Q&a
Sun Herald
Sunday May 25, 2008
QThis July I will be in Paris on business for two weeks and will have time for a week's break. Can you recommend a six-day itinerary? This could be either several overnight or day trips from Paris or possibly a six-day loop trip taking in several points of interest. I would prefer to travel by train or coach.
P.de MontfortA With France, you could probably stick a pin anywhere on the map, hop on the excellent train network and have a wonderful short trip. The country is so crammed with charming villages and historic monuments it is almost an embarrassment. From Paris, you can get to such fascinating towns as Bordeaux, Marseille and St Malo in only three hours on the TGV (train grand vitesse). You can book in Paris or in advance through Rail Plus in Australia, phone 1300 555 003, or see www.railplus.com.au. Here is one sample itinerary. Take the TGV to Avignon for four days, exploring the old town and Palais des Papes, then do a few half-day tours run by Paris to Provence (www.parisprovence .com.au) to the surrounding areas of Saint-Remy, Orange, Lavender, Nimes and Chateauneuf du Pape (they pick up and drop off from your hotel). Then, take the TGV south to Marseille to explore this vibrant port city and eat the famous bouillabaise before heading back to Paris. Another no-fuss option is Explore Holidays' three-night Normandy, Saint Malo, Mont Saint Michel and Chateau Country coach tour departing Paris (www.exploreholidays .com.au). If you have any travel questions we'd love to hear from you. Write to us at travelshd@fairfaxmedia.com.au. Personal correspondence cannot be entered into. Only questions appearing in print will be answered. If your question is published you'll win a Lonely Planet guidebook.
© 2008 Sun Herald
