What to do with 7 days in France?
 

Help - overwhelmed with possible itinerary options for a very short trip to France. We are two young women flying into CDG on May 17 and flying out on May 24. With only 7 days, what do we plan? We'd like to see Paris but only for a few days. We'd like to see the countryside, Nice, and perhaps get over to the Cinque Terra in Italy. <BR>Any suggestions from well-traveled Fodorites?

What are your interests? Do you have to fly in &amp; out of Paris? How do you want to travel between places (plane, train, car)?

If you have only 3 - 4 days I believe that you should take into consideration the total amount of miles and time you want to spend moving from place to place and how much time you want to spend doing other things ( sightseeing, eating , sleeping etc.). With that in mind I don't think going to Italy and back is a good idea. The Loire valley could easily take up all the time you have allotted. The south of France is another single destination that makes sense. You could take the TGV ( 3 hours each way) from Paris.<BR>Of course you certainly can fly from Paris to Italy and back but IMHO that doesn't make much sense this trip. Go back again to Italy. Have fun.

I agree with Doug...and these questions are always very hard to answer when the traveler's particular tastes are unknown. I am ASSUMING you have never been to France and naturally, like everyone else, you want to see a little of everything. But to do it justice I, too, would save Italy for another trip as well as the South of France. Paris, alone, is defintely worth &quot;a few&quot; if not more days and even with the fast TGV services available,France is pretty big and there are plenty of things/places to go closer to Paris, than say, Nice.<BR>I know it is heartbreakingly difficult but I'd stick to Paris and the somewhat nearby environs and do that THOROUGHLY before venturing further afield.

Although I have never been to Cinque Terre, I am quite familiar with the trip from Nice to get there - - enough to say that I recommend you scratch it off your list. With only seven days, and (apparently) the need to get back to Paris, there are much better ways to spend your time than the 5-6 hour round trip from Nice. It wouldn't necessarily be the first recommendation (depending on who you ask) for a &quot;taste of Italy&quot;, if you feel like you have to have that (fly Ryanair from Paris to Bergamo/lake Garda or Como and back for two days would be a better idea in my opinion).<BR><BR>As a corollary, I wouldn't suggest you leave a 200 mile radius of Paris - - so much to see in the countryside, or seaside, of Normandy, the Loire/Atlantique or Bourgogne (well, no seaside) - - that it seems quite unreasoned to travel as far away as Nice.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>

Hi<BR><BR>Why not see 2 very different parts of France.<BR>Paris &amp; Provence or Languedoc.<BR>This makes sense if you use the TGV or fly to the south to minimise travelling time.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR>

If you have never been to Germany, I would consider Alsace as it is a great mix of German and French Culture. More Bang for your Buck. <BR>

ok - I feel a sense of direction forming here. Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions thus far. It's probably best to focus in just one or two areas with the amount of time we have available. <BR>I will scratch the Cinque Terra off the list. But like Rick Steves says, &quot;Assume you will return&quot;. <BR>Although my friend and I are energetic, I like the thought of having a 'home base' city that is consistent for at least 2 nights. This seems to minimize the exhaustion of constant movement. Although I'd like to see Paris highlights, I'm drawn to beautiful countryside, walking and hiking, picnics (I'm feeling like Julie Andrews here) B&amp;B's instead of large hotels, perhaps renting a car. <BR><BR>Should I concentrate around Paris for several days and then Provence for several more? We are scheduled to fly in and out of CDG and therefore will be required to make our way back to Paris.<BR><BR>Thanks so much for your suggestions.

With only 7 days, I would stay in Paris and take 2-3 day trips. Save Southern France and Italy for trips in themselves.

I agree with all of the posters above. If you have never been to Paris, you will be sorry if you do not give it at least 3 days. There are so many beautiful areas nearby - why not try the Loire Valley where you could experience all of the things you mention, small towns, beautiful scenery, hiking, picnics, etc. And if you want another change of scene, circle north to Giverney and you will be on your way back to CDG. Whatever you decide, enjoy! And let us know!

I love this board! This reminds me of the 3 wk trip to Greece I planned 2 years ago using only Fodorites suggestions. We had an awesome time and a successful trip in every way with the great suggestions I received.<BR><BR>Another question - should we purchase our Rail passes before we leave or once we get there? <BR>thanks

Hi Amy,<BR><BR> I infer from your note that this is your first trip to Paris. If so, I suggest that you follow Budman's advice.<BR><BR> See the Fodor's miniguide to Paris for things to do. Day trips to Versaille and other places will get you out of the city should you wish to do so.<BR><BR> It is unlikely that you will need a railpass.

