I went to France in January for my first trip to Europe. We spent 5 nights in Paris, then via train we spent 3 nights in Nice. My wife had spent 3 months in Europe many years ago, but for my first trip it was perfect. We enjoyed our trip very much and would like to return this fall. For numerous reasons, we would like to fly into Paris and spend another 4-5 nights. Now the hard part; where to from there? We plan on spending 14 days in Europe, but are having a difficult time in selecting 1 or 2 more destinations. Brussels? Germany? Venice? Without going into a huge amount of detail on all of our interests, any quick suggestions? We have no kids, enjoy fine hotels, "local" restaurants, off the beaten path sites, etc. Thanks for any ideas, I can answer questions as needed. I appreciate all your advice and suggestions.

I think part of it depends on when you're going - if it's September you might get different responses than if it's November. Since you enjoyed Paris so much I would probably head to another major city - perhaps Rome, Berlin or Prague - and fit in another area in between.

For instance, you might do Paris, then train to Strasbourg (fascinating in itself and near to the wine road which can be wonderful in the fall) and then move on to Berlin ( a wonderful, lively city) or Prague (magnificent - the only well-preserved city in Central Europe, and with a great dining and music scene).

Is it 14 days total with 5 in Paris?

Yes, but the 5 in Paris is not set in stone.

NY, it would for sure be closer to September than November. Maybe even early September. Thanks.

Are you only interested in cities? Since you were in Paris and Nice, why not add small villages in France to Paris this trip? You could look at many different areas of France that are wonderful in the fall. Normandy, Brittany, Burgundy, Alsace, Provence, or Dordogne, to name a few. Start or end in Paris and then train or drive to one or two of these areas. It would depend on your interests, of course, but any of these areas have a lot to offer. You would need to rent a car in most of these areas in order to see the countryside.

May I suggest www.leboat.com for a weeks oneway self drive canal boat in the south of France.

We did the Camargue in 2001.

We loved it so much we are doing a one week in Holland in Sept.