Recommended side trips from Paris?
 

We' be flying in to Paris on June 26 for 10-12 days...after 3 days in Paris, what are other areas/itineraries that might be of interest?? 3 teenagers- renting a car.

After three days in Paris you will probably still wish to see more of Paris. Mabye after a week you may want to visit Versailles, the Loire Valley, Giverny, Fontainebleau... If you can read about these places and others that may interest you to get an idea, do so and then you can return and ask more.

Head out to the Normandy Coast; something for everybody, including the best apple pastries in the world! :-D

Great opportunity not to miss a visit to the D-Day beaches, fascinating Mt. St. Michel, gorgeous villages.

If you're planning on staying in Paris for most of the time, I would suggest Rouen as a day trip (45 minute train ride). Has many interesting museums, cathedrals, walks. It was my favorite day trip.

Defintely Versailles and expect to spend the whole day to see it all. A half day trip is useless.

Another could be Chartres with it's great cathedral. Again, a short train ride.

Even going to the WWII Normandy sites can be done by train with an overnight and you could book a tour while there or prior to.

Unless you just want to drive around the countryside I don't see the need for a car for such a short trip. However, maybe going to Rouen by car and onto the WWII Normandy sites would work.

Three days in Paris is not very much unless you've already been there.

I'm confused about your plans. Are you saying you are spending 3 days in paris, and the remainder of your 10-12 day trip elsewhere in France.

If so, I think you should consider extending your time in Paris, despite rumors teenagers don't like it! You don't need a car to visit Versailles, but check ahead to make sure you are going on a day when fountains will be in full spritz.

After at least 6 days in Paris, I agree with the suggestion to drive to a coast, although I'd consult with the teenagers about whether or not they are genuinely interested in WWII sites. You can also consider a trip to Brugge -- without even renting a car. Likewise a trip to London.

Another possibility is the fast train to a city serviced by the TGV, and begin your car trip from there. What are you looking for in France?

I agree with Rouen. It close and very quaint.

I would pass on the Normandy coast, only because you will spend a good 4 hours traveling back and forth.

Giverny is a great choice too. It is just beautiful and full of history. Don't expect to see a whole lot more than the house and gardens there though.

Oh -- sorry! Are you spending all your nights in Paris and lookign for day trips? If so, I withdraw my suggestion for the coast. But I also think you should postpone daytripping until day 6 or so.

hi again- this was my husbands post, but...we are flying into Paris and will be there for 4 days. We know we want to spend the last few days in Brugge. We wanted to go to Strasbourg but just saw that the Tour de France starts there around that time. So, we are hoping to use everyones suggestions as to where else to go. My son would probably enjoy Normandie, but the girls do not want to go there. I know we should spend more days in Paris, but am not a city person and I'm sure we will be back again another time.
We thought we would need a car with 5 of us and luggage After Paris...to drive through Loire Valley, etc...Do you all really think we don't need one?? We are also have to get from Brugge to the CDG airport when we leave.
With the above places mentioned in the suggestions are there any others we should consider that would not be a city, quaint,etc....?? Thanks!

Normandy, I mean. I should check my spelling first!

Normandie is in France and you wrote it the French way, where is the problème? ;-)

Funds should be provided so that all high school students would have the opportunity to visit Normandy. Sometimes parents need to make decisions on travel venues that may not always align with teenager desires.
A greater appreciation for those that sacrificed themselves for freedom is available in Normandy to teenagers. A perspective if you will, on their freedom to live the American way.

Just returned from 7 days in Paris and 2 days in Brugge. My teenaged daughters (18,16,14) all agreed that Brugge was the highlight of the the trip. They felt "Paris-ed out" after about 6 days" In Paris, there is a nice American style mall called "Italie2" at the Place D'Italie in the 13th eme, on Metro Line 4. Kids will like this. Also, for tennagers, the catacombs are an absolute must. Repeat, absolute must. A word of caution: you will be lost when you get out - learn how to ask "Where is the nearest Metro stop?" in French. You'll be glad you did.
Visited Versailles - liked it but would not suggest that it is a must. I'm going to post more trip report later

docdan...thank you. Our kids ages are so similar, so your post was helpful. Can you give me alittle more info on the catacombs? What area it is in, etc..? I'm sure I'll find it in my readings, but you could help too. Where did you stay in Brugge? I was there 20 years ago for my honeymoon and am very excited to show it to the kids. I think they will love it. Any other trip suggestions are appreciated! Thanks for the tip on Versailles. Thanks!

docdan....did you rent a car?? train?

