Stay in Paris 3 Xtra Nights or Roam? Ideas Appreciated for Feb 2011 Trip!
 

I’m meeting a friend in Paris for 3 nights then have 3 more nights on my own after they leave and I’m looking for some brainstorming suggestions on how to spend my time. I will have no problem keeping myself entertained if I choose to stay in Paris, but thought I might explore other options. My friend leaves Paris on Mon. morning and I leave CDG at noon on Thursday. If I leave town, I think I should spend Wednesday night in Paris to make sure I get to CDG on time for my flight. That leaves me Monday morning through Wednesday evening for an excursion.

Background: I’ve been to Europe several times and have spent far longer in Paris than anyplace else (total roughly a month or so). I love Italy and have thought about flying down to Venice for 1.5-2 days-probably silly, I know. I’m traveling at the end of this month, so any flights will have to be booked soon to get reasonable fares (I’m guessing, though haven’t traveled within Europe by air before). I could train to Switzerland (have been to Lausanne, Vevey, Lavey-les-Bains, Bern--would like to try something new like Geneva or Zurich perhaps). I enjoy train travel so wouldn’t consider 4 hours spent on a train from Paris to Switz. as wasted time (though to go much further would be). Obvious choice is London, so maybe that? Have been to Bruges before, no burning desire to return. Amsterdam once (for less than 24 hours) and hated it, so recognize that it deserves a return visit at some point.

What about staying closer to Paris (but not IN Paris)? I’ve been to Versailles but nothing else in the Paris environs. Avignon once, about this same time of year, but would prefer to go back to Provence in warmer weather and with a car. Speaking of a car, would love to do the Loire Valley but have never driven in Europe before and don’t want to try it for the first time right now solo. If you have suggestions for doing the Loire w/o a car, at this time of year, please chime in! Lyon, Dijon, Chamonix?

Budget: Non-existent, but that’s what credit cards are for, right? Seriously, don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, but a couple hundred $$ on travel getting to where I’m going would be okay. And I’ll be paying for food/hotels whether in Paris or elsewhere.

My interests: Nothing real defining. Traveling in Europe—does that help? Photography—thus interesting buildings and scenery. Animals. Wine, good food (but am less enthusiastic about the food part when traveling solo). I enjoy museums, but generally wouldn’t choose to go someplace just to see a particular museum. Enough about me…please chime in with suggestions on where you think I should go (be nice)!

If I had the chance to spend an extra three nights in Paris, there wouldn't be an question on what I would do.

How about Strasbourg, which is just a 2 1/2 hour train ride from Paris? It would give you a taste of Alsace for a change. It's a lovely walkable town.

Also enjoyed Strasbourg and it's a great place for photographers. Also consider Nancy - fabulous square and lots of Art Nouveau. Click on my name for my France TR including both places. You could also do a day or overnight trip to Chartres.

Why not explore Brittany in the 3 days you have? There are quite charming towns there, and everything is very accessible by rail from Paris. IMO it's much better to spend the time somewhere in France and get to know another side of it than jetting off somewhere else, or you will lose time in travelling.

Lavandula

www.chartres-tourisme.com

Close to Paris magical.

www.beaune.com Capital of ancient Burgundy great food/wine.

or warmer prettier nicer

Arles www.lecalendal.com

all doable in the time you have depending on interests.

I'd vote for Normand and Brittany, explore the WWII beaches, Mt. St. Michele, etc. You can get tours of the beaches or set out on your own with a rental car. I'd recommend a tour or a guide to get the most out of your time.

I would agree on Normandy but perhaps not in February. I think Burgundy is a good choice, perhaps Beaune. Another thought is Lyon.

We're heading to Paris soon and plan a 1 night venture into Amsterdam. The train is 3 hours and 18 minutes from Paris. We plan a quick whirlwind tour of the city, but will definitely make the most of it.

Just wanted to follow-up with those of you that took the time to offer me suggestions. Soon after posting this query, and one week before my trip, I was bitten by a dog on both hands and was unsure if I'd be able to make the trip at all. In the end, I did go but decided to stay in Paris and keep things simple rather than running around as much as I had proposed above. So, thanks for all your great suggestions! I'll refer back to these for my next trip. And I'll be posting a trip report soon for my week in Paris.