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 "5th or 6th or 7th".

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 "Nervous about Paris Hotels" 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 "Paris For Dummies" 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.