If you are looking to go somewhere far outside Paris I would suggest Strausborg and thr Alsace wine road. It such a pretty part of the country with small village, homey bistros and friendly people.

richardab...thank you. We were hoping to do Strasbourg and Alsace area, but are having trouble with finding hotel in Strasbourg because of the Tour de France starting there July 4th. We were planning on getting there @ june 29th, but may move the dates around alittle to see if we can get a reservation. So, do you think we should get a car?
Tahnks!

ttt

Off the wall suggestion but:

How about getting a fast train to Marseilles, renting a car there, and visiting the Cote d'Azur or Provence? June would be a nice time to do it. It sounds like the girls and your son have different ideas of what is fun, but maybe you could find a compromise or a variety of towns -- some greatly historic, some just silly and fun, to keep everybody happy.

I took your post as if looking for areas/itineraries for further exploring, I didn't read daytrips, hence the Normandy suggestion. On that note, your son wants to go to Normandy, but the girls won't, so you are all not going. I feel bad for your son, but I feel even worse for your daughters who would pass on on such opportunity to visit such an amazing area with such incredible diversity and history. Would it help your son's case that Deauville, home town of Coco Chanel is nearby? or that there will be a film festival going on at Deauville in June with all kinds of movie stars in the area? or that the area has some of the most beautiful beaches in France? or that the day markets in the villages has some of the best deals for French items you can find outside of Paris?

Viagera2...thank you. No, we have not ruled out Normandy. I truly open to all suggestions. Your ppost does sound great. I have to find the ares you mentioned on my map/book. We are very late in planning this so, do you think we would have problems finding a hotel?? Would it be smart to have a car? And, no, we were not talking about day trips from Paris.
We are just deciding if we should travel west (Srausbough) or west (Normandy)

Sorry, must have hit the button. Anyway...west(Normandy), east (Strausburg) or south(Loire Valley).
Any suggestions are helpful. I am very flexible. Just trying to please everyone with at least one personal interest and not all cities.
Thanks!

Also, Viajero2, or anyone, any suggestions for hotels in the areas you suggested?

I think you're smart to plan 4 days in Paris. We were overwhelmed by the city on our first trips there so starting with a small dose should be fine. Normandy is so much more than WWII sites--seaside villages, country roads with cider and cheese shops, half-timbered houses, gardens, chateaux, just a great place. So is the Loire with all of its lovely chateaux and so is Alsace with its darling villages and geraniums outside every window. You can't go wrong with any of these. No matter which you choose, I think you'll be happiest with a car. It will give you so much more flexibility and let you see the rural areas which are so lovely. Why not take the teenagers to your local library or bookstore, go to the travel section, select travel books with pictures, look over the ones from Normandy, Loire and Alsace and see what everyone finds most appealing. It will be a hard pick and I'm guessing you'll want to do them all--so get ready to plan your next trip after you finish this one. Enjoy.

Three days in Paris is just not long enough to get yourself oriented and truly enjoy the city. And even if others' experience is one thing, it may not be yours.
Also, how are you planning to go to Brugges? Once you rent a car are you planning to drive? A car for 5 adult folks with luggage will need some planning ahead. And you always want to rent/reserve cars before you get to France for better prices. AutoEurope is an excellent rental agency.
Have you considered renting at CDG when you arrive, tour NOrmandy for 3-4 days, go to Chartres, see the Cathedral, turn in the car and train to Paris. Then train to Brugges when you leave.
The poster who said Normandy is much more than the WWII beaches is correct. A LOT of history and wonderful Norman architecture. The Bayeux tapestry.

Just stay in Paris & then onto Brugge. You shouldn't need a car, in fact, that will be more of a detriment while in the city. Use the train system, it is wonderfully easy. There are many day trips from Paris if you feel the need. Chartres, Rouen, St. Germain-en-laye, Versailles...etc.

