My boyfriend and I are planning a 1-week trip to Paris for late October. Since this is our first time in France, I think we should include at least one other region so we get a better “taste” of the country. (Unfortunately we have a maximum of 9 days excluding travel to and from Paris.)

Any suggestions for a side-trip for a couple nights in late October (preferably without renting a car)?

Thanks so much! This forum has been extremely helpful in planning our trip.

Stay in Paris and take a day trip to Chartres, Versailles, or Giverney. Go by train.

Hi ck,

Stay in Paris and take a daytrip by train to Dijon or Troyes.

Click on "destinations" above, put in "side trips from Paris.

Thanks, Gretchen and Ira. We did plan to include a day trip to Versailles at the very least.

I guess I'm just beginning to second-guess our plans now that we're close to booking a ticket (perhaps it's influence from friends or friends of friends who disliked Paris).

Any opinions on an overnight trip to Normandy during that time of year? (My bf is keen on visiting Juno Beach)

An overnight trip to Normandy is a great idea and easily done. You can train to Bayeux, a charming town, and arrange for a tour of WWII sights while you are there. There are many guides who will take you to the sights so that you don't have to rent a car. Other than something like that, I, too, recommend you stay in Paris and take a couple of day trips if you run out of things to do. I have never run out of things to do no matter how long I stayed!

Hi ck,

>...it's influence from friends or friends of friends who disliked Paris..<

Stick to your original plans. The best way to mess up your visit is to let others rearrange it for you.

You have only 1 week. Paris can keep you enchanted for a month. You oughtn't to do more than one day trip.


speaking ex cathedra

Thanks again! I'll stick to the original plans, and limit ourselves to 1 daytrip. If we do extend the trip to 9 nights, we'll spend 2 days/1 night in Normandy.