My husband and I are planning on celebrating our one year anniversary in Paris this summer. (Airfare and hotels are still available - just checked with travel agent) This is my 3rd trip to Paris and his first. I was thinking of 4 nights in Paris and 3 to 4 nights in another region of France. Do you have any suggestions? We are 30, active, and love to experience the culture and history of a country. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Jennifer

Eastern France such as the Alsace region is really scenic. It's got German influence as it's on the border of Germany.

The Loire. Seeing all those chateaux is inspirational - and a link to huge sections of French history. And staying in one of the private chateaux - and having dinner with the owners - can be an incredible experience.

Thanks for the suggestions. Would we need a car for transportation to and around both of these regions? Or is train transportation a possibility? I guess in my mind I am picturing Chartes- a train ride from Paris and no need for a car once you are there. What is the best means of transpostation in Alsace or Loire Valley? Thanks

To really do the Loire properly - esp if you want to stay in one of the private chateaux (which are always in the country) you really do need a car.

(It is technically possible via a series of trains and buses - but they're really for locals and often run infrequently/take forever.)

You can always stop in Chartres on your way to the Loire.

Another option is the Eurostar to London for a totally different experience and flying home from there.

Topping...

Burgundy with Dijon and Beaune of course! ;-) 1h30 from Paris with TGV. you can click on my name to know more. Happy anniversary!

When are you going during the summer? If late June or July, I recommend Provence where you will be able to see the lavender in bloom. It is easy to get to Avignon via the TGV and to branch out from there. A car would be helpful to see the lovely villages.

Hi JB,

My first suggestion is to spend the week in Paris with one or two daytrips. Since you have been there before, you would make a good guide.

My second suggestion is 2-3 nights in Beaune and Dijon.

I'd suggest Normandy. I just spent 4 nights in Paris and 4 in Normandy. I too looked at other areas, but really wanted to get there and not spend all my time getting there. Normandy was beauiful, and there are many tucked away places off the usual tourist route that are fun to explore.

Normandy- and you can take a train to Bayeux, stay at Hotel D'Argouges (right in town) and walk to the Cathedral and to the Bayeux Tapistry .... take a guided tour or go on your own to the Normandy Beaches and the US Cemetary .... nice restaurants in Bayeux ... do I sound enthusiastic? I would like to re-do my time in Baueux, et al.

Bayeux, Honfleur, for a different experience from the usual tour bus routes. Charming, historic and of course terrific food. Try the Calvados. A nice ride out there thru Normandy, and not too far.

Carolee

Thanks for all the replies. I could spend a lifetime in just Paris but I feel like we must branch out to explore the rest of France. Driving through the countryside sounds so romantic. Are there any hotel suggestions for the Loire Valley?

I would also love to see the lavender in full bloom but we are planning to go the first week in August.

Thanks Jenn

JBQ - you have posed the etrenal question. Paris is a city for a lifetime and the country side of France is one for another lifetime. This simply is not an easy question, If you had asked how to make a pate', you would get hundreds of differing answers and so too will you find as many to this thread. I and my partner live by the rule tha there is always "next time". That all said, I would suggest two approaches to France, (With a 1 year anniversary in front of you, I assume you plan on many more). Assume France; many more times. First, read a book - pick something from great litterature (Fodorites feel frr to chime in). Plan your trip around the book. Visit the villages written about. Enjoy the food, enjoy the sites, enjoy the people. Do not rush. Plan "B". Is to decide on a "collection". Several years ago we chose to "collect" the gret cathedrals of France, Many visits later I am happy to say we have ejoyed all of them and continue to find the "leser" catherdals. I have a friend who "collects" Michelain 4 Star establishments. Another is partial to cemetaries (yes, I have eclectic friends). Seriously though this is a great way to see and enjoy the world. I musts stress though...relax - do not try to do too much. Here's an idea ... and why did I not think of it 20 years ago... choose your favorite VanGough painting and collect the view .... go find them....

Seafox ... you are right! I get myself crazed to plan the perfect vacation. Since I love Paris so much I wanted to plan a great experience for my husband's visit first. But in reality he has done a great deal of travelling as well so he does not need to run a race through Paris just to check off places on some crazy list. A better idea is to share some of my favorite sights and perhaps find new ones together. Thanks for the advice. Jennifer