My husband will be in Paris for business in November. I plan to join him for a week following his meetings. He can take a train and I can fly to meet him.

What European city/surroundings do you recommend we visit in November? We've spent a time in Paris and most of Italy this year so don't feel a need to repeat those trips. We're looking for a city to explore and possibly take a day trip elsewhere. We've considered Barcelona, Vienna, Prague, and London (although we will probably go to London in early 2006). We enjoy museums, shopping, and getting to know local neighborhoods. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

My wish is to see Prague so I'd choose Prague. It still seems like-despite crowds-it's retained its old-world charm. Barcelona would be my second choice followed by Vienna and London. I didn't care for London too much.

Barcelona probably has the best weather, and Vienna the most culture.

How long at destination #2?

Please elaborate: is your husband planning to take the train to &quot;destination #2&quot; and meet you <b> there </b> ?

Amsterdam is an easy train trip from Paris, and a good airport to fly in and out. There are numerous small towns that are easy day trips from there. Of course November probably wouldn't be the best weather, but that's so unpreditable anyway. Plus there are plenty of museums and indoor things to do. I was there for 3 days in March a couple years ago and it was pouring rain the entire time and I still liked it. Other than Lodnon, the other places you've suggested would require you fly to them (or take a very long train ride). Other easy train trips from Paris would be Brugge Belgium or Luxembourg City.

Because of the time of the year and also because I'm been reading a bit about its center, I would pick Barcelona. It's sounds warmer, and for the &quot;short days of November&quot; I would like a place that is more sunny for the brief daylight hours. It's supposed to be very walkable as well.

Prague, Vienna will probably be colder and wetter that time of year- definitely heavier coat weather near mountains. When I don't know a place, for a first time visit, I like to be outside as much as possible. It would be easier in Barcelona to do just that.

I apologize if I was unclear. Yes, I think the easiest thing will be for me to fly to destination #2, have my husband take a train from Paris to destination #2, and then fly home together from destination #2. Planning to spend 5 nights in destination #2.

<i>&quot;We enjoy museums, shopping, and getting to know local neighborhoods.&quot;</i>

Have you considered Rome? Given the time of year, it might be one of your best options.

Since you'll already be in Paris, and then you want to move on to another base and you specificially want to stay in another CITY (as opposed to a small town or rural area), but also to see the surrounding area, I'd suggest another city in France, for example Montpellier, Lyon, or Bordeaux, none of which I've seen myself (but I would like to plan a trip using Montpellier as a base), or, if you haven't been there yet, any of the smaller cities in Provence that would be a good base for daytrips and interesting in its own right.

Normandy, Provence or Amsterdam are all in close proximity to Paris and easily accessible. Of course, I would just stay in Paris...

Prague is wonderful, and still a relative bargain since it's not yet on the retail euro.
Vienna is more expensive, but there are more wonderful museums.

I would go to London on the Eurostar, from Paris. Around 2 hours.

Sandy

Hi P,

In this order, I woould choose

Paris
Bordeaux
Prague
London
Barcelona

Consider Lisbon? or Oporto? He would want to fly. See www.whichbudget.com

Best wishes,

Rex

If you are sure that you will go to London in 2006, you might want to visit Barcelona or, have you considered Seville, on this trip. Weather will be a consideration as will hours of daylight. If you aren't sure about London, visit there. It is a wonderful city and easy to tour in the summer or winter so weather won't really be a factor.

Here is my list :
Prague
Barcelona
London
Vienna- great museums but very cold
people.