Thank you everyone, again. We are spending 4 days/3nights in Paris. We would not get the car until after Paris.
I am leaning toward Normandy and surrounding areas and then on to Brugge. Our travel agent felt we should do Paris first and then move on. We are ending in Brugge for 2-3 nights. Any hotel suggestions for the Normandy, Rouen, etc..areas (would need at least 1 triple).
Also, we have a flight at 1:15pm home from CDG. Can we leave from Brugge that morning and get there in plenty of time or should we stay at the airport the night before?
We could do Normandy and that area first, drop off car, go to Paris and then train to Brugge I guess? Then we would have to train back to CDG for our flight home. How much time is needed for that??

Three days in Brugge is alot of time to spend there to me unless you are going to visit other cities which would be nice as Ghent and Antwerp are very close by train.

The train from Brugge to Paris by high speed train (Thalys) is a little over two hours. There are direct trains from Brugge to Paris with a few stops along the way.

I agree with francophile that 3 nights in Brugge is a lot and think your teenagers might really like Antwerpen, which rivals Milan as a design center, is Europe's center for the diamond industry and also has fantastic cathedral and fantastic food.

I have almost tolerance for risk when it comes to flight times. You will need to be at the airport by 10:30 to pass through security for a 1pm flight. Personally, I would overnight at the Paris airport.

Has your "travel agent" done this him/herself so is knowledgeable in advising this?
How are you seeing Normandy? Where are you renting your car? How are you getting to Brugges? With all due respect, you are only months away from this trip. Do you have some hotel reservations made, at least tentatively?
As for "4 days in paris", it will be much more like 3 (and rushed) by the time you get to your hotel on arrival day and check out on departure day--plus, I assume dealing with renting a car and getting out of Paris. Have you considered this part of getting out of Paris?
One reason for renting the car at CDG at the head of your trip is to consolidate your time so you aren't chasing around making connections and moving in and out of hotels.
Think that is a long time in Brugges also.
If you want an inexpensive hotel in Bayeux with large rooms, we stayed in one. How are you "headquartering" your Normandy portion?

Thank you again.
I know it is late to plan this. I appreciate all auggestions. I don't want the hassle of the car. I am thinking maybe we should get the car first, travel around drop off car and go to Paris and then end in Brugge (2 nights).
I don't know about the "headquartering" in Normandy yet, because this is a new plan. We were originally going to Strausbourg.
I do have to decide today about the timing for Paris because the travel agent is booking Paris today!
There's always a monkey wrench in the plans, just when I think it's all set.
What do you think of getting the car at CDG, driving Normandy and region, dropping it off somewhere outside of Paris, and doing Paris and Brugge, and back to CDG by train??

Gretchen...what is the name of the hotel in Bayeux?? Thanks

Also, Brugge for two nights is our "down" , "chill out" time before we head home. It also has sentimental value for us. But, we could go some other place that is similar to end the trip, if Brugge seems to be the out-of-the way destination that is throwing off the trip.

Strasbourg would have been a good idea, are you sure you can't get a room? Have you thought of staying in a town close to Strasbourg, but not where the Tour de France is? That could be nice, it is easy to get there by train from some surrounding towns, like Nancy, COlmar or something, but maybe that is too much to think about.

Normandy should be nice, though, I think that's a good idea, it's just in the opposite direction.

I'm sure you'll like Bruges, but I don't understand why you are flying back from CDG then, instead of Amsterdam? That would make a lot more sense. This way, I guess you are going to have to move for that last night's stay somewhere. Actually, this trip is planned a little inconveniently, I think. It would make more sense to go to Bruges, and then maybe go back to France to stay in a place where you could get to the airport by train easily.

Brugges is easy to get to from Paris--no problem.
What hotel is your travel agent bookinng? It is SO easy to book hotels yourself and not pay the agent. Please don't let him/her book your auto--do it yourself and save.
The hotel in Bayeux is, astonishingly, Hotel Bayeux. It is a very plain pipe rack place, squeaky clean, a nice car park next door and 5 minutes from the Tapestry and the Cathedral. 45€/night a couple of years ago. The rooms and baths were quite large. I would be pretty sure they would have a triple for your children.
It makes so much sense to get the car first. A car for your party will save money over the multiple train fares, which can really add up. If you do go to Normandy I suggest the Michelin Green Guide to Normandy plus the full size map of Normandy. From CDG you could go to Rouen for your first night--just a short drive.