Hi again,<BR><BR> Forgot to mention, train schedules, prices and tickets are at http://www.sncf.com/indexe.htm

topping for amy

If you are now planning to mainly stay in the Paris area, even including the Loire, you don't need a railpass. I don't think there's any way it could be cost effective.<BR><BR>If you take long TGV trips to/from Provence, it probably would be--the France railpass, of course. I don't even know if you can buy it in France, but even if you can, I don't see the advantage. Buy it before you go, just don't choose an agent that marks it up (although I've never run into one that marks up railpasses).

Does it seem reasonable to spend 3-4 days in Paris and then take the TGV train down to Provence for 3-4 days and then TGV back to CDG on the day of our departure? <BR>During the 3-4 days we spend in Paris we can stay in the same hotel and take some day trips?<BR><BR>thanks

AnyChow, after an all-night flight, gathering your luggage, and transport to the hotel, you will be jet lagged and tired - maybe only you could take in a site or two.<BR><BR>Most flights departing for the States, if that is where you are heading, leave in the AM. <BR><BR>Train ride to Provence will be one down down, and one day back (night before flight).<BR><BR>Is this the kind of itinerary you are looking for??<BR><BR>Day 1 - Jetlag (Day/Night in Paris)<BR>Day 2 - Paris<BR>Day 3 - Paris<BR>Day 4 - Train to Provence (Evening in Provence<BR>Day 5 - Provence<BR>Day 6 - Provence<BR>Day 7 - Train to Paris (Evening in Paris)<BR>Day 8 - Depart for States<BR><BR>Since you asked, I would spend my time in Paris, take a day trip to Versailles, and take in the ambiance of Paris.<BR><BR>Whatever you decide, and since you are young, maybe you should just &quot;wing it.&quot; Whatever you chose, you will enjoy.

Amy - I like the Paris to Provence idea very much. I think you will enjoy the interesting contrasts, even though you have only a few days in each area. I would take the TGV to Avignon, where there are numerous charming hotels, explore Avignon for a day, and then pick up a rental car there to explore several villages and the beautiful countryside, then TGV back to Paris. You'll be within easy driving distance to Gordes, L'Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Roussillon, St Remy...many wonderful and charming town.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

Hi Amy. Sure it's reasonable to divide your limited time between Paris and Provence if that's what *you* want to do. With only seven days, others may not choose to do this, but it may be exactly what you want, to see two very different parts of France, even if only briefly.

Hi<BR><BR>just a couple of points .........<BR><BR>Paris to provence is 2.5 hrs by train / 1 hr by plane.<BR><BR>It can take longer than that to get from CDG to Orly.<BR><BR>Regards<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR><BR>

We spent about 10 days in France last fall, with 3 in Paris and the balance driving to Provence then back to Strasbourg and on to Germany for a few additional days. The one thing I would say is that we tried to do too much in too little time. Three days would be the minimum I would recommend for Paris. If you want to fly, four days in Provence would be wonderful- we stayed northeast of Avignon in a small village called Crillon la Brave and took day trips. I would also recommend Alsace as a very different experience from Paris but lovely. Skip Italy for another trip- do the Cinque Terra with Tuscany or Rome.

Amy,

Please give us an update on your plans.

I hope you've allowed at least a few days in Paris. It's the most beautiful city...you will love strolling its streets, parks and riverbanks and then plopping down in a sidewalk cafe before heading off again. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

What about Provence? Have you made a decision there?

I have been so busy at work that I haven't done anything!!! I have nothing booked (besides air) and now I'm panicked due to leaving on 5/17. I've finally started reading my guidebook (Rick Steves) and am already confused about Paris neighborhoods. He seems to favor Rue Cler or Marais but I'm not sure what streets those match up with. I'm reading posts that describe the &quot;5th or 6th or 7th&quot;.

I know I should research this board but there is sooo much information to sift thru.

I must be crazy to be this unprepared because I know it can lead to a less fulfilling trip. I'm going to get very busy this weekend in my research.

Can anyone help me decide where to stay in Paris? I should probably start there.
thanks so much!

I just topped a post &quot;Nervous about Paris Hotels&quot; for you...
If you decide to stay in Paris and do a couple of day trips, I suggest Chartres...train right to the town -- you can't miss it :-) and Giverny (the gardens will blow you away at this time of year).

Hello Amy,

I agree with those who suggest that you stick close to Paris. There is so much to see!

The trip to Provence will take more than a day out of your vacation. The TGV to Avignon is 4 1/2 hours one way.

If you do choose to go to Provence, it would be best to book a car before you leave N.A. It's cheaper than booking directly in France (or at least it was the past 2 years).

