I will be in Paris on business (with my wife) and will have about three-four days over a long week-end for a side trip (Car or train). Would appreicate any suggestions for a three-four day side trip; have already done the Normandy area as well as Giverny. Thanks,

If you're interested in seeing chateaux, the Loire would be a natural choice, easier by car. You could stop at Chartres on the way to or from Paris to see the cathedral and its beautiful windows.

Hi Jim,

The Loire, Beaun and Dijon come to mind.

How about Loire Valley?

I'd suggest a quick trip through Brittany: take the TGV to Rennes, pick up a car, and do a circular tour that incluves Vannes, Dinan, the megaliths at Carnac, Pont-Aven and Quimper, and then back to Rennes or over to Rouen to catch the TGV back to Paris.

Troyes might be nice. The half-timbered old city center is beautiful. 5 or 6 worthwhile small museums are there. Several beautiful churches to visit. Some of them are only open through arrangements with the tourist bureau so keep that in mind.

You can take a bus or cab to the outlet malls on the edge of town. I'm not much of a shopper so I didn't do the shopping, but I'm sure you could get there on public transport. However if you shop too much you might need a cab to get back.

http://marquescity.com/magasins/plan_des_magasins.php

The site seems to be French only, but you don't need to know French to read most of the stores.

The Loire seems to be a popular option. Any suggestions on itinerary (3-4 days) and hotel suggestions in that area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Hi jim

If you enter "Loire" in the text search box, you will get a lot of advice.