Side trips from Paris
 

We plan on visiting Paris for 5 days and then make our way down to Provence. For side trips out of Paris should we go to Versailles, Giverny and the Loire Valley? Not sure if there's enough time for all 3 of these, I'm guessing maybe not. What would be the 2 best choices if we can't do all 3.

Hi S,

Have you been to Paris before?

If not, with only 5 days, I wouldn't plan any side trips.

((I))

Loire would be a full day, Versailles a good chunk of a day, Giverny probably a 1/2 day.

If you have not been to Paris before, 5 days will easily be filled. In your calculations, allow that 1st day you will take probably till noon to check into hotel (assuming arriving at CDG from aroad) and you will have jet lag. Likewise on last day, unles you are leaving for Provence late at night, part of that day is gone.

I've been 9-10 times to Paris, I am still seeing new things. As someone else here stated...plan more on "being" somewhere than seeing it...five days in Paris will let you..be.

If you have never been to Paris before 5 days will just begin to scratch the surface. If you must do a day trip I reco Versailles - which you can do in a long half day if you start early. Doing any more than that - or a quick trip to Giverney if you prefer - would be really short-changing one of the greatest cities in the world.

(I have been to Paris at lest a dozen times and ALWAYS find new things to see and do. Just make a list of your must dos and you'll see how short 5 days really is.)

As an alternative, you might hit the Loire on your way down to Provence, although I'm not sure that the trains schedules from there are as convenient. Ira and others are the train experts, and may be able to help you in that respect.