We will be spending 4-5 days in Paris. We then will have an 3 xtra days in which we would like to do a drive of 3-5 hours duration from Paris. Any ideas on a destination city which is not overly touristy/commercialized/overpricey, but is quaint, typical, with lots of adventures to discover walking around. Would spend 2 full days there. Does a train trip somewhere work better?

The Loire Valley if you drive. Lyon if you take the TGV (2 hours).

You might look at Angers in the Loire Valley. It’s accessible by TGV from Paris in a couple of hours or so. At a little over 150,000 it’s a big enough city to have enough to do for 2 full days. I was there in May of 2001. I always train whenever I can in Europe. For me it’s part of the experience since I can’t very easily do it here in the US.<BR><BR>The castle with the Revelations Tapestries was excellent. There are several nice churches to see. Has an old church that was damaged in WWII and remodeled into a museum for David d’Angers’ sculptures. It’s a beautiful presentation because the roof was replaced with glass. On the edge of town is the Cointreau liqueur production facility you can tour.<BR><BR>If you still want more to do Saumur is a short train ride up the Loire. It has a beautiful castle with a couple of interesting museums inside it. <BR>

Chantilly

Why don't you drive to Belguim. I would go to Brussels and Brugge. I know you would consider both cities to be too touristy but they really are beautiful. You can go to the less famous cities like liege and namur too.

You didn't mention what time of the year you are going. Except for the winter, I recommend the Loire Valley. It is beautiful and easy to get around. We really loved the countryside and the chateaus, the food and the wine.

Try driving in the high alps and visiting all those little towns. You'll probably be the only tourist they see all year . Can be lots of fun.

I loved Lyon and since you are driving you can check a few small towns in the area. If you do a search on Lyon you will get positive feedback from others who enjoyed it as much as I did.

The Loire valley is beautiful. We stayed in a Holiday Inn Express in Blois (centrally located) and went to Chenenceux (sp?), Blois, Chambord, Chaumont, Valencay, and countless others.

ewis,<BR><BR>I just came back from a trip to Paris and drove from there to Brugge and Brussels. I was totally charmed by Brugge and liked Brussels too. Belgium is a beautiful country. You could also take the train to Brugge instead of driving. I don't think it takes more than about 3 hours. <BR><BR>I spent 2 days in Brugge and 1 in Brussels and really enjoyed it. Have a great time!