My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Paris. Any thoughts on the best time to go between March-May 2003? What are some other European cities we could get to easily via train? We will be there 10-14 days and want to see as much as possible. Would love to see notable landmarks, as well as some out of the way places (&quot;off the beaten path&quot;, if you know what I mean). Would love to hear from some experiences travellers--I have never been to Europe.<BR><BR>Thanks!

I would go in late April or early May, before the summer tourist season takes off. Other places close to Paris are Belgium (Brussels, Brugges), the Netherlands (Amsterdam, etc)... There's tons to see in France, especially in the area around Paris. Don't miss out on Versailles, and Chatreux. Some may want to visit the beaches of Normandy, or the castles along the Loire valley. There's Lyon and Marseilles, and the French Riveria (Nice), although I don't know how the weather would be at the time).<BR><BR>As a first timer I would say Paris and surroundings 3-4 days, then strike out for Belgium (2-3 days in Brussels and Brugges) and then Amsterdam for another day or two. From there, if you can swing an open-jaw ticket, head for Germany through the Rhine valley, stopping off in Cologne and then either a boat or train along the most notable stretch of the Rhine (Koblenz to Mainz, stopping at Bachrach and Bingen), and fly out from Frankfurt.

Linda: I think you need to do some homework first and determine what interests you and why you are going to Europe in the first place. If you don't you will be getting ideas of places to see all over Europe from people that do not know you or your boyfriend.<BR><BR>Try to repost with a possible itinerary that you think you would enjoy and see what feedback you get. Some people go for WWII sites, some for history, some beauty, some to shop and some to relax and take it easy. These are all different type trips.<BR><BR>Good luck.

Linda:<BR><BR>I just got back from my first trip to Paris and the French countryside and would say it depends on whether you plan on returning to Europe for future trips. <BR><BR>We spent 7 days in Paris at the beginning of our trip and 2 nights at the end. I now wish we had reserved at least 3 more days in Paris! <BR><BR>If I had your 10 days I would stay in Paris the whole time. With 14, I MIGHT add a side trip down to the Loire valley, but only for 3 or 4 days.<BR>If you love handsome architecture, beautiful monuments, incredible museums, unbelievable food and romance at every turn....you will fall in love with Paris! <BR><BR><BR>

Hi<BR><BR>Europe has plenty to offer within reach of Paris.<BR><BR>You could think of London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Avignon, Lyon, Montpellier ......... all within 3 hrs by train.<BR><BR>Check for cheap airfares here :<BR>http://aerfares.net/v2/index.php<BR><BR>Peter<BR>tlp.netfirms.com<BR>

Linda, you're not giving us much to go on here. I suggest that you and your boyfriend go to the library and get a couple of big &quot;picture&quot; type books on Europe. Go to a travel agency and get several big brochures of package trips to Europe. Sit down some evening and pour over them together. Look at the cities and decide what looks interesting to you.<BR><BR>Don't be too controlled by what is easy to get to. Travel in Europe is varied and all easy. Once you provide us with a list of the places you'd want to see -- hopefully confining it to three or four areas -- come back here and we can all help you plan a wonderful holiday.<BR><BR>But until you do that, neither you or us will know if Prague excites you more than Pairs; if Venice looks enticing or dirty and ugly; or if the mountains of Switzerland just like the Rockies which you hated.

Please disregard Patrick, in my opinion try to avoid doing too much. From Paris you can easily get to Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Lyon &amp; smaller places such as Delft, Maastricht (I highly suggest)&amp; Brugges. I would plan a week in Paris &amp; perhaps another in Amsterdam. Both are great areas to travel from (day-trips).

How about Normandy or Alsace?

Linda,<BR><BR>I would suggest you consider the following:<BR><BR>1. Paris...four days<BR><BR>2. Munich...get the best Germany has to offer....two days<BR><BR>3. Salzburg...day trip from Munich...one day<BR><BR>4. Romantic Road...from Munich to Rothenburg...one or two days<BR><BR>5. Rhine River cruise...from Frankfurt to Cologne...one day<BR><BR>6. Brugges...the Venice of the North...two days<BR><BR>7. Back to Paris for return flight...one day<BR><BR>This way you get Paris, Southern Germany, the beauty of Austria (think sound of Music), the grandeur of the Rhine, the quiet romantic beauty of Brugges. All in all a good introduction to Europe.<BR><BR>US