Hello fellow Fodorites! We've just decided to switch up our plans for this fall in France. Now we plan to fly into Marseille (7nights?), head to Lyon (4-5 nights), and then on to Paris where we have rented an apartment for a week. I'm thinking a few days in a small city/town between Lyon and Paris might be a nice respite. We will not have a car so it needs to be on or near a train line and walkable. It could even be a country inn as long as it has a good restaurant, and we could get to it with a taxi. Last year we spent time in lovely, small cities in Italy (Parma, Padova, Vicenza) and I am thinking something similar in size, or smaller, would be an ideal way to slow down for a few days. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Maybe you mentioned it, but how long are you looking to spend in this town? How much distance are you willing to travel to either this mid city from Lyon and then onto Paris?

I have not done the research over how long distances are and/or train line options, but maybe Dijon? Or Orleans?

It's been several years, but we enjoyed Beaune. We had a car but spent the better part of two days exploring the town's sights, visiting the weekly market, going to a wine-tasting event. We had planned to rent bikes one day and cycle to a nearby chateau to see its collection of planes and racing cars, but it rained in the morning so we drove there.

Does your time in Marseille include any day trips? If not, you might trim your time there just a bit. (And I say that as a great fan of that city.)

For Lyon, I found 4 nights insufficient. Five would, I think, have worked quite nicely for me.

If you haven’t already seen it, you might find some useful information in my trip report. The section on Marseille per se begins with post # 126 and the section on Lyon with post # 190.
A stellar month in southeastern France

I was going to suggest either Beaune or Dijon but others beat me to it.

Beaune would be my suggestion. It is definitely someplace I would stay at again.

Strasbourg? There is a direct TGV Oui between the two. Or Colmar, on the same train line.
Strasbourg is lovely, and you can always rent a couple of bikes for a ride along the Rhine, or around the city.

Orleans is closer to Paris, and you can enjoy walking (or cycling) the banks of the Loire.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Beaune had been on my radar, and my husband's spidey sense says Dijon might be better. Not sure if Dijon fits my idea of slowing down for a few days ...

travelnerd I am thinking two nights might be enough to catch our breath.

Paqngo, joannyc , joan Thank you for reinforcing my thoughts about Beaune.

kja Your TR is what got me excited about going to Marseille! The city itself, plus all the possible day trips make it enticing. I'll take your advice seriously about the number of nights for both Marseille and Lyon. Our travel style is slower than yours, though.

hetismij2 We bookended a walking trip in Alsace with Colmar and Strasbourg. Loved both cities, as well as our accommodations. For anyone reading this we highly recommend both places!

You may consider Dijon, a bit larger than Beaune but still very manageable and full of character. Think medieval streets, great markets, and a strong food culture (mustard capital for a reason). Direct trains from both Lyon and to Paris make it very convenient.

I do travel hard and fast! I'm very glad you found some inspiration in my TR and hope you enjoy Marseille and surrounds even half as much as I did.

Dijon or Auxerre

https://flic.kr/p/7dP7ce

https://flic.kr/p/7dT8Xs

Thanks to all for your suggestions. It looks like we will consider Dijon. We'll go in September with a TR in October, hopefully.