About a hotel in Paris...if you're travelling on a budget, Hotel des Allies is great (tel 011-33-1-43-31-47-52). I've stayed there 3 times already, have sent several friends there and have never had a complaint. It's simple, clean and the neighbourhood is safe. The hotel is a short walk from rue Mouffetard (the old market street) and a reasonable walk to Notre Dame. The Marais a few minutes further on the other side of the river.

You can take RER B (Parisian train that services the suburbs) direct from the airport (CDG) to Port Royal stop. The hotel is just down the street on rue Berthollet.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll enjoy France!

Hi Amy,

Rather than Provence, I might recommend a trip to Burgundy, which is quite a bit closer but will allow you to see some different scenery.

If you want to spend time in another city, you can take the TGV to Lyon in about 2 hours; if you're interested in seeing smaller villages like Joigny or Auxerre, you can get there in 90 minutes or less. There's lots of hiking and bicycling in this area, in addition to churches, museums and great food.

Normandy would also be an easy trip from Paris. I really liked wandering around in Honfleur. If you do this, you could stop in Giverny on your way.

Check out the raileurope and eurostar websites for schedules.

In response to what area you should stay in Paris, I prefer the 6th, but your mileage may vary. The great thing about Paris is that it's so easy to get around -- you can walk everywhere or take the Metro, so you will never be far from anything.

BTW if it's raining in Paris when you get there like it is now, you'll probably have more things to do in the city than the country.

Have fun!

As you only have 7 days, I would stay in France on focus on that lovely country and all the places there to see. You can see Italy. It takes nearly 1/2 day to go to the south of France from Paris, so you could split your time for 3 days up in Paris/Normandy area, then 3 days in Provence/Cote d'Azur area, then 1 to allow for travel back. In Paris, after seeing all the famous sites inside the city limits, I would go see Versailles just outside the city environs, with its beautiful gardens and rooms. Perhaps on your way out to Normandy, you could stop in Giverny, to see Claude Monet's home and lovely grounds. It was a wonderful place to visit and very tranquil. In Normandy, you could make Bayuex your base and see the famous Bayuex tapestry and cathedral, then take an afternoon jaunt out to the D-Day beaches or Mont St. Michel. Heading south to Provence area, you could pass through Arles and see where Van Gogh painted many of his famous artwork, then make Nice your base to explore the Cote d'Azur area. If this all seems overwhelming, then just highlight one or 2 important things in each area and see those. Have a great time!

AmyChow, Rue Cler is in the 7th, and Marais is the 4th. Both are good neighborhoods, but the 4th skews a little younger, I think. We got back from France a couple of weeks ago. We did Paris, Loire Valley, and Burgundy in 10 days. I would have been perfectly happy to spend the whole time in Paris, and I did not expect to feel that way before we went. It is just so beautiful, and really fun! Good luck.

I'm a little confused by the conflicting information on how long it takes to get from Paris to Provence. The Fodor's guidebook states 2.5 hrs by TGV but other people are posting '4hrs' and '1/2 day' which may actually the case in reality. I'm still just wondering if it makes sense to go from Paris to Provence with only 7 days to spend.
Those that are posting a longer trip may be factoring in all the reality of getting to the train station etc. Which is probably a good way to look at it.
Still undecided on what district and what hotel to stay. Just bought &quot;Paris For Dummies&quot; to help supplement my research.

I think some people just made mistakes. You should really check important things like that out yourself, I think, on timing and train schedules. It's easy to do online -- raileurope is real easy for getting basic ideas of times and schedules.

It's less than 3 hrs from Paris to Avignon (2:45) by TGV. It's only 3 hrs from Paris to Aix. That is train time. Now of course it will take longer with your time to/from the station. I would not go to the Cote d'Azur, though, in your time frame. Those trains are so quick, that it makes little difference if you are going to Avignon or Aix vs the Loire Valley or someplace closer. The Alsace is actually farther away because there are no TGVs there. Go where you want to go. I like Avignon a lot, and Arles, I think they'd made a great add-on to Paris for variety. YOu'll see some of the countryside on the way down but it's not that great a view on that route. The fields can be pretty in the summer with sunflowers but May would be too early.

Christina - after reading many posts, it appears you may be somewhat of a Paris expert. Can you tell me what arrondissement you recommend for a first timer like me?
Again, 2 women, early 30's, looking for charm, bistro's, cafes, pretty streets and central location.
thanks

Just got back from Paris and in my early 30's. Go to the Montmartre area. Little cafes, creperie's, beautiful cobblestone streets winding up a hill, so much character. Eat at Le Petite Poulebot (15 rue Frevise or Freoise) tel: 0144830335. Everything we ordered there was fabulous in the most adorable setting.
Go to a caberet after dinner.