France Travel Forum

Hi,

I will be going to Paris in June. It'll be my first time to Europe so I was wondering if I ought to think broader and go to other cities in Europe? I considered taking the Eurostar to London, but it was a bit pricy ($150 round trip). Does anyone else have suggestions, preferably cheap ones, on whether I ought to explore more than one city in 2 wks?

I welcome any suggestions, incl. what to do in Paris, where to stay, etc.

Much Thanks for any suggestions.

In each Eurostar there are some places at 95 euros (including return). You must reserve 2 months before.

You can go to Amsterdam by the Thalys in 4 hours, to Marseilles in 3H and to Lyon in 2 hours (by TGV).

You must pay attention to the fact Paris has a lot of attractions and 2 weeks are not sufficient to see everything. So I suggest you make a precise program in order to not waste time.

RAY

Hi,
There are many cheap flights within Europe, maybe check yesterdays posting on this issue in the same forum. Some carriers: easyjet.com, ryanair.com, germanwings.com.
If you book in advance and flexible in choosing the date, you can get fares down to 20 Euro (all in) for a single fare.
Good luck!
P.

Why not travel outside Paris by bus and train?
If you buy a rail pass for France then you can travel all around France.
I did the following itinerary some years ago;

2 nights in Paris
TGV to Marseilles - 1 night
train to Avignon - 3 nights
train to Orange - 3 nights - one outing to Nīmes
train to Lyon - 2 nights
TGV back to Paris

I guess other VT members may be able to inform you of the current rules about the Euro domino rail pass.

Paris is wonderful, but I think 2 weeks just there will be too much. I'd plan a few daytrips out of the city or even a few days somewhere else - easy getting so many wonderful places in just a few hours by train. Think the Loire Valley or Normandy/Brittany. See some of France while you're there.

have you done a great deal of research on paris that makes you think you will love it. paris for most people is either a hate it or love it city. for some two weeks is not long enought and for others two days is too long. i would check out prices for trips to other places in europe from paris incase it turns out you do not care for paris as much as you thought you would. .

Yes, Regional budget jets could be a good cheap option. If you take early morning or late night flight and book in advance, you could get tickets to almost anywhere for as little as 25 GBP. (It's true, I am traveling from London Luton Airport to Paris CDG for that price on way!). Please keep in mind that most of these budget airlines fly into smaller airports (away from the city) though you do get regular city airports. I would check out the websites and make sure that Airport location suits me.

If you come to the UK, I thoroughly recommend Edinburgh, this is a truely cosmopolitan city .Check my page on it for more info- Seriously you will enjoy it, Ryanair do cheap flights, if you time ot right you could fly to Glasgow (Prestwick) for £20 return. www.ryanair.com

Hope this is of help
Harry

ACtually I am coming to Scotland for 4 days before I go to Paris. I am very much looking forward to the trip. One question though - Do I need to make B&B reservations in advance or I can book as I go? BTW, I am driving in Scotland.
Cheers.

Hi there!

If you're under 25, I strongly recommend you buy a 12-25 railcard as this gives you upto 50% off rail travel (including eurostar) and also 25% off air france flights. It costs around 30-40 euros (so about the same in $) and if you want to make more than 2 train trips is well worth the money. If you don't want to buy the card you can still get 25% off at off-peak times if you prove you're under 25. Hope this helps you save a few centimes! Have fun!

Hi,

Hi,
June will start to get busy, it depends on where you are staying, the Tourist information desk in Edinburgh is helpful for booking accomodation (as are most really) but be prepared to queue.Most small towns should have availability. Some of the hotel chains have specials on that can end up just as cheap as B & B. Any other thoughts on whereabouts in Scotland you are thinking of visiting - my brain is available for picking!!!

Harry