Paris and Provence - opinions needed
 

I was in Paris for 4 days last May and am anxious to get back. I packed a lot into those 4 days but would like to do some of the things I missed and repeat some of the things I loved. I am hoping to go back this May for another 3 or 4 days. I am thinking of going somewhere from Paris for a few additional days that is reachable by train but not more than a few hours away. I would consider renting a car once I'm there but want to stay in one hotel. I am looking for a quaint, charming, picturesque setting to shop, sightsee, dine and relax. Somewhere perhaps that has other similar places nearby to drive to and explore.
Any thoughts?

How many days will you be in France? You have 3 or 4 days for Paris and how many days for your other destination?

I am planning on 3 nights in Paris and 3 nights somewhere in Provence. I can add a night on if it will make a difference.

Rhonda, I would think maybe "a few additional days" might mean 2 or 3?

Sounds like a great idea, I'm sure you'll get some nice suggestions here. Good luck with your planning

I'd suggest Normandy or Burgundy rather than Provence--closer to Paris and easier to see in just a few days.

Take the high speed TGV train from Paris to Avignon, get a rental car and stay in St. Remy. Take wonderful, scenic, leisurely drives around the countryside. The best way to see Provence (IMHO).

I think Underhill has given you good advice; 3 days is enough to go to Provence but you will spend 1 day traveling down and 1 day to get back which leaves 1 full day. True, the train/plane doesn't take that long but by the time you check out of your Paris hotel, get to the train station, travel to Provence, rent the car, get to your hotel, check in, unpack, you have used almost a whole day.

Additionally, if you are returning out of Paris, you will either have to come back a day early and spend the night in Paris or have the stress of taking the train/plane to Paris from Provence and then catch your flight home. I have done the latter...I don't suggest it.

I spent 10 days in Paris last summer. We did day trips to Giverney, and Versailles.

The Loire is also close to Paris so if Chateau interest you, that might be an option. Easy to get to by train. You would need a car which can be picked up at Tours.

Another suggestions would be to fly into Nice and leave out of Paris. This would make the most of your time.

So few days, I say stay in Avignon. You can take a bus, trains to other spots. Longer really, you must rent a small car to see all the lovely villages.

I think that the Loire is easierin a few days, but if you are going to Provence, St. Remy is very centrally located (if a bit dull), but from there you can easily go to Les Baux, the Luberon, Arles, etc.

Thank you for all your suggestions. I am considering adding one day for a total of 4 nights. That will give me three days other than travel days to explore. I will have to leave on the last day to make an evening flight home out of Paris. I figure if I catch a morning train out of Avignon I should have plenty of time. Based on this update, is St Remy still the best place to stay as a base for day trips? Am I better off splitting my time between 2 different areas or just stay put and explore the nearby regions? One last question: Will I be able to rent an automatic car? That is a huge factor in my plans.