The train to/from Brugge was as much fun as going to Brugge itself. We left Brugge at 9am and were at CDG by shortly after noon with a conection in Bussels. IC train Brugge to Brussels and Thalys to CDG, Very Comfortable ride. Allow about 110 minutes prior to deprature time for getting through check-in security etc. The Belgian train agents are very helpful and knowlegeable about hoe to get stuff done, whereas the French train website is a bit confusing.
2 full days in Brugge is just about right. I'll post again in a day with more info. Again, Brugge was a highlight of our trip. It is totally safe, everyone speaks English and the shopping/eating is very good - a good value and very tourist friendly. Renting bikes for brief soirees to the country side and/or Zeebrugge is feasible, cause the terrain is flat..
I'll post more later.

Since you've already found some very perfect destinations, my suggestion is to look up on Google images picutres of the places (eg: Normandy) and even the streets of the cities and villages (eg: Strasbourg streets), because often (every time for me) I decide just by viewing things visually after narrowing down my options to a few.

trishready:
WE stayed at a really nice B&B called "Number 11" look up www.number11.be on the web. Mrs. DeGraave, the innkeeper is very helpful and her email is listed on the website. For the catacombs, they at at the Denfert-
Rochereau metro and RER station, immediately south of the Luxemborg gardens. When you come out of the metro, you'll be looking for a small green metal building. It is very inauspicious looking. Best time is mid-afternoon. be careful exiting, you'll be lost, be sure to learn how to ask "how does one find the neareest Metro station?" in French. If you do Versailles (I'm not saying you do, but "if you do," because you can't do everything) then a nice itinerary is to try to make Versailles before ten, spnd about 3 or so hours there, then return to Paris via the Versailles-Chantier rail station. This will require about 5 extra blocks of walking. This train station has trains going to the Paris Gare Montparnasse. From there you take Metro line 4 to Denfert-Rochereau. A word of advise: Don't overwhelm your kids with too much of "and now we gotta do this and then we gotta do that" As much as I tried to avoid such sticking to an itinerary, and tried to build in down time, the kids said after 6 days that they were getting burned out. Street markets were appreciated. That was why Brugge was such a welcome change. We could just turn them loose and let them explore Brugge at their own pace.

I just re-read all the replies to this message and I'll put in another 0.02 euros worth. I think the idea of getting a car at CDG, proceeding to Normandie, then dropping the car off at an outside city, such as Rouen or Chartres and proceeding the rest of the trip by rail is sound. You do not want to drive in Paris. (unless you've done it before and think you can hack it.) Getting lost there would be no fun, and working the metro system is part of the fun of a visit to Paris. This game plan allows you the flexibility of getting into Paris a day early if you find Normandie is not your cup of tea. I think catching an early train out of Brugge and getting to CDG by 1100 is feasible, especially on weekdays. Good luck and Bon Voyage!

The other alternative to dropping the car outside and training in is to take it to Orly which is an easy car drop. You walk out of the rental garage and cross the street to the taxi queue. It is about a 20€ cab fare from there so even if this family needed two cabs, it would be more economical than the train.

trishready,
Glad to see you'll be in Paris 4 days instead of 3. I'm sure you'll be glad of another day. Our first visit was 4 days, and it was not enough to see all that we wanted to. Now, when go back, we stay for 7 days, and that's never enough :-) We've never felt overwhelmed by Paris. It's very easy to get around. Even though we were only there for 4 days, the first trip we purchased a Carte Orange transportation pass for Zones 1-2. It was still a savings over single ticket prices and worth it in terms of convenience. It's good for unlimited travel on bus and Metro. You do need a small photo -- an extra passport photo will do nicely -- to purchase a Carte Orange. You can also purchase a Mobilis pass, which is good for a day of unlimited travel on bus & Metro. No photo needed.

For day trips, I recommend Chartres, Versailles, and Giverny. You could drive there or take the train. Chartres is about an hour on the train, from Gare Montparnasse. Giverny is about 45 minutes on the train -- take the train to Vernon and go to Giverny from there -- and Versailles is only about 20 minutes, as I recall. You can get a combined RER ticket and ticket to Versailles or use the Paris Museum Pass and just purchase your RER ticket to Versailles.

Sandy