'm sure we don't have time.

We are flying in and out of CDG (on FF miles) and renting a car since my senior mom is a little skiddish of trains (tight schedules and luggage-handling make her nervous). We love smaller towns and quaint villages.

Any ideas?

Why not visit some of the Chateaux on the Loire? Its about 3 hrs from central Paris, and you can get back to CDG, but allow time since you have to go around Paris. We also loved the chateau of Chantilly near CDG. Great stables and horses... and a lovely garden. We stayed at a hotel that was a former Rothschild estate just outside of the town. That might be a perfect place to end your vacation.

I'd delve a little futher into Alsace-Lorraine and the wine route, or Chablis country around Chablis/Fontenay/St. Florentin, or Southwest of Paris ie. Provins, Troyes or Milly-la-Foret, Forest of Fountainbleau area...the options are endless.

Troyes on your way back from Strasbourg to CDG.

Another vote for Troyes, and some places between there and Paris: Vezelay, la Druyes-Belles-Fontaine, Milly-la-Foret.

First, I suggest to visit Reims as a day trip from Paris. By train will be less than 90 minutes, an easy trip, no luggage and no need to pack / unpack.

Then, when you go to Strasbourg, you can visit from there, for a day, Colmar.

Regarding two free days, the castles on Loire valley are a nice option.

Hi A,

>3 nights in Paris, 1 in Reims or Nancy, 3 in Strasbourg, but can't decide where to spend the remaining 2 nights.

Sounds like a lot of travelling for only 9 days.

I would add the extra nights to Paris.

>We love smaller towns and quaint villages.

In which case, I suggest

Fly into Paris - 2 nights.

Take the TGV to Strasbourg - 5 nights.

Rent a car and visit Alsace.

Return car in Strasbourg and train to Paris - 2 nights.

Fly home.

You can visit Nancy as a daytrip.

If you enter <Ascae? in the "search this forum" box, you will find a number of suggestions.

Enjoy your visit.

OOOPs,

>If you enter <Ascae?

should be <Alsace>

I would stay a couple more nights in Paris and take some day trips.

Giverny is amazing. If you love Monet, this will bring tears to your eyes.

Also, Versailles. Great day trip and the gardens are beautiful.

From Paris to the northern edge of Provence driving time will be 7 hours. IMO, this is doable for three days.

Another option is Bourgogne. Driving time 3 1/2 hours. Plenty of small towns and quaint villages there.

another vote for extra nights in Paris with possible day trip(s) from there--Chartres, Giverny, etc. (There are threads with lots of suggestions)