Is there anywhere within 1-2 hrs by train from Paris (no car), that we could enjoy three days, and not be bored?
Something picturesque, with good food, pretty shops, and a nice atmosphere.
Thanks

Dijon. It is enough of a city with shops, markets, small museums to spend a few days and enough outside the city to get a different feel from Paris. No car necessary. TGV is hour and half at most.

Lyon, famous for its food, very nice old town (Unesco), roman ruins, compact, good walking city, nice squares, metro system.

I really like both suggestions, but I could be wrong, isn't Lyon much further from Paris?
If it is we will definitely go to Dijon, and would appreciate tips on great food, and a hotel that is very centrally located.
It is so many years ago that I was last there that I have no memory, except for the mustard containers, which I still have.
This board is becoming so busy, good thing, except that I feel if I don't check back the same day, I will never find my question.
By the way Michel,it has been some time since we were last in Lyon, but I still think that it is the greatest food city in France.

It is farther by miles, but with the high-speed trains, it's really pretty inconsequential if you plan to spend 3 days there. It's only 2 hrs by train from Paris (Lyon). There aren't any places within only one hour of Paris that I would want to spend 3 days myself as a special trip on a vacation.

erly - you can always find your posts by clicking on your name.

Don't forget Normandy. Take the train to Bayeux, see the D-Day landing sites and museums, and the exquisite Bayeux Tapestry. Have a little seafood at Port-en-Bessins.

You can get around town on foot, visit the outlands by bus or taxi. Maybe get a bus pass http://www.busverts.fr

Thanks for the suggestion.
We did the Normandy trip three years ago, and saw the Bayeux Tapestry,(I distribute and design textiles, so I couldn't miss it) as well as the world war's sites.
It was a wonderful trip.
Now I am torn between Lyon and Dijon.
What a wonderful dilemna.
I am leaning toward Dijon, because it is smaller, but the lure of the cooking of Lyon!
Any great hotels in the centre of either city what would make the trip worthwile?

I hope we hear from Coco soon, she lives in Dijon and always has excellent advice. Coco if you're out there could you comment on the shopping in Dijon? Are there many small shops?

erly have you seen this flat? http://www.myhomeindijon.com/ it's Coco's. She can't advertise it here but others can bring it to your attention.

Lille. 55 minutes by TGV.
Brussels. 2h15 by TGV.

I second the other suggestions for Normandy. It feels light-years away from Paris, yet is easily accessible via train. Bayeux is where I make my base when in Normandy and provides a central spot from which to see the DDay beaches, Mt. St. Michel, etc. Also, Rouen is a neat, medieval city to visit as well, famous for its Joan of Arc lore.

Thank you Margo and laurie!
I almost missed that posting but when I see something like "1 or 2 hours from Paris" I always have a look!

First Dijon is 1h40 max by TGV from gare de Lyon (15 trains a day).
Second you don't need a car in the town center, more and more streets are pedestrian now and most of them are one way. And the center is quite small actually, only 15min walk from the Ducal Palace to the train station.
Third, there are a lot of small shops (except of course Galeries Lafayette, H&M and la Fnac). The shops I like most are in rue des Forges, rue Musette, rue Verrerie (the last one for antique shops)rue du Bourg, rue du Chapeau rouge, rue de la Liberté (where you still can find Maille mustard shop)rue Piron and a lot more!

Have a look at my photo album of Dijon to give you an idea about the picturesque things to see.
http://tinyurl.com/okerl

In september (when you're traveling, right?) the weather is still great, you can even enjoy the beach at the Kir lake (9june to 10sept) and café terraces. And you'll see our brand new place de la Libération in front of the Ducal Palace (inauguration 1st july).
Voilà!
coco

We spent over a week in Dijon (without a car)and did not get bored.
It is convenient to walk to so many things. (museums, restaurants, food markets etc.) A short train ride will take you to Beaune if you want to visit another town. We rented a charming apartment. www.myhomeindijon.com

Coco, thank you for the information, and the photos are beautiful!

Merci Margot, but the real monuments or else are much nicer in reality!

I'm writing from the flat right now and the streets of Dijon are decorated with flags, very nice. A lot of people having a glass or eating outside (what I did for lunch with hubby!)
coco

Oops I forgot! merci azandfl! Anytime for more French lessons! ;-)
à bientôt
coco