Paris, 7 days
 

We're contemplating a visit to Paris in late June / early July for 7-8 days.

Can anyone recommend a side trip? Where and how long? Another couple traveling with us would like to see Normandy but I'm not sure of the logistics.

Thanks in advance.

Is Burgundy an option?

Burgundy is close to Paris and easily accessible. If you are flying out of CDG, there is an early AM train from Dijon direct to the airport.

Here are the logistics for a Normandy trip:

First train out of Gare St-Lazare gets you to Caen at 8:46.
See the museum, rent a car.
Drive to Bayeux. See the tapestry. Either hire a guide at the Tourist Office or navigate the landing sites yourself. See the museum at Arromanches, American Cemetery, Point du Hoc, Omaha Beach.
Have fresh seafood lunch at Port-en-Bessin.
Return car to Bayeux and ride 19:36 to Paris.

Will you have access to a car or will you rely upon train service?

I enjoyed going to Giverny and visiting Monet's garden. Even on a rainy day, it was beautiful.

You can go to Versailles very easily.

Chartres is an excellent church to visit. Have a tour with Malcolm Miller to learn the most.

The castle of Chenonceau can be done via train. Be sure to look at the train schedule when it connects from Tours to the Chenonceau station and the reverse. The trains that service this station are not terribly frequent.

Hi Q,

With only 7-8 days, I suggest only one daytrip.

Normandy would be a few days of touring.

((I))

I agree with Ira that, unless you have visited Paris frequently, you will be better off with just one or two day trips than breaking your trip up to visit another part of France. There are wonderful sites that can be done on day trips from France and several are suggested above. I would not suggest touring Normandy unless you plan to spend 3 or 4 days and that would not leave enough time for Paris. Great day trips are Chartres, Giverney and Versailles. I would pick one or two and spend the remainder of the time in Paris.

You can do Brussels in a day, take an early train and you can have the entire day to see the city. When I went i was on a mission to have a belguim beer, waffles, chocolates and frites. I was able to see the city and get all my goodies.

I'd rather stay in <i>Paris</i> and have wine, crepes, chocolates and frites. :)

I would recommend going to Giverny for the day. You can easily get there by train. Allow a full day to see everything, the American Impressionist Museum, walk around the village, lunch at the Ancien Baudy Hotel and of course the gorgeous gardens. Go early and make a full day of it.

Question for Robespierre: When is the first train you mention? We're headed to Paris in three weeks and we've talked about a day trip to Normandy.

HI DF,

Train schedules are at www.voyages-sncf.com

((I))