My son and I will be in France for about 6 days. We%26#39;re flying into Amsterdam and then will take the train to Paris. Once there I thought at some point we might rent a car and drive through the countryside. I%26#39;m looking for some nice scenery and good local food. I%26#39;d rather stay out of city traffic and wonder if there is a good place to take the train to and then rent a car there - then return it there a couple of days later. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks.
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Well, from Paris you can take the train to just about anywhere in France. France has High speed Trains that can get you almost anywhere in approx 4 hours - that is the bonus of a modern rail system - especially in the Second Largest country in Europe!!!
You don%26#39;t say what time of year you are visiting though, and this might make a difference!
Also, are you looking for something mountaineous?? Agricultural?? Wine country?? Chateaux %26amp; Castles??
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We%26#39;ll be there from in mid April. Wine country would be great but it sounds like it is very far south from what I%26#39;ve heard and read, yes? Castles would be of interest as well. If we can I think we%26#39;d like to see Mont St. Michel.
Thanks so much.
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Hi Linda,
Since you plan to only be in France %26quot;for about 6 days%26quot; I would recommend that you spend at least a couple of these days in Paris, unless you two have already been there. If you haven%26#39;t, I would recommend spending the remaining French part of your trip exploring Normandy and perhaps a bit of Brittany.
However, if you have already %26quot;done Paris,%26quot; you might want to consider picking up a car upon arrival, and exploring either the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, or the Dordogne. You will need to do some research in order to dertemine the area that is best suited to your interests, but I am confident that you will be able to put together a wonderful trip with the help of TA memebers who are familiar with whatever area that you have chosen.
AlpillesGal
PS - It would probably be a real help to TA members if you could tell us exactly when you two will be taking you trip, abd what your plans are following your return to Paris.
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Le Mont St Michel is on the North coast of France, just at the Normandy/Brittany Border. Normandy %26amp; Brittany are both GREAT for exploring, with pretty places, history and war, plus good food. However, this is not wine country, but is great for Cider %26amp; Calvados.
For %26#39;Wine %26amp; Castles (aka Chateaux)%26#39; Head for the Loire, a massive valley south of Paris, with plenty to see %26amp; do.
In 6 days, you will be %26#39;pushing it%26#39; to see both the Loire Region and Normandy/Brittany. YES it is %26#39;doable%26#39; but not necessarily so enjoyable, as you will be rushing about %26#39;tick boxing%26#39; and not really relaxing and appreciating what you see. Thus my advice is to pick ONE region or the OTHER, and see that in detail.
Many people like the Burgundy Region for wine %26amp; food, the Train to Lyon is fast, and you can rent a car there.
Another option for you to do this would be Bordeaux, train to the city, and rent car there, you have the Atlantic Coastline to see, as well as the wine areas.
Finally, if you like Champagne, you could take the fast train to Reims, less than 2 hour journey, rent your car, and go exploring on the %26quot;Champagne Road%26quot; for a good few days - stay in some chateaux yourself!!
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In April would be a good time to explore, The thing with Brittany is that it has some great beaches but maybe your probably a little early in the season.
I Normandy on the other hand would have a bit more to sightsee and would be good if you%26#39;re into World War history stuff.
The Loire is predominantly wine and river. Very pretty and will be good for wine tasting and great for chateaus.
Dordogne also, a bit further south and will be warmer. Again River based famous for caneoing if your lucky with the weather - have been in APirl/May and have had 40 degrees before now. Good for Bordeaux and other local wine, chateaus also.
Burgundy will be for your Beaujolias but thats about all I know about that area.
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Reims and Champagne country is now only 45 minutes from Paris by train, but if you go further you can get to Strasbourg and Alsace in 2 1/2hrs. There you have the wine areas just outside the city, the Black Forest in Germany on your doorstep and trips on the river or up hilltops to castles.
Also a great amusement park if your son is the age to enjoy them.
www.europapark.de/lang-en/c51/default.html
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Thanks for your replies. What we%26#39;ve decided to do is two days in Amsterdam, then the fast train to Pars where we will stay for two days. Then on to Rennes by train where we will pick up a rental car. We%26#39;ll see Mont St. Michel and then drive through northern France, onto Bruges and then back to Amsterdam. We%26#39;ll get a car with GPS. Again thanks for your suggestions. Much appreciated.
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I hope you enjoy yourselves!
you are certainly packing a lot in!!
BUT am I correct in thinking you are planning to drive all the way from MSM back to Bruges??, That is a helluvalongdrive for your remaining - DAY!! You are not going to see much.
ALSO are you aware that you might have a hefty fee to pay for collecting the car in one country, and leaving it in another??
As long as you know these things, and are prepared, then no worries, but these are %26#39;heads-up%26#39; for you if you are expecting it all to be a breeze.
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