crcash

My fiancee and I will be in Paris for our honeymoon Dec. 21-28. We had planned on a trip to the Loire valley during our trip, but logistics probably aren't going to allow it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a day or two side trip during that time? We'd like to definately see another part of France outside of Paris. Are there any cities nearby such as Rouen or Chartes that might be worth seeing? How about Reims?

111op

Why do you think that the Loire is not doable as a side trip?

I just spent a half day there on a recent trip. If you're open to taking tours, it's very doable, and you can easily see a castle or two.

Ralstonlan

A day trip to Versaille is an easy train ride. We did a private tour to Reims. It was great- they picked us up at our hotel, we toured Moet-Chandon cellars, saw Dom Perignon's resting place, stopped at a family home for homemade cheeses and wine, and was dropped off at hotel.The guide was a little hokey, but it was still a great day.

crcash

we originally planned on staying at a chateau in the loire, but our original night was the 26th, that is a sunday and train travel out of paris doesn't leave until lunchtime, plus, car rental is difficult.

Robespierre

Normandy!

Grab the morning train out of St. Lazare to Bayeux, check out the tapestry and cathedral, take a guided tour of the invasion beaches and museums, a seafood feast at one of the fishing villages, back to Paris by bedtime. Whatta day!

mamc

Versailles and Chartres are both great day trips.

111op

If you're going to rent a car and explore on your own, then I don't know. But actually my half-day trip to the Loire Valley was on a Sunday, and I took the first TGV train out to Tours (6:50) and was back in Paris by 2:15.

But there're plenty of other options for day trips.

Have a great one.

Travelnut

Fontainebleau is nice. You take the train to Fontainebleau-Avon station, then a bus to the front of the chateau, which is situated in the middle of town. When finished with the chateau, then visit the town center for a while, catch the bus back to the train, and return to Paris.

Chartres is very easy. Take the SNCF train to Chartres station, walk out front, see the tall spire, head for that. If possible, join the Malcolm Miller tour, usually one morning and one afternoon, explains the meanings of the stained glass illustrations. It's another nice town for walking around in before returning to Paris.

For Versailles, take RER-C to stop "Versailles RG (rive-gauche)". Exit the station, turn right and walk to the busy street, then left onto the avenue. You can see the grounds of the palace ahead of you.

111op

ttt

Michel_Paris

You could also easily do Reims in a day. Gare de l'est, about 1 3/4 hrs.
Take morning train, walk up past old roman walls, past nice city hall, to cathedral. Lunch downtown, then visit one of the many cellars, buy a few bottles, taxi back to train station, sip a glass back in your hotel room (xmas bubbly?)

crcash

Great Idea! I think we've decided on Versailles and Reims for day trips. Are there any days of the week that any of the attractions in those locations are closed??

Leely

I was in Paris last Christmas, and I seem to remember Versailles was closed on December 25th; we went a few days beforehand.

On Christmas, my sister, mother and I walked around the Marais, hung out in the Place de Vosges (it was sunny), tried to make service at Notre Dame but were too late. Mom went on to the Jewish history museum and my sister and I went to the Pompidou and saw a fantastic Cocteau exhibit. And we all met up for dinner.

Did I say it was one of the best Christmases I'd ever had?

TopMan

I suppose I am beating a dead horse at this point but I hate to see you defer the trip to the Loire valley based on possible mis-information. I find trains to Tours from Paris at both 7:45 and 10:45 AM... and from Paris to Blois at 7:22, 9:21, and 10:47 AM all of which seem to me, at least, to be well before "lunchtime."

But, whatever your final decision, have a great trip.

Travelnut

Topman, the issue was they wanted to arrive early on Sunday at St Pierre des Corps to get a car for sightseeing that afternoon, but rental agencies are either closed on Sunday, or not open until 3:00.

DIANAS

What about Le Mont St Michel. Is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in the world. It is now a world heritage site, has the highest tides in Europe, not to be missed. "As it ebbs, the sea reveals one of the largest areas of mussel growing and oyster farming in France, a unique view of thousands upon thousands of stakes."
It is a 3 hour drive from Paris. It is in Bretagne, you could spend the night in St Malo.
Check this website it migh help. Congratulations on your wedding!

http://www.mont-saint-michel.net/

D

crcash

Thanks so much for all the help everyone has offered!

travelbunny

..if you wish to go to the loire for a day there are bus trips..Parisvision..I dont know whether they run daily but they do run in the winter..for an independent day trip id suggest Chartres. ..easy to get to and breathtaking..Chantilly is also a nice day trip.

Vincent

On a week-end, you can easily drive out of Paris to the Loire chateaux (check the mileage and driving times on viamichelin.com) on a day trip. Alternatively, why not try Brugge/Antwerp? It's a mere 2 hour train ride from Paris, and worth every minute of it.

jay

Take the Tattinger tour. We were ther at christmastime and one of the Tattingers gave the tour. Also, depending on how early you go to Versailles, it is really only a half day tour not a whole day. You may even want to do a tour out at Fontainbleu. Travelnut is right about the trip. There was a great market there when we went. Take the bus to Fontainbleu and then walk back to the train. If you leave at 8-9 am you should be back by 2-3 pm and then spend some time in Paris also. The same with Versailles.