Dear fellows travelers,
I and my wife are contempalting a week-long vacation in Europe. We've been to Italy two times, then Barcelona and Marcelles, among other places. Three years ago we spent less than a day in Paris and definitely need to go back. The idea is NOT to drive, but to stay in a hotel and use public transportation. We'd also try to cover one other destination, perhaps in France or a neighboring country. I thought of London, but it seems too much, isn't it? Maybe, Madrid? We are not into bars or a lot of shopping, just after exploring a rich European culture. We are also not after small country towns and villages, maybe as a half day trip only. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help.

you can take the train from Paris to Brussels, or take the train to Avignon.

Hello umniy2000

I do not understand your question.

You say you'd like to <i>&quot;cover one other destination, perhaps in France or a neighboring country. I thought of London, but it seems too much.&quot;</i>

Then you go on to say, <i>&quot;maybe as a half day trip only.&quot;</i>

Go to another country for a half day? That is where I am confused.

If you want a half day drip from Paris only, I'd suggest perhaps Versailles, Chartres, Fontainebleu, or Giverny. Or Paris Disneyland

Happy Travels!

Consider taking the high speed TGV form Paris to Strassbourg. You can do it as a day trip, but I would suggest an overnight (or two)

Swisshiker,
I probably did not make myself clear. I meant, that I am not after spending a few days in the country, driving or riding thru a small towns. And very long hiking or biking is also not in the cards. We are thinking Paris for 3-4 days and one other place for a couple-three days. From either places we may take short trips to the country, just to break away from the bustle, but that will be desided later, when we settle on the main hubs.
Thanks for the ideas.

If this is a week-long trip, just stay in Paris. You don't have time for a neighboring country. In fact, you barely have enough time to get to know much at all about Paris.

With only a week, you won't begin to see Paris!!

Joan

I agree that you'll probably be enjoying Paris so much you won't want to leave, except maybe for a day trips near Paris. My recommendation would be to plan to stay in and around Paris for the week, but to have researched trains to Belgium, Luxembourg or Strasbourg in case it turns out you feel otherwise.

Hi um,

With only a week, I suggest staying in Paris.

If you get bored, there are a number of places that you can visit as daytrips.

I agree with staying in Paris.

We had 10 days and were nowhere close to getting bored. In fact, we could have easily spent another 10 days with new